Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan

Home , Ballona Wetlands

Prepared for State Coastal Conservancy, Department of Fish and Game and State Lands Commission

JUNE 15, 2005 TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION, 1 III. RECOMMENDATIONS, 16 Vision for Community Stewardship, 1 Signage, 16

Goals, 1 Access Points, 18

Guiding Principles, 1 Access Modes, 21

II. EXISTING CONDITIONS, 3 Security, Litter and Trash Management, 23

Description of Physical Setting, 3 Public Access and Recreation, 24

Management Environment, 4 Resource Stewardship, 26

Current Usage, 4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, 29 Signage, 5

Access Points, 6

Access Modes, 8

Security, Litter and Trash Management, 10

Public Access and Recreation, 11

Resource Stewardship, 13

I. Introduction 1 I. INTRODUCTION Vision for Community Stewardship Goals Guiding Principles

The State of California acquired the Ballona Wet- • Create a handbook and a working plan for short- • Build on what is working now — the ability lands in 2003 and 2004 because it is one of the term stewardship and access over the next 3+ of projects and programs to build on already most significant wetland resources in Southern years. successful efforts. California. Following its acquisition, the State Coastal Conservancy (SCC), in collaboration with • Provide public access and recreation opportuni- • Enhance partnering and improve working the California Department of Fish and Game ties, compatible with habitat, fish and wildlife relationships — build on the existing strengths (DFG), State Lands Commission (SLC), and other conservation. of community non profits and encourage joint agencies, as well as various community and con- problem solving and public-private partnerships. servation organizations, began the wetland restora- • Encourage public appreciation of Ballona Wet- tion planning process. lands. • Encourage operational simplicity — undertake programs and projects that facilitate monitoring The Interim Stewardship and Access Management • Develop a functional equivalent of a DFG Land and management without complex arrange- Plan is the first visible step in a series of Management Plan for the near-term until the ments. planning efforts for the Ballona Wetlands. This final plan is adopted. working plan is intended to serve as a guide to • Provide linkages to other ongoing or manage short-term access, restoration and educa- • Complement and advance existing activities emerging efforts being undertaken in tional opportunities now and over the next three being undertaken within Ballona Wetlands. the watershed — encourage communication plus years, through the completion of the Wetland between agencies and organizations working in Restoration Plan. • Redirect non-complementary uses and activities the Ballona Watershed. related to the health of Ballona Wetlands. The long-term Wetland Restoration Plan will be • Don’t compromise future restoration efforts developed to restore and enhance the natural • Develop and utilize signage in a form and scale — work smart, focus interim stewardship efforts resources of the site and to create compatible appropriate to the setting and need for restora- on projects that will be consistent with and sup- public access opportunities. tion and visitor education. portive of the long term restoration plan.

The development of the Wetland Restoration Plan, • Facilitate trash management. • Leverage projects for their educational and guided by adaptive management principles, will interpretive aspects — provide teaching tools offer a long-range vision for a healthy Ballona and articulate lessons learned with each under- Wetlands. This vision requires broad community taking within the wetlands. support and participation, for only through community stewardship will wetland improvements be • Offer an appropriate level of managed com- maintained in perpetuity. munity access — provide a balance of resource protection, public safety and passive recreation.

I. Introduction 1 MARINA EXPRESSWAY

Mother’s Beach

Centinela Creek AREA C

Chase Burton Park

Marina Del Rey

AREA A

LINCOLN BLVD.

Freshwater Marsh Ballona BALLONA CREEK Lagoon JEFFERSON BLVD.

AREA B Designated Least Loyola Tern Nesting Site Marymount Saltwater Marsh University

CULVER BLVD. Dunes Del Rey Lagoon

Aerial of Planning Area

2 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan II. Existing Conditions 3 II. EXISTING CONDITIONS Description of Physical Setting

The Ballona Wetlands planning area is the last Environmental Assets include: • Nearby Endangered species habitat include remaining 600 acres of historic wetlands at the • Adjacent to estuary at the mouth of Ballona Least Tern habitat on beach north of Ballona base of the Ballona Creek watershed. It drains Creek/Marina Del Rey. Creek, and El Segundo Blue butterfly habitat a total of 130 square miles of highly urbanized • Subject to tidal action and seasonal rainfall. west of LAX, as well as rare dune beach and area. While the Ballona Wetlands ecosystem has • Largest remaining coastal estuary/wetland habi- bluffs extending south of Ballona Wetlands to been substantially degraded over the years due tat within Los Angeles Basin. Palos Verdes Peninsula. to human activity and urban development, it is • Culturally sensitive archaeological sites. The Ballona Wetlands is divided into three parcels, still a rich ecological system that bridges the areas A, B and C . gap between aquatic and land environments and provides crucial habitat for hundreds of plant and animal species, including Belding’s Savannah Sparrow, an Endangered species. Within the wetlands many different habitat types occur including: • Open water • Saltwater Marsh/wetland • Freshwater Marsh/wetland • Dunes • Upland - coastal sage scrub, southern fore dune Area A and non-native annual grassland. • Urbanized/recreation

The Ballona Wetlands is divided into three parcels, areas A and B (west of Lincoln Boulevard) and area C (east of Lincoln Boulevard).

