Westside : BALLONA LAGOON

The city of Los Angeles on Tuesday finalized the purchase of a parcel of land along the Ballona Lagoon in Venice, clearing the way for a project to restore the lagoon, one of the last remaining tidal wetlands in Southern California.

The waterway is clogged with sediment and debris that blocks water from flowing smoothly and flushing the lagoon when the tides ebb.

The lagoon restoration project has been held up while the city negotiated to buy the land from a private owner. Lot R, as the piece of property is known, makes up about two-thirds of the lagoon.

Supporters of the project--the nonprofit Ballona Lagoon Marine Preserve, the California Coastal Conservancy and Councilwoman Ruth Galanter--rejoiced in January when the California Coastal Commission gave initial approval for the restoration. But the Coastal Commission said it would not sign off on the project until the city finalized its purchase of Lot R.

The restoration is to include dredging of a six-foot-deep pool to improve water circulation and provide more underwater space for halibut, smelt and other fish. Other changes include expansion of an island in the lagoon for birds to nest and the planting of native vegetation.