Native plants perfect for Buck Gully

Thank you for covering the Buck Gully study session (“Overgrown gully

targeted,” Wednesday).

I spoke at the meeting regarding the opportunity to convert the

Buck Gully landscape to native plants, specifically coastal sage

scrub, consistent with the area’s original flora.

The city’s report states that the area should be planted with

native-type species. My point is that the city should make a

commitment to the following:

* Use native plants appropriate for the area. The definition of

“native-type plants” is open to interpretation, and the opportunity

to create a true California coastal habitat could be lost if we are

not careful. For example, many drought-tolerant plants commonly grown

in Southern California are not necessarily native to Orange County’s

coastal area and should be avoided. We have an opportunity to extend

the amount of local habitat for native birds who frequent Crystal

Cove State Park by planting with native plants. Local examples of

native vegetation can be seen at Crystal Cove State Beach or

Castaways Park.

Several local organizations, including California Native Plant

Society and Surfrider, have in the past helped with park planning --

for example, at Castaways -- and could provide assistance with

information on native plants that grow well in the garden, while

reducing fire danger.

* Inform residents and provide incentives for residents to use

native plants. For example, one homeowner spoke about his concern

that his privacy would be reduced if the existing (nonnative and

highly flammable) eucalyptus trees were removed. The city could help

address this issue through public forums and tours of existing city

native plant areas such as Castaways Park, where oak and sycamore

trees flourish.

Furthermore, since this project is impacted by water usage from

multiple sources, it could be an ideal opportunity to introduce the

use of tiered pricing for water usage in order to encourage residents

to plant native, drought-resistant plants, reducing water usage and

runoff into the oceans.

LAURA CURRAN

Corona del Mar