Existing relationships to surrounding uses are: • Nearby open spaces - State beaches at Venice, Santa Monica and Dockweiler Area B - Marina Del Rey and Burton Chase Park - Del Rey Lagoon - Baldwin Hills including Kenneth Hahn State Recreational Area. • Residential uses impact wetland area through formal and informal access. • Bikeway network links perimeter of wetlands to surrounding neighborhoods. • Storm water from neighboring lands drains into wetlands and creek. Area C

2 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan II. Existing Conditions 3 Management Environment Current Usage

Ballona Wetlands, areas A, portions of B, and C General Uses • Underground storage of natural gas, and gas well are in public ownership under the stewardship of monitoring, maintenance and operation within DFG. Two areas in B, known as the Freshwater • habitat restoration easements. Marsh (FWM) and the Expanded Wetlands parcel, • educational tours and field trips • Utility access, operations and maintenance within are under the jurisdiction of the SLC. In con- • scientific research and monitoring rights of way and utility easements accommodat- veying the FWM to the SLC, Playa Capital Com- • active and passive recreation ing electric power transmission, flood control and pany, LLC (Playa Capital) reserved certain rights • supervised public access roadway maintenance. and responsibilities with respect to the construc- • flood control and water quality maintenance • Water and sediment sampling: Loyola Mary- tion, maintenance and monitoring of the FWM. mount University (LMU). The Ballona Wetlands Conservancy (BWC) holds Types of Uses • Workdays, maintenance and land management: a conservation easement over the FWM. • Birding and bird counts: Audubon Society, BWC Ballona Wetlands Land Trust, Friends of Ballona and Wetlands Action Network. Wetlands and CNLM (limited to the FWM). Current activities, which are regulated by Access • Dune restoration: Friends of Ballona Wetlands. Agreements between DFG and authorized users/ • Environmental education, tours and school field stewards must be consistent with: trips (K-12): Audubon Society, Ballona Wetlands • DFG habitat protection mission Land Trust and Friends of Ballona Wetlands. • restoration and enhancement goals • Environmental monitoring and wetlands research: • existing regulations BWC, Center for Natural Lands Management • wildlife needs (CNLM) and City of Los Angeles Environmental • safety of users Monitoring Division (CLAEMD). • adverse-free impacts on sensitive species and • Invasive species removal: BWC, Ballona Wet- habitats. lands Land Trust and Friends of Ballona Wet- lands. Interim stewardship and access management is • Natural history and site tours: Ballona Wetlands being coordinated by the SCC, DFG and SLC. Land Trust, Friends of Ballona Wetlands and Future Restoration efforts will be guided by the Wetlands Action Network. Ballona Wetlands Restoration Plan being devel- • Recreation (organized): Playa Vista Little League Ballona Wetlands, 1941 oped jointly by SCC, DFG and SLC. Program. • Recreation (walking, dog walking, biking, boat- Ecological Reserve (ER) designation being pur- ing and fishing): General public. Baldwin Hills sued by DFG is to provide: • Scientific symposia: Ballona Wetlands Founda- • protection for rare, threatened and Endangered tion and Friends of Ballona Wetlands. species • Security patrols and trash removal: Ballona Wet- • compatible public entry for: lands Land Trust, Friends of Ballona Wetlands - pedestrian use on designated trails only and Trust for Public Land (TPL). - bicycle use on north side of creek channel Ballona • Special projects and events: Audubon Society, Wetlands - fishing from shore in designated areas Ballona Wetlands Land Trust, Ballona Wetlands - Playa Vista Little League under current lease Foundation and Friends of Ballona Wetlands. - parking to L.A. County under current lease Aerial of Ballona Wetlands and its surroundings today

4 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan II. Existing Conditions 5 Signage

Trends

MARINA EXPRESSWAY Mother’s Authorized and unauthorized signage has increased, Beach proliferating along perimeter fencing.

AREA C Centinela Creek Chase Burton Park

Marina Del Rey

AREA A

LINCOLN BLVD.

Freshwater Marsh BALLONA CREEK

Ballona Expanded Lagoon JEFFERSON BLVD. wetlands parcel Loyola Marymount AREA B University Designated Least Tern Nesting Site Saltwater Marsh

CULVER BLVD. Dunes Del Rey 6 Lagoon

Existing Signage Locations

Description • Prohibitive: “Keep Out, Private Property” • Warning: “ Warning: Mussels; From these There are more than 50 different kinds of signs waters it is unfit for human consumption...” around and within the Ballona Wetlands boundar- • Informational: “State-owned Ballona Wetlands ies. Messages range from “No Dumping Allowed,” Area” to “Protect this State Owned Land,” to “Caution: • Educational: “At the Wetlands, a feathered flock: High Pressure Oil Line.” diving, dabbling, stalking or skimming, the birds of Ballona find an abundance of food…” The signs can be characterized as: • Directional: “Access for Playa Vista Little Existing signs • Locational: “Titmouse Park” League enter here”

4 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan II. Existing Conditions 5 Access Points

MARINA EXPRESSWAY Mother’s Beach

AREA C Centinela Creek Chase Burton Park

Marina Del Rey Broken fence at area A AREA A

MARINA DEL REY

LINCOLN BLVD.

