Work Begins on 1st Phase of Ballona Wetlands Restoration

Bulldozers have begun tilling the ground in preparation for the long-awaited and controversial restoration of the Ballona Wetlands near Marina del Rey, one of the largest wetlands remaining in Los Angeles County.

The ecologically sensitive coastal area is on the 1,087-acre site of Playa Vista, a planned community near the marina and Westchester where the DreamWorks Studios plans to build a production facility.

In the past, plans for the Playa Vista development had angered members of a local environmental organization who opposed destruction of the wetlands to make way for the planned community. But tensions were eased when developer Maguire Thomas Partners agreed to preserve and expand about 350 acres of saltwater and freshwater marsh.

So it was all hugs and handshakes Monday when Maguire Thomas announced that the first phase of the restoration project was underway--creation of about 25 acres of freshwater marsh. The project, which will take at least two years, includes planting of native vegetation and creating 12 islands where birds can forage and nest.