HUNTINGTON BEACH : Conservancy Chief Leipzig Resigns

Victor Leipzig, a Planning Commission member, has resigned as executive director of the Bolsa Chica Conservancy, saying his duties with those two groups might appear to clash as development plans for the Bolsa Chica area move forward.

Leipzig has been the sole executive director for the conservancy since it formed 18 months ago as an offshoot of the Bolsa Chica Planning Coalition. That coalition of government, development and environmental officials forged a compromise pact on Bolsa Chica that protects wetlands while allowing for partial development of the region.

Under Leipzig’s direction, the conservancy has developed an agenda for preserving and expanding the Bolsa Chica wetlands. He has overseen a wetlands advisory board of trustees and coordinated a dune habitat restoration project, a volunteer scientist monitoring program, a wildlife and biological slide presentation and a wetlands maintenance project.

Leipzig said he regrets having to leave the conservancy, but added that, as a planning commissioner, “I have a dual role which could be construed as involving a conflict of interest.” Bolsa Chica development plans will be coming before the commission for consideration within the next year.

He added that he does not believe he faces a conflict “in law or reality, but I would prefer to avoid any confusion” on the matter.

Leipzig, who is also a part-time biology instructor at Golden West College and works as a private biological consultant, said his busy schedule also contributed to his decision to step down from the conservancy.

Leipzig said he is pleased with the progress the conservancy has made and is confident it will continue to run efficiently without him.

The organization will face a critical task later this decade as the restoration process of the wetlands gets under way. “I regret that I won’t sit as executive director at that point, but I believe (the conservancy) will be in good hands,” he said.

Leipzig said he plans to work occasionally as a volunteer for the conservancy and continue other environmental endeavors, such as his work with Amigos de Bolsa Chica, a leading environmental activist group.

The conservancy’s board of directors, headed by Orange County Supervisor Harriett M. Wieder, has begun a search for Leipzig’s successor.

Applicants must have at least five years’ experience in organizational management and fund-raising, as well as a background in environmental issues and administration.

Anyone interested in the position is asked to call Peter Denniston at (714) 261-6626.