Freshwater Marsh BALLONA CREEK Ballona Expanded Lagoon JEFFERSON BLVD. wetlands parcel Loyola Marymount AREA B University Designated Least Tern Nesting Site Saltwater Marsh

No fence at area B

Dunes CULVER BLVD. Del Rey Lagoon

Existing Access Points

Description Public Fallen fence at area C There are more than 50 formal and informal access • Informal public access conditions vary from points into the wetlands used by the public, non area to area. The overall perimeter is mostly profit organizations, agencies, scientists, institu- fenced off. Access occurs here through holes in tions and utility companies. the fence, through unlocked gates, or by simply jumping the fence. The interior of the site, The condition of which is unfenced in area B, can be accessed current access points varies from anywhere. However since parking is limited, area to area so is access. The interior of the site in Unlocked gate at area C

6 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan II. Existing Conditions 7 area C is fenced but the site is easily and regu- Tribal Consultation and Coordination construction, maintenance and monitoring of the larly accessed through unlocked gates, holes in Marsh area. the fences and openings to nearby residences. • Members of the Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe, indig- Locked gates provide access to authorized users. enous to the L.A. Basin, consider the Ballona • LMU accesses the site through a locked gate However, the current daisy chain lock system is Wetlands culturally significant. Their access to from behind Gordon’s Market and along Ballona problematic because some authorized users are cultural resources needs to be preserved through Creek for research and monitoring. locked out from time to time, due to misuse of formal and informal consultation and coordination. the locking system. Trends Agencies • Public access to the Freshwater Marsh is Authorized users generally utilize consistent and restricted to the designated trail that parallels • Los Angeles County Department of Public clearly marked entry points, whereas unauthorized Jefferson and Lincoln Boulevards. Works (LADPW), City of Los Angeles (CLA) users tend to exhibit more opportunistic methods of and CLAEMD access the site via a locked gate access, including climbing under and over dilapi- • Formal public access occurs at the baseball from behind Gordon’s Market, the dunes trail dated or vandalized fencing and through holes. fields (both from Culver Boulevard and Ballona along Ballona Creek, and at the Freshwater Creek) and the perimeter of the Freshwater Marsh. L.A. County also accesses the site at Marsh. Both locations provide parking. Culver loop and at the Freshwater Marsh outfall access road. Community Non Profits Institutions, Utilities and Other Land Owners • Ballona Wetlands Land Trust accesses the site at a variety of locations for trash pick-up, invasive • Southern California Gas Company accesses the species removal, native plant sales and educa- site from behind Gordon’s Market, the dunes tional events. trail, along Ballona Creek and to the west and south of the Freshwater Marsh. They hold a • Friends of Ballona Wetlands, Wonders of Wet- series of easements within the wetlands associ- lands (WOW) and Audubon Society access the ated with its historical natural gas storage activi- Informal access by neighbors site from behind Gordon’s Market, along the ties beneath the wetlands. These legal rights of dunes trail, and along Ballona Creek for a access and operation are maintained by this Plan. variety of educational events, invasive species removal, trash pick-up, dune restoration and bird • Playa Capital accesses the site at several counts. locations, including the intersection of Culver/ Jefferson Boulevards for BMP maintenance, the • BWC and CNLM access the site at the Marsh. Freshwater Marsh outfall access road, the entire BWC also accesses the site at the intersection Freshwater Marsh, southern portion of the marsh of Culver/Jefferson Boulevards and at the Culver under construction, Lincoln Boulevard slope loop for Best Management Practices (BMP) construction and Culver loop for BMP mainte- maintenance, and at the Freshwater Marsh out- nance. As a part of the conveyance of the Fresh- fall access road for marsh maintenance. water Marsh to the SLC, they reserved certain rights and responsibilities with respect to the Damage by BMX riders

6 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan II. Existing Conditions 7 Access Modes

challenging.

MARINA EXPRESSWAY • Informal on-site bike access occurs in areas A Mother’s Beach and C, mostly by BMX riders.

AREA C Centinela Creek Chase Burton Park

Marina Del Rey

AREA A

LINCOLN BLVD.

Class I bike path at Ballona Wetlands Ballona Creek Bike Trail Freshwater Marsh BALLONA CREEK Ballona Expanded Lagoon JEFFERSON BLVD. wetlands parcel Loyola Marymount AREA B University Designated Least Tern Nesting Site Saltwater Marsh

Dunes CULVER BLVD. Formal Parking Locations Del Rey Informal Parking Locations Lagoon Bike Path Coastal Bike Trail Future Coastal (Trail) Ferry Line Big Blue Bus Route #3 MTA Bus Route #220 Challenging bike path entrance/exit at Lincoln Boulevard MTA Bus Route #115

