15 Years of Wetland Restoration Success

In a report just released[1], the Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project (WRP) celebrates its numerous accomplishments on behalf of the Southern California public over the past decade and a half. Over the past 15 years, more than $631 million has been invested in 206 wetlands projects. The State has contributed more than half of that funding.

The WRP is a unique partnership, chaired by the California Resources Agency and supported by the State Coastal Conservancy. Through the WRP, public agencies, scientists, and local communities work cooperatively to acquire and restore wetlands in coastal Southern California. The WRP was created in 1997 as a regional voice for the valuable coastal wetland resources of Southern California and began its first projects in 1999.

Wetlands are valued worldwide for the many benefits they provide. They help regulate climate, store surface water, control pollution and flooding, replenish aquifers, promote nutrient cycling, protect shorelines, maintain natural communities of plants and animals, serve as critical nursery areas, and provide opportunities for education and recreation. WRP is dedicated to restoring wetlands that can sustain the current and future landscapes of Southern California. By cultivating resilient wetlands on a landscape scale, the WRP hopes to return the economic, environmental and recreational benefits of wetlands to Southern California human society. Our Ballona Wetlands are high on WRP’s list.

Ballona Wetlands

State and federal agencies and many other stakeholders are engaged in the planning process for restoring 600 acres of the Ballona Wetlands owned and managed by the State of California. This is the largest coastal wetland restoration project in Los Angeles County. The restoration planning process involved extensive public outreach. More than 20 public meetings and workshops were held to receive input from and provide updates to stakeholders and interested parties. The restoration feasibility report and other project documents are available online at http://www.ballonarestoration.org. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, with support from technical consultants, is preparing an Environmental Impact Report/Statement to evaluate the potential impacts of various project alternatives developed through workshops and input from a scientific advisory panel. The EIR/S should be released some time this year for public review and comment.

Enjoy your Ballona Wetlands!

[1] Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project: Celebrating 15 Years. http://www.scwrp.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/FINAL-120414-wetlands_report_12-3_sprds.pdf