Ballona Wetlands Restoration
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August 21, 2012
Ballona Wetlands Restoration
Position Statement
Friends of Ballona Wetlands (FBW) supports the process which the California Coastal Conservancy (CCC) is using for restoration planning of the Ballona Wetlands.
After years of input from scientists and stakeholders, the CCC is developing a restoration plan that would achieve many of FBW’s goals and objectives, including biodiversity, sustainability, public access, education opportunities, and conservation of rare species. Water quality of Ballona Creek and impacts of climate change on sea-level rise are also being studied to optimize long-term sustainability of restoration. FBW will continue to be engaged in this restoration planning.
What is most important, however, is that at long last, after more than 100 years of abuse and neglect, followed by decades of struggle by FBW and others to save the wetlands from further loss, Ballona finally has a chance to become a functioning ecosystem once more. Studies of Ballona have been conducted over many decades, and many of these will continue. But with the wetlands finally protected as an Ecological Reserve, it is time to act – not in 25 years or 100 years, but now.
Ballona is the last remaining coastal salt marsh in Los Angeles County. With many species endangered in California, the urgency of restoration is clear. After completion of the Freshwater Marsh in 2003 by Playa Vista, we have seen several bird species return to nest at Ballona after many decades of absence.
Much is already known about Ballona and this information must be considered in relation to the tremendous biodiversity that will come with restoration. But with priorities focused on protection and sustainability of habitat, we expect restoration to move forward without delay. After all, we need to keep perspective. With nearly 10 million people in Los Angeles County, the ultimate cost per person for restoration may amount to less than a family outing at the movie theater. And the outcome, in terms of conservation of endangered species and an ecosystem that were almost lost forever, will be priceless.
Friends of Ballona Wetlands
P.O. Box 5159
Playa del Rey, CA 90296
(310) 306-5994
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