Existing access modes Description Boulevard is dangerous. • North/south bicycle access is provided via on- Bicycle-Related and off-street (Class I and II) coastal bike trail. • East/west bicycle access is provided via off- • There is a lot of bicycle parking located at Fish- street (Class I) bikeway along the northern levee erman’s Village. Bicycle parking elsewhere is of Ballona Creek Channel. non-existent and results in bikes being locked to • Entry points to the Ballona Creek bikeway occur fences along the perimeter of the planning area. at the end of McConnell, at Lincoln Boulevard • Culver, Lincoln and Jefferson Boulevards are and at the end of Fiji Way. Access at Lincoln used by bicycles even though the conditions are Difficult riding conditions along Culver Boulevard

8 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan II. Existing Conditions 9 Transit-Related Automobile-Related Trends • Santa Monica Big Blue Bus #3 and MTA Buses • Automobile access is via large arterial roadways • As neighborhood land uses intensify, vehicle #108, #115 and #220 provide bus access to the in the project area and occasional cul-de-sacs parking demands will increase without commen- wetlands. in multi-family residential areas to the west and surate increases in supply. • Bus stops near the planning area are generally north. • Existing under-utilized parking lots will see uncovered and do not contain informative or • Existing demand for parking of vehicles is greater demands during average and peak period interpretive information regarding Ballona Wet- largely driven by off-site parking supply avail- times. lands. able to surrounding uses (e.g. Gordon’s Market, • Illegal and destructive bicycle access into and • Ballona Wetlands as a destination is not inte- Fisherman’s Village, etc.) within the wetlands by BMX riders is a problem. grated into information packets supplied by • On-site parking is limited to paved on-street • The lack of visitation by transit riders will Transit providers. parking along Jefferson Boulevard, at the Little continue unless they are made aware of the • Bus stop locations do not currently include League Ball Fields, and unpaved parking in iso- resources and opportunities within the wetlands. secure bike parking or trash receptacles. lated areas along Culver Boulevard. • Fisherman’s Village will likely redevelop and bikeway improvements are planned adjacent and to the west and north of area A. • The south side of Jefferson Boulevard, adjacent to the Freshwater Marsh is scheduled for improvement with native landscaping to help screen the Marsh area and visitors from the road. • Lincoln Boulevard between Jefferson Boulevard and LMU Drive is scheduled for road widening and other amenities, including an improved bus stop, pedestrian path, off-street bicycle path, and native landscaping.

Existing parking at Fisherman’s Village parking lot

Bus stop at Lincoln and Jefferson Boulevards Unpaved parking along Culver Boulevard Damage by BMX riders in area A

8 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan II. Existing Conditions 9 Security, Litter and Trash Management

Description Trends • Wind-blown trash enters the wetland and accu- • Having a single TPL security guard for the wet- mulates on existing fencing, depending upon lands results in insufficient manpower to cover prevailing winds. Blowing Styrofoam further the acreage of the property. pollutes the natural habitat with non-biodegrad- • Blowing trash continues to pose a problem along able materials. the perimeter of the property and particularly • Areas where homeless populations congregate along the Ballona Creek Channel. experience a greater level of trash and litter than other areas. • Illegal dumping and trash disposal occurs on an occasional basis in proximity to informal access points. Wind-blown trash along fencing • Discontinuous, deteriorating and vandalized fencing allows for uncontrolled access to sensitive wetland areas. • Wild animals and birds become entwined in litter including six-pack rings, fishing line and plastic bags. • Playa Capital, CNLM and BWC maintain the trash racks at the entrances to the Freshwater Marsh and provide security for the Freshwater Marsh. • Frequent trash pick-up work days are being sponsored by community non profits such as Friends of Ballona Wetlands and Ballona Wet- Dumping in the wetland destroys habitat Ballona Wetlands Land Trust cleanup adjacent to the creek lands Land Trust to clean up the area. • Limited budget and personnel resources pre- clude regular patrols and management by the DFG. • Daily vehicle security guard provided by the TPL. Locks often disappear from gates or are re- locked improperly precluding authorized users from gaining access.

Homeless encampments are common sources of trash

10 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan II. Existing Conditions 11 Public Access and Recreation

MARINA EXPRESSWAY Mother’s Beach

AREA C Centinela Creek Chase Burton Park

Marina Del Rey

AREA A Bike path along Ballona Creek

LINCOLN BLVD.

Freshwater Marsh BALLONA CREEK

Ballona Expanded Lagoon JEFFERSON BLVD. wetlands parcel Loyola AREA B Marymount University Designated Least Tern Nesting Site Saltwater Marsh

CULVER BLVD. Dunes Del Rey Lagoon BMX jumps in area C

Existing Trails

Description Biking

• There is a lot of bicycle parking located at Fish- • East/west bicycle access is provided via off- erman’s Village. Bicycle parking elsewhere is street (Class I) bikeway along the northern levee non-existent and results in bikes being locked to of Ballona Creek Channel. fences along the perimeter of the planning area. • North/south bicycle access is provided via the • Illegal and destructive bicycle access into and Coastal Bike Trail. Bike parking in Fisherman’s Village within the wetlands by BMX riders is a problem.

