ACTION ALERT from Climate Reality LA’s Wetlands Protection Committee
WHAT: The Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission Governing Board is meeting Thursday (8/20) to discuss the so-called “restoration” of Ballona Wetlands (which is opposed by Climate Reality LA, Sierra Club, Audubon Society, In Defense of Animals and numerous other organizations). We urge you to attend via zoom and add your voice by making a public comment.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT: The so-called “restoration” plan under discussion is a plan to bulldoze the 600+ acre Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve in Playa Del Rey, which is home to a myriad of threatened, endangered, and special status species. More than 1,000 kinds of native animals and plants will be destroyed, displaced, or have their habitat obliterated if this project moves forward. After years of effort, this state Governing Board has finally agreed to put Ballona Wetlands on their agenda. It’s time for them to hear the public’s concern about what’s really planned for Ballona. (For additional background, visit www.defendballonawetlands.org.)
WHEN: Thursday, August 20 at 9:30am
HOW TO JOIN THE MEETING: Email guangyu.wang@waterboards.ca.gov with “8.20.20 Governing Board Meeting Password” in the Subject heading. In the body of the email, reiterate that you would like to receive the meeting password for the meeting. (Zoom meeting ID: 974 1212 99)
HOW TO SPEAK AT THE MEETING: visit https://www.smbrc.ca.gov/about_us/agendas/docs/rmtmtgs_rv200708.pdf and check out PAGE 3 & 4.
TALKING POINTS: There will be two separate issues discussed at the Governing Board meeting:
1. The Ballona Wetlands buldozing construction project. We do not support removal of 2.5 million cubic yards of soil, destruction of hundreds of acres of habitat (and stored carbon), nine years of construction and building a bridge over Lincoln Blvd. We oppose the disruption of a delicate landscape that is currently in a state of equilibrium. (For additional background, visit defendballonawetlands.org.)
2. Public Access at Ballona Wetlands. We DO support Public Access at the Ballona Wetlands State Ecological Reserve, as long as it’s limited, sensitive to the environment and genuinely OPEN TO ALL.