An alliance to acquire, restore and expand wetlands along the coast and in coastal watersheds of Southern California.

Though the vast majority of the region's wetlands have been lost to human activity, key patches remain. Some are exquisite; some are in desperate need of repair. Each is filled with the magic that occurs when salt water mixes with fresh, and when river and spring waters linger over flat lands.

The Wetlands Recovery Project is a unique alliance of federal, state and local officials working in concert with business and nonprofit organizations. Using a non-regulatory approach and an ecosystem perspective, the Project establishes and implements wetland acquisition and restoration plans. By coordinating efforts and effectively targeting resources, the Project is turning what would otherwise be piecemeal efforts into a visionary and long-term regional approach.

ECONOMIC BENEFITS
Already an essential component of our $500 million sport fishing industry, wetlands will continue to fuel the Southern California economy. Their filtering capabilities offer cost-effective means to improve water quality. They are currently underutilized for groundwater recharge - an essential means of increasing the region's water supply. They hold great potential for flood protection. As Pacific Flyway populations are restored and access to these areas is enhanced, the wetlands can play a growing role in tourism.

BENEFITS OF BIODIVERSITY
Internationally significant, these wetlands are critical nesting, feeding and breeding grounds for the magnificent array of birds on the Pacific Flyway - and for numerous California resident species. Many of these species are endangered, and healthy wetland areas represent their last and best chance for survival. With successful restoration, terns will have healthy feeding grounds when traversing the Americas, great egrets will hunt, avocets will peck the sand for crabs. Tidewater goby will dart about, and healthy steelhead trout runs will return. Moorhens, coots and hooded mergansers will patrol the marshes. And peregrine falcon will lie in wait. In Southern California, the biological diversity will mirror our great ethnic diversity.

BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY
Islands of beauty and calm in a region beset by growth pressures, these urban refuges will play an integral role in the lives of Southern California communities. Just as many Eastern cities have revitalized their urban core by restoring riversides and historic areas, our region can use wetlands as a focal point. Early morning walks, the silhouette of a heron, evening light reflecting off a wind-swept lagoon - these subtle images become touchstones for a community's quality of life.

NOTABLE ACCOMLISHMENTS
Projects have resulted in acquisitions of over 2,275 acres and restoration and enhancement of over 600 acres. They establish habitat in one of the world's major biodiversity "hotspots" while providing ecological services and enhancing the quality of life for people in the region.

ORANGE COUNTY PROJECTS
San Joaquin Marsh Enhancement - Restores 46 acres of freshwater marsh in UC Natural Reserve by establishing reliable water supply to marsh, dredging six feet of sediment, rebuilding 11 duck ponds to offer a variety of seasonal and permanent wetland areas, and replacing exotic plants with native species.

Huntington Beach Wetlands Acquisition - Acquires 17 acres of what was historically a 3000-acre coastal wetland system, with only 300 acres remaining. This area would be part of the envisioned 1000-acre Orange Coast River Park on the lower Santa Ana River.