10 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan II. Existing Conditions 11 Hiking and Walking Baseball Trends • There are self-guided interpretive tours along the • Playa Vista Little League plays baseball on the • Increased open space usage is taking place as northern and eastern sides of the FWM. three fields located in area C. Playa Vista, Westchester, Playa Del Rey and • Informal dog walking (mostly off-leash) occurs other Westside area residents discover the wet- in areas A, B and C, but is most prevalent in C. lands, enjoy marsh areas and their intrinsic • On-leash dog walking is permitted along Jef- values. ferson and Lincoln Boulevards in the vicinity of FWM. • There are informal hiking trails throughout areas A, B and C.

Informal hiking trails in area A Little League baseball field Community activity in wetlands is increasing Fishing and Boating Homeless Camping • Fishing occurs on both sides of the Ballona • Numerous homeless encampments exist within Creek levee and from the pedestrian bridge. the wetlands project area, particularly in the • UCLA students and birdwatchers kayak and areas of A and C that are overgrown with non- crew in Ballona Creek. native shrubs and obscured from view.

Kayaking Homeless camping

12 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan II. Existing Conditions 13 Resource Stewardship

Description Invasive Species Removal Dune Restoration Saltwater Marsh Enhancements (area B) • Currently, invasive species removal throughout • Ongoing dune restoration projects include non- • Trash pick-up and cleanup days are performed the wetlands is limited. The most problematic native plant removal and native dune plant by a number of organizations and agencies in the plant species are chrysanthemum, pampas grass, revegetation. marsh and adjacent creek. castor bean and iceplant. Invasive species • Complementary efforts are underway to restore • Bird count surveys are taken monthly within the removal in the Freshwater Marsh is conducted beach and dune bluffs from Ballona Wetlands to marsh and adjacent creek. more frequently. the Palos Verdes Peninsula. • Water/sediment sampling occurs in the marsh. • Neighboring off-leash dogs pose a problem for • There is frequent monitoring of post-tide gate native dune revegetation efforts. construction. • Limited invasive species removal occurs in area B, including iceplant and pampas grass.

Pampas grass, an invasive species Friends of Ballona Wetlands working with students Saltwater Marsh

Castor bean removal Ballona dunes

12 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan II. Existing Conditions 13 Freshwater Marsh Enhancements (area B) Upland Enhancements- Coastal Sage Scrub, Education Programs Southern Fore Dune and Non-native Annual • There is ongoing Freshwater Marsh revegetation Grassland • There are self-guided interpretive tours along the and habitat enhancement. perimeter of the Freshwater Marsh on Jefferson • Bird count surveys are conducted frequently. • Trash pick-up and cleanup days occur monthly and Lincoln Boulevards. • Water and sediment sampling occurs in the in areas A and C. • Organized tours of the Saltwater Marsh occur on marsh. • Limited invasive species removal occurs in areas a regular basis. • There is regular monitoring of post-tide gate A and C including castor bean and chrysanthe- • School field trips, tours, environmental educa- construction at the Freshwater Marsh outfall. mum. tion programs and special events are organized • Water quality and sediment are regularly moni- • Unauthorized BMX use is damaging habitat in by a number of community non profits in areas tored at various points within the Freshwater areas A and C. A, B and C. Marsh, including the outlet to Ballona Creek.

Freshwater Marsh Overlook at area A Ballona Wetlands Land Trust’s on-going public education

BMX jumps in area C

14 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan II. Existing Conditions 15 Scientific Sampling and Data Collection Trends • Water and sediment sampling occurs in the Salt- • Community non profit activity is increasing water and Freshwater Marshes. since acquisition, as evidenced by increased • There is regular monitoring of post-tide gate requests for access authorization from DFG. construction at the Saltwater Marsh outfall. • Freshwater Marsh vegetation and habitat is • Water quality and sediment are regularly moni- maturing. tored at various points within the Freshwater Marsh, including the outlet to Ballona Creek. • Bird count surveys are conducted at the Saltwa- ter Marsh and the Freshwater Marsh.

Bird watching

Tide gate

14 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan II. Existing Conditions 15 III. RECOMMENDATIONS Signage

Recommendations

MARINA EXPRESSWAY Mother’s • Develop consistent statement regarding where Beach 4 and how to access resources and the importance 5 2 of resource protection.

AREA C Centinela Creek • Develop Regional Signage Chase 6 Burton 3 2 Install announcement signage with mini-map and Park gateway access points at key locations: (see page 4 Marina 15) Del Rey 1. Bike path at western entrance to Ballona 1 AREA A Wetlands 2. Bike path at eastern entrance to Ballona

