Irvine : State Approves Plan to Dredge Marsh Reserve
The California Coastal Commission on Friday approved UC Irvine’s plan to dredge 16 acres of the San Joaquin Freshwater Marsh Preserve, making it easier for wild ducks and other migratory birds to land and feed in the area.
Plans call for dredging near the intersection of California Road and University Drive. The marsh is now dry and choked by cattails and other vegetation.
Excavation of an eight-acre permanent pond is scheduled for later this month. The remaining eight acres will be covered by water and plants that the birds can feed on.
UCI officials said they hope to complete the project in early November. The campus received a $19,900 grant from the state Department of Fish and Game to pay for marsh renovation.
Ecology classes take field trips to study the 202-acre marsh.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
