We Could Have This at Ballona!!!

This recent aerial photo of the San Dieguito Wetlands Restoration Project near Del Mar, California shows the kind of comprehensive, robust wetlands restoration we could have at Ballona, including lots of well-regulated public access trails.

If you would like to see first hand what a comprehensive tidal restoration of the Ballona Wetlands could look like, take any freeway south to Interstate 5 towards San Diego. Exit at Via De La Valle in Del Mar. Turn left from the offramp. Go two blocks to San Andres Drive and turn right. Park at the dead-end, and walk or bicycle east or west on the multi-purpose trail with your hat, sunscreen and binoculars. You’ll be amazed at the wildlife you will see, smack dab in the middle of Southern California urbanization.

The San Dieguito Wetlands are a 440-acre tidal wetland and upland habitat restoration constructed by Southern California Edison between 2006 and 2010. Hundreds of acres of former wetland that were previously filled in to build an airfield and agricultural land were unfilled by a massive excavation and grading project. Over 2 million cubic yards of fill dirt were removed from historical wetland areas so the incoming tides could again flood the land. Wetland vegetation was salvaged prior to grading, propagated in a nursery and replanted. Upland areas where all that fill dirt was relocated were also planted with native vegetation. Only a few years later, the restored wetlands are a thriving ecosystem supporting biological abundance and diversity that equals or exceeds natural wetlands in the region.

Over 2.5 million yards of fill dirt from Marina Del Rey construction needs to be dug out of Ballona to restore it to a condition similar to San Dieguito. Opponents of a comprehensive Ballona restoration want to do nothing at Ballona, obstruct restoration and public access. They fabricate baseless yarns about sensitive habitat and endangered species to scare you into to buying their snake oil. Don’t be fooled, and keep your hand on your wallet!

Enjoy your Ballona Wetlands!