The Final Environmental Impact Report Released!
The Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for the Ballona Wetlands Restoration Project is Here!
What does this mean?
After the Draft EIR was released in 2017, the public responded with over 7,000 unique letters! The California Department of Fish & Wildlife reviewed all questions and comments, then released their responses to them in the form of the FEIR. This does NOT mean that a final design has been announced for the proposed restoration project.
The Friends, in partnership with Heal the Bay, Surfrider Foundation, Los Angeles Waterkeeper, and Trust for Public Land, sent a letter to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife reiterating our support for robust science-based restoration, and once again highlighting our recommendations for the final design and monitoring plans.
What happens next?
The certification process, happening now, is when CDFW selects one of the four proposed options, finalizes detailed plans, and acquires permits. Once certification is complete, they will release an announcement and we will finally know the Ballona Wetlands restoration plan.
The Army Corps of Engineers will also release their version, called a Final Environmental Impact Statement.
Learn about the timeline and read the FEIR here.
What can you do?
1) If you haven't yet, sign onto the 10 Restoration Goals. Share with your friends and family!
2) Call or email your representatives and urge them to support the restoration effort. The Ballona Wetlands is an important and valuable ecological resource to all Californians, not just local Angelenos.
Find Your State Representatives
3) Donate to FBW so we can continue to advocate for the best restoration possible.
4) Can't wait for the project to get started? Volunteer NOW and help FBW restore native habitat and historic sand dunes on the Reserve!
See dates and details here.
5) Learn more about the restoration on our Restoring Ballona page.