Wilson Lauds Resolution of Bolsa Chica Deadlock

Describing efforts to preserve the Bolsa Chica wetlands as the “largest proposed restoration project of wetlands in the country,” Sen. Pete Wilson (R-Calif.) heaped praise on a local coalition Saturday for plans to protect the environmentally sensitive area.

The senator, who is running for governor, made his remarks before about 60 people gathered on a bluff overlooking the scenic marsh, across the street from a gated, oceanside development.

“You can look back and this will serve as a source of pride for you,” Wilson said. “Without your efforts, this would not have come about.”

Bolsa Chica became the focus of national attention in February, when a huge oil spill from the American Trader spewed black goo onto the shore at Huntington Beach and Newport Beach. The spill raised fears that the oil would reach Bolsa Chica, a prime nesting habitat for dozens of birds, including least terns and light-footed clapper rails, both endangered species.

Environmentalists and Signal Landmark, owner of the Bolsa Chica bog, have feuded for decades over the fate of the historic salt-and-freshwater marsh on the inland side of Pacific Coast Highway, between Warner Avenue and Golden West Street. A breakthrough finally came last year when Signal Landmark agreed to a compromise calling for keeping 1,100 of the 1,635 acres as undeveloped wetlands. This was a significant reduction from the firm’s original proposal calling for a much denser development that would have included a 1,400-acre resort and marina and 5,700 homes on 412 acres.

“A lot of people think that the conflict between environmentalists and developers is an unbridgeable” gap, Wilson told the audience of environmentalists, local officials and representatives from Signal Landmark. “But you have proved that wrong.”

Although the compromise was hammered out last year, Signal Landmark only recently announced plans to apply for federal permits needed to put the lengthy process in motion. Signal Landmark has also asked the City Council to annex the wetlands before preservation work begins. The council is scheduled to discuss that request April 16.

Wilson won praise from local officials and environmentalists, who credited his efforts for helping to bring about the compromise.

“Pete Wilson is a true amigo of Bolsa Chica,” Huntington Beach Mayor Thomas J. Mays said. “With the oil spill that affected the city here and Newport Beach, it is very important for coastal cities to work to preserve their natural environment.”

Supervisor Harriett M. Wieder, also on hand for the ceremony, said the proposed compromise goes a long way toward achieving that goal.