Restoration Plan to Help Revive Ballona Lagoon : Lagoon’s New Look

The California Coastal Commission has given initial approval to a restoration plan for Ballona Lagoon in Venice, one of the last remaining tidal wetlands in Southern California. The project includes:

1. The expansion of an island at the northern end of the lagoon to provide additional mud flat areas for birds to forage and nest.

2. Planting of native vegetation- such as buckwheat and pickeleweed- in place of existing exotic plants growing along the eastern banks of the lagoon.

3. A new fence to separate an existing walkway from the lagoon to keep people and pets off the banks.

4. The removal of a large concrete oil platform, left from drilling along the lagoon more than 50 years ago.

5. A deep pool dredged at the lagoon’s southern end to help circulate water and flush away debris and other contaminants.

6. A public overlook platform, accessible from a ramp winding down the lagoon bank from the public path.