Cal. WAT § 8608

The board shall establish and enforce standards for the maintenance and operation of levees, channels, and other flood control works of an authorized project or an adopted plan, including but not limited to standards for encroachment, construction, vegetation and erosion control measures. In adopting such standards, the board shall give full consideration to fish and wildlife, recreation and environmental factors. Any violation of such adopted standards without the permission of the board is a public nuisance, and the board may commence and maintain suit in the name of the people of the state for the prevention or abatement of the nuisance.