I was very disappointed that the Wildlife Conservation Board (three people) awarded $4 million to the proposed Malibu Lagoon Project. My understanding of conservation is to preserve what we already have and prevent over-development, which eventually causes pollution, and protect and encourage wildlife habitats and native vegetation.
How can the Wildlife Conservation Board consider this project when it will kill thousands of animals and plants? The endangered gobies will be wiped away and tons of native plants will be destroyed. This project will destroy one of two public trails to Malibu Surfrider Beach, one of the world’s most famous beaches and recently designated as a World Surfing Reserve. Even the California State Constitution states that there must be maximum public access to the seashore.
It has been 27 years since the 1983 restoration and Malibu Lagoon is thriving beautifully. Why would destroying all this wonderful life make it better? I cannot see the benefit. The pollutants that enter the Lagoon and Surfrider Beach would be eliminated. They come from the watershed upstream where the cleaning should start.
There are so many Malibu residents who are willing to contribute with brain, brawn and money, yet they are ignored. It makes one wonder, “Who’s in whose pocket?” Why aren’t less abusive alternatives considered? Perhaps those who think killing fish, plants and other live creatures so cavalierly should have their habitats dredged. In this scenario, ecology and science seem to be at odds.
With the present economical crisis, plus a new administration coming into Sacramento, spending $4 million for a questionable project should have been denied. Furthermore, the residents of Malibu are ready to do this as a voluntary community event. Let’s fight this and consider instead a Malibu Lagoon Rejuvenation Project. There is a lot of bias with this proposal. I am biased, too, for the environment and all the live beings. Just think about all the death this project will cause. It’s kind of like putting in a parking lot or cementing an area because it takes too much to maintain the plants.
Alessandra DeClario