Bolsa Chica Group Awaits Migrating Birds, Wetlands Soil Study

As members of Amigos de Bolsa Chica prepare for Saturday’s monthly tour of the Bolsa Chica wetlands, they are anticipating the arrival of hundreds of migratory shorebirds and waterfowl looking to spend their winter in a temperate climate.

Members of the 20-year-old environmental group are also awaiting the results of a soil contamination study expected this month. The results may determine whether public purchase of the surrounding wetlands is feasible.

The portion of the wetlands where the tours are conducted is already protected public land. But local environmental groups are hoping the federal government will approve a plan to purchase 905 acres from Koll Co. to remove the additional area from residential development.

A soil contamination study was required because the land has been an oil field since the 1920s.

“Oil itself is a natural substance, but the question is whether it will be compatible with the things we’re trying to do,” said Adrianne Morrison, executive director of Amigos de Bolsa Chica.

In August, the State Coastal Conservancy agreed to contribute $1 million to help buy the wetlands from Koll Co., bringing the total amount pledged to about $67 million.

The purchase of the wetlands from the Koll Co. would be funded in part by the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which would pay for wetlands restoration in return for permission to expand both harbors.

Free tours of the Bolsa Chica wetlands will begin every 20 minutes from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the ecological reserve, one mile south of Warner Avenue on Pacific Coast Highway. Information: (714) 897-7003.