The Wetlands Watch Begins : Developer, Foes Map Strategies as Bolsa Chica Housing Gets OK

For now, the striking white pelicans will keep herding surf perch ashore at the Bolsa Chica wetlands, helped by snowy egrets picking the fish that stray too far on the mud flats.

But the future of such feeding frenzies--and the wetlands--is still uncertain, following the California Coastal Commission’s vote Thursday to allow development in the 1,600-acre Bolsa Chica area.

Under the plan, Koll Real Estate Group will build 2,400 homes on a mesa just north of the wetlands, and 900 homes on 185 acres of the wetlands. In return, Koll will spend $48 million to restore the remaining wetlands, which make up 1,100 acres along Pacific Coast Highway.

Koll is applying for final permits from several agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Other stumbling blocks include a potential lawsuit to stop the project and possible intervention by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

On Friday, Koll officials said they were wary of snags but confident that development of Bolsa Chica and restoration of the wetlands will begin in the next two years. Building would be complete within 15 years, with the first homes scheduled for sale by 1998.

“Nothing is a slam dunk,” said Lucy Dunn, Koll senior vice president. “Everything has to be continued to be worked out, but the plan, the overall blueprint, is now set.”

But opponents of the plan contend that the state Coastal Act prohibits residential development in wetland areas. Koll disputes that interpretation.

In any lawsuit, Dunn said, “we feel very confident that we will prevail.”

The Bolsa Chica Land Trust, an environmental group that has led opposition to the development, will meet next week to discuss options including litigation, said treasurer Nancy Donaven.

“Most of the people I’ve talked to are planning to talk to other groups to mobilize” opposition, she said, but no protests or other plans are set.

Thursday’s decision does not rule out a possible federal purchase of the wetlands, said Interior Department spokeswoman Stephanie Hanna. Under that plan, the department would buy and restore 930 acres of the wetlands, effectively shaving 900 homes from the project.

“There are some complex issues that still have to be resolved and could not possibly be resolved in the time frame of this [commission] meeting,” Hanna said.

Meanwhile, the nonprofit Bolsa Chica Conservancy will hold its fifth annual Birdathon as scheduled today, not knowing whether the bird walks and other events will be the same once the bulldozers roll in.

The Koll plan calls for restoration of the degraded wetlands, but some environmentalists contend that wildlife will be scared away by the noise and activity of construction and then by the families moving into the condominiums and homes, which will sell for up to $1 million.

The marsh and surrounding upland is habitat for five endangered bird species, including the California least tern and peregrine falcon. These days, the white pelicans frolic in the waters on their winter migration stop before they head to the Salton Sea, said conservancy volunteer Caroline Chase.

Who knows, she said, whether they’ll be back.

The Birdathon includes bird walks and a bird-sighting competition. Admission is free. The walks are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Information: (714) 846-1114.