Case Study: Los Angeles Ballona Wetlands
http://www.lastormwater.org/blog/2011/07/5-ways-to-get-kids-excited-about-stormwater/
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The image to the left is a cartoon model of a watershed. Water moves from the tops of mountains, down the mountains, through towns and valleys, all the way out to the ocean. When water moves like this, it picks up dirt, small rocks, dust, pesticides, cigarette ash, cigarette butts, trash, and other pollutants along the way.
This is how the ocean is affected by what we do in our neighborhoods, even if we live far from the beach. If you litter on the ground, the litter will be washed away by storm drains all the way to the ocean. If you put pesticides on your plants at home, the pesticides could be washed to the ocean by rain, a hose, or sprinklers. |
Approximately 5% of California’s original wetlands remain. Los Angeles County has lost over 98% of its wetlands! The only remaining coastal wetlands in Los Angeles County are the Ballona Wetlands near Marina Del Rey. It is one of the most valuable habitats for rare and endangered species in Southern California.
Ballona Wetlands, zoomed out showing distance to ACRMA8. It's about 23 miles away.
Location + FunctionA major function of the Ballona Wetlands is providing a necessary filter for toxic wastes and pollutants from stormwater runoff before they reach the Santa Monica Bay. In the map to the right, Ballona Creek is the yellow section in the middle.
The Ballona Creek Watershed covers approximately 130 square miles in the Los Angeles Basin. Its boundaries are the Santa Monica Mountains to the north, the Harbor Freeway (110) to the east, and the Baldwin Hills to the south. The watershed includes the cities of Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, portions of the cities of Los Angeles, Culver City, Inglewood, and Santa Monica. The watershed is highly developed: residential (59%), vacant/open space (17%), and commercial (14%) are the predominant land uses. Overall, 49% of the watershed is covered by roads, rooftops, and and other surfaces that do not allow water to seep through to the ground or plants. |
Migration Route - Pacific Flyway
The Ballona Wetlands are part of the "Pacific Flyway," one of four main migration routes in North America stretching from Alaska to Central America, and one of the largest flyways in the world. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that 43% of threatened and endangered species rely on wetlands. Over 200 marine bird species use the Ballona Wetlands. The Ballona Wetlands are a breeding ground for the Great Blue Heron, the California Brown Pelican, and the El Segundo Blue Butterfly, and a permanent home for many other mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, a number of which are endemic species, meaning they only live in that one environment, or the are endangered species.
Historical Background
Historically, Ballona wetlands were inhabited by the Shoshones (a Native American tribe). Several village sites and burial grounds surround the area even today. In the 1930s, oil wells covered the area, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers diverted (moved) water to prevent flooding in the coastal area. This helped save some housing, but they also severely damaged the wetlands. In the 1950s, the area was developed for housing.
Since then, many animal species have died and invasive plants have overgrown the area. Today, people are still planning construction for homes and business offices, furthering the damage to the wetlands. This has been very controversial.
There are projects to help protect the area, though. In the last 20-30 years, the Ballona Wetlands has had the support of several environmental groups. They are educating the community about the values of a wetland ecosystem. Friends of Ballona Wetlands is one of these groups. You can read more about them here.
Since then, many animal species have died and invasive plants have overgrown the area. Today, people are still planning construction for homes and business offices, furthering the damage to the wetlands. This has been very controversial.
There are projects to help protect the area, though. In the last 20-30 years, the Ballona Wetlands has had the support of several environmental groups. They are educating the community about the values of a wetland ecosystem. Friends of Ballona Wetlands is one of these groups. You can read more about them here.
Restoration
Restoring Southern California's Wetlands. An appreciation for southern California's coastal wetlands and the vital role they play in maintaining a healthy environment and balanced ecosystem. Presented by Susan and Dan Gottlieb. Directed, filmed and edited by Erik Friedl. Music by Nathanael Barbey. Source: YouTube