Trampled under foot
June Casagrande
Pedestrians who for years have blazed trails through the Back Bay
have contributed to a problem that could cost millions to fix.
The City Council today will consider two ambitious environmental
restoration projects. In their study session, council members will
hear a presentation on a plan to restore the wildlife habitat in the
of Back Bay and even create a boardwalk for pedestrians. Then, in
their regular meeting, they will vote on whether to award a $110,000
contract, paid by a state grant, to Community Conservancy
International to study and plan possible environmental remedies for
Big Canyon Creek.
“To me, the great thing about both projects is the combination of
good public access with good habitat restoration,” Assistant City
Manager Dave Kiff said.
The Back Bay work would help restore the habitat of the endangered
least terns and other animals that have been nudged out by
pedestrians who use “illegal” trails created by foot traffic. The
boardwalk would take pedestrians, bicyclists and horseback riders off
sensitive habitat and keep them on existing trails and the new
boardwalk.
The elevated walking platform would be two miles long, stretching
from University Avenue to 23rd Street. It would provide access to the
bluff tops, but not down to the shoreline. It could also have viewing
platforms, bird-viewing blinds and signs with information about the
local environment.
Officials say they can’t yet estimate the total cost of the
three-phase project, but the first phase alone is estimated at nearly
$4 million.
If the city moves ahead with the project, a portion of the money
could come from Orange County, which got the funds as part of the
American Trader Oil Spill Settlement. Council members will decide
during their study session whether they want to move forward with the
plan by putting it up for a vote at an upcoming council meeting.
Big Canyon Creek work is one step ahead of the Back Bay project
because it’s already on the council’s agenda.
Big Canyon Creek is a body of water that forms as runoff drains
from the area surrounding Big Canyon Country Club. The creek runs
through Big Canyon Nature Park before ultimately draining into the
bay.
Community Conservancy International, a nonprofit environmental
organization, has proposed restoring wetlands and habitats for
endangered species, addressing pollution from runoff, providing
public access to the nature park and other improvements.
Initial studies would be funded by the Southern California
Wetlands Recovery Project of the state Coastal Conservancy.
* JUNE CASAGRANDE covers Newport Beach and John Wayne Airport.
She may be reached at (949) 574-4232 or by e-mail at
june.casagrande@latimes.com.
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