3 LINCOLN BLVD. Wetlands 7 5 3. Lincoln Boulevard at Fiji Way Freshwater Marsh 4. Culver Boulevard and Marina Expressway BALLONA CREEK 5. Jefferson and Lincoln Boulevards Ballona 1 Expanded Lagoon JEFFERSON BLVD. wetlands 6. Culver Boulevard at Nicholson Street parcel Loyola Marymount AREA B University Designated Least • Minimize unnecessary signage through co- Tern Nesting Site Saltwater Marsh branding, consolidation and strategic placement. Include stewardship logos and names on regional signs. CULVER BLVD. Dunes Del Rey 6 Lagoon • Develop Gateway Entrances Existing Signage Locations 8 Proposed Regional Signage Locations Along Bike Path Create gateway entrances (gates, etc.) to inform Proposed Regional Signage Locations Along Roads wetland visitors of the “what, where, why and Proposed Gateway Entrances Along Bike Paths Proposed Gateway Entrances Along Roads how” at key public access points including: 1. Bike path at area A Existing and proposed signage locations 2. Bike path at area C Needs tional signs with coordinated designs. 3. Fisherman’s Village • Display signage that recognizes stewardship 4. Adjacent to Dock 52 parking lot • Eliminate proliferation of signs. efforts by community groups. 5. Culver Boulevard and Marina Expressway • Provide new signage with consistent informa- • Post interpretive signs to educate the commu- 6. Little League baseball field tion. nity. 7. Freshwater Marsh • Leads people to appropriate access points by • Install cautionary signage at select locations 8. Gordon’s Market using directional signage. regarding bicycle safety along Jefferson, Culver (See the Access Points section for more details) • Provide consistent information regarding do’s and Lincoln Boulevards. and don’ts of access through the use of informa-

16 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan III. Recommendations 17 1. Bike path at western entrance to Ballona Wetlands 3. Lincoln Boulevard at Fiji Way

4. Culver Boulevard and Marina Expressway

2. Bike path at eastern entrance to Ballona Wetlands Proposed regional signage locations along bike paths • Develop sign guidelines for activities such as Little League, Ballona Outdoor Learning and Discovery Project (BOLD), Ballona Wetlands Land Trust cleanups, Friends of Ballona Wet- lands education tours, cleanups, etc.

5. Jefferson and Lincoln Boulevards Off-site linkages • Coordinate with other public agencies to provide directional and interpretive signage leading from public streets and parking lots to gateway access points (e.g. signs at Pacific Street bridge, Del Rey Lagoon).

Proposed regional signage locations along roads 6. Culver Boulevard at Nicholson Street

16 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan III. Recommendations 17 Access Points

Recommendations

MARINA EXPRESSWAY Mother’s • Reduce the total number of access points Beach 5 through a phase-out of inappropriate or uncontrolled access points.

AREA C • Coordinate the reduction in access points with Centinela Creek 6 the implementation of parking and multi-modal Chase Burton 2 recommendations and neighborhood outreach. Park 4 Marina Public Del Rey 1 • Develop common gateway entrances for the AREA A following proposed and existing public entry MARINA DEL REY points: (see page 17) 3 7 LINCOLN BLVD. 1. Bike path at area A - proposed public

Freshwater access with bike rack and interpretive sig- Marsh BALLONA CREEK nage regarding access do’s and don’ts. Ballona Expanded 2. Bike path at area C- proposed public access Lagoon JEFFERSON BLVD. wetlands parcel Loyola with bike rack and interpretive signage Marymount AREA B University regarding access do’s and don’ts. Designated Least Tern Nesting Site 3. Fisherman’s Village - proposed access for Saltwater Marsh the public already parked and using the resources at Fisherman’s Village. Also potential education opportunities to a new Dunes CULVER BLVD. Del Rey market. Lagoon 4. Adjacent to Dock 52 parking lot - proposed 8 Existing Access Points public access with abundant parking. Proposed Gateway Entrances Along Bike Path 5. Culver Boulevard and Marina Expressway Proposed Gateway Entrances Along Roads - proposed local access to adjacent resi- Existing and proposed access points dential community. Could be used by the Needs • Provide consistent information that reinforces general public if an off-site public parking sensitive activities and access within the wet- lot is secured. Current access needs: lands, compatible with resource protection. 6. Little League baseball fields - existing • Prohibit or minimize habitat degradation and • Monitor access points to develop strategies for public access with parking. species harassment through controlled access. minimizing physical harm to the environment. 7. Freshwater Marsh - existing public access • Direct access to instructional signage at entry • Revise the current system of locks and locking with adjacent street parking points for higher visibility. mechanisms to be responsive to authorized 8. Gordon’s Market - existing periodic public • Reinforce constructive and beneficial uses access and security personnel. access with limited adjacent parking and conservation practices in strategic locations • Repair, replace and add fencing to encourage through selected access points. utilization of authorized access points.

18 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan III. Recommendations 19 1. Bike path at area A 4. Adjacent to Dock 52 parking lot 7. Freshwater Marsh

2. Bike path at area C 5. Culver Boulevard and Marina Expressway 8. Gordon’s Market

Proposed public gateway locations

3. Fisherman’s Village 6. Little League baseball fields

18 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan III. Recommendations 19 • Close other informal or unauthorized access Institutions, Utilities and Other Land Owners points and enforce their closure where possible. • Create citizen stewards to evaluate the effective- • Maintain existing access points for authorized ness of access closures and suggest methods of activities in designated areas. redirecting access. • Accommodate vehicle traffic by Gas Company • Develop easily understood written handouts and Vector Control in a manner that minimizes explaining do’s and don’ts of wetland steward- impacts to the natural resources present adjacent ship and access responsibilities. to activity areas. • Install portable restroom units at selected access • Maintain access across area B to monitor outlet points. tide gate. • Provide for easily accessible lookout and obser- vation areas for wetland viewing and birding.

Community Non Profits • Continue to issue permits to community con profits for authorized activities in designated areas.

Tribal Consultation and Coordination • Initiate formal and informal consultations with representatives of the Gabrielino/Tongva Tribal Council to develop guidelines that contribute to the preservation of sacred and cultural sites within the wetland planning area.

Agencies • Pursue Ecological Reserve Designation. (DFG responsibility) • Maintain existing access points for authorized activities in designated areas.

20 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan III. Recommendations 21 Access Modes

Recommendations MARINA EXPRESSWAY Mother’s Bicycle-Related Beach • Coordinate educational and directional signage with construction of Beach and Harbors bikeway AREA C Centinela Creek adjacent to area A. Chase Burton • Provide lockable bike racks at authorized access Park points to each area of the wetlands; post small

Marina and simplistic interpretive signage at each bike Del Rey rack location or integrate with signage proposed elsewhere in this plan. AREA A • Improve bicycle access at Lincoln Boulevard. • Coordinate bicycle access with gateway LINCOLN BLVD. entrances.

Ballona Creek Bike Trail Freshwater Marsh BALLONA CREEK Transit-Related

Ballona Expanded Lagoon JEFFERSON BLVD. wetlands • Coordinate the posting of educational and direc- parcel Loyola Marymount tional signage with Big Blue Bus and MTA at AREA B University Designated Least selected bus stops to encourage access via tran- Tern Nesting Site Saltwater Marsh sit.

Dunes CULVER BLVD. Formal Parking Locations Del Rey Lagoon Informal Parking Locations Bike Path Coastal Bike Trail Future Coastal (Trail) Ferry Line Big Blue Bus Route #3 MTA Bus Route #220 MTA Bus Route #115

Existing formal and informal parking locations Needs • Identify and develop potential overlooks in con- • Pursue opportunities for shared parking during venient areas that are accessible by foot, bike non-peak periods. and bus so that people have increased visual • Identify staging areas. access to the wetlands. • Obtain permission to facilitate van pooling and • Improve bicycle connection to Ballona Creek drop-offs at staging areas. bike path at Lincoln Boulevard. • Improve educational signage at bus stops to encourage transit riders to explore the wetland. Big Blue Bus stop on Lincoln at Jefferson

20 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan III. Recommendations 21 Automobile-Related • Formalize casual parking areas through parking agreements with adjacent land owners and ten- ants in order to encourage complementary use of parking during off-peak periods • Acquire parking easements and agreements near key access points and provide limited parking for visitors Adjacent to Dock 52 parking lot Culver Boulevard and Marina Expressway Little League baseball field • Experiment with preferential parking spaces for car- and van-pools in selected locations • Coordinate group visits with remote parking areas through shuttles and van-pooling. • Monitor peak parking demand periods to minimize adverse impacts to adjacent residential neighborhoods. • Enforce existing regulations and ordinances with regard to abandoned vehicles and overnight Fisherman’s village parking in key locations. • Coordinate parking with gateway entrance at the following areas: - Fisherman’s Village - Adjacent to Dock 52 parking lot - Culver Boulevard and Marina Expressway - Little League baseball fields - Freshwater Marsh - Gordon’s Market Proposed Gateway Entrances Along Bike Path Proposed Gateway Entrances Along Roads - Public parking at pedestrian bridge

Existing public parking lot Parking locations

Gordon’s Market Freshwater Marsh Informal parking areas

22 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan III. Recommendations 23 Security, Litter and Trash Management

Needs Recommendations • Increase frequency of trash pick-up days. • Develop consistent documentation of volunteer • Reduce trash source by educating boaters and time spent during work days addressing litter visitors within Marina Del Rey and fishermen and trash issues to facilitate agency qualification along Ballona Creek Channel. for revenue sharing and federal funding. • Identify problem areas and devise visitor • Provide for more frequent California Conserva- friendly means of litter reduction. tion Corps activity with regard to fence repair • Repair and install fencing in targeted problem and replacement, and trash pick-up. areas along the periphery of the site. • Provide covered trash receptacles that are gull and wildlife proof. • Seek funds to volunteer organizations to encourage additional cleanup days at selected times of the year. Ballona Wetlands Land Trust Stewards on a cleanup day

California Conservation Corps participating in trash cleanup

Friends of Ballona Wetlands picking up trash One month’s worth of trash

22 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan III. Recommendations 23 Public Access and Recreation

MARINA EXPRESSWAY Mother’s Beach

AREA C Centinela Creek Chase Burton Park

Marina Del Rey

AREA A Biking at pedestrian bridge

LINCOLN BLVD.

Freshwater Marsh BALLONA CREEK Ballona Expanded Lagoon JEFFERSON BLVD. wetlands parcel Loyola AREA B Marymount University

Saltwater Marsh

CULVER BLVD. Dunes Del Rey Lagoon Existing bike lane at Fiji Way and location of proposed future Class I bike path

Existing Trails

Recommendations Biking and simplistic interpretive signage at each bike rack location or integrate with signage proposed • Restrict internal bicycle access. elsewhere in this plan. • Coordinate educational and directional signage • Improve bicycle access at Lincoln Boulevard. with construction of Beach and Harbors bikeway • Coordinate bicycle access with areas especially adjacent to area A. along Culver Boulevard at gateway #5 and along • Provide lockable bike racks at authorized access Jefferson Boulevard. Bike path at Fisherman’s Village points to each area of the wetlands; post small

24 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan III. Recommendations 25 Hiking and Walking Fishing and Boating Baseball • Coordinate the designation of public trails in • Allow an appropriate level of fishing and boat- • Continue existing level of Little League baseball sub-locations so as to: ing activity through the Ecological Reserve Des- activity. (four fields) - further the restoration efforts outlined ignation process. • Maintain pervious parking areas to maximize above, groundwater recharge. - provide for educational/interpretive oppor- • Encourage use of bike path and associated gate- tunities, way by field users. - concentrate human activity in non-sensitive areas, - allow for access to degraded areas to facilitate habitat restoration.

Self-guided walks UCLA Marina Aquatic Center on Ballona Creek Channel

Little League baseball field project

Homeless Camping • Enlist active patrols and monitoring by the L.A. City Police Department to reduce homeless camping activity.

24 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan III. Recommendations 25 Resource Stewardship

Recommendations Invasive Species Removal (area-wide) Dune Restoration (area B) Saltwater Marsh Enhancements (area B) • Continue and expand invasive species removal • Increase habitat creation for threatened and • Continue and, where appropriate, expand post- efforts by Ballona Wetlands Land Trust, Friends Endangered species. construction environmental monitoring of tidal of Ballona Wetlands, CNLM and BWC. • Restore the area north of Gordon’s Market park- gate project by CLAEMD. • Provide written guidelines for invasive species ing lot to dune habitat. • Increase iceplant and castor bean removal and removal to ensure consistent volunteer efforts replanting with native species. that do not damage native plants. • Initiate revegetation and restoration efforts on • Increase pampas grass, chrysanthemum, iceplant selected trails and access points to reduce nega- and castor bean removal efforts. tive human impacts of overuse and inappropriate • Continue seasonal non-native eradication. access. • Dogs will be prohibited in all areas unless other- wise designated by signage.

Invasive species, castor bean removal Native dune plants after restoration Saltwater Marsh

Invasive species removal Children participating in dune restoration Saltwater Marsh

26 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan III. Recommendations 27 Freshwater Marsh Enhancements (area B) Uplands Enhancements - Coastal Sage Scrub, Education Programs: Southern Fore Dune and Non-native Annual • Maintain perimeter-only access to protect Grassland • Support an Outreach Coordinator position. resources. • Expand outreach efforts within public schools. • Expand pampas grass removal in the Expanded • Relocate BMX activity to other more environ- • Increase public awareness of local resources to Wetlands Parcel. mentally appropriate site(s). be found at Ballona Wetlands. • Continue invasive species removal. • Expand trash pick-up and cleanup days.

Freshwater Marsh Area A tidal channel On-going education programs with Friends of Ballona Wetlands

Scientific Sampling and Data Collection • Continue and, where appropriate, expand existing programs.

26 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan III. Recommendations 27 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The following organizations and agencies have participated in recent meetings regarding the Ballona Wetlands restoration planning process and have offered valuable insights into the physical, social and environmental dynamics of the area as it relates to the development of this Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan:

Organizations Agencies

Access for All California Coastal Commission This plan was prepared by the staff of the State Audubon Society - Ballona Education Program California Conservation Corps Coastal Conservancy with the assistance of: Baldwin Hills Conservancy City of Culver City Isabelle Duvivier Ballona Creek Renaissance City of Los Angeles Environmental Monitoring DUVIVIER architects Ballona Creek Watershed Task Force Division John Jostes Ballona Ecosystem Education Project Los Angeles Conservation Corps. Interactive Planning and Management, LLC. Ballona Institute Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Ballona Wetlands Conservancy Harbors Report graphics and format designed by: Ballona Wetlands Land Trust Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Ballona Wetlands Foundation Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Isabelle Duvivier Center for Natural Lands Management Board Pelin Hepcilingirler Etina Grassroots Coalition National Marine Fishery Service DUVIVIER architects Friends of Ballona Wetlands Port of Los Angeles Gabrielino-Tongva Tribal Council Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission Photography by Heal the Bay U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Andrew Steinman In Defense of Animals U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ANDREW STEINMAN: PHOTOGRAPHER Loyola Marymount University Marina Del Rey Lessee’s Association Playa Capital Company, LLC Playa Vista Little League Santa Monica Baykeeper Sempra Energy Sierra Club Spirit of the Sage Council Trust for Public Land UCLA Wetlands Action Network

This document is printed on 100% Post-Consumer paper, water marked and chlorine-free, provided by the Real Earth Inc.

28 Ballona Wetlands Interim Stewardship and Access Management Plan