Marcia Hanscom is obviously devoted to the environment, but unfortunately on this issue she is misrepresenting the facts.
Heal the Bay has worked to enhance the natural resources throughout the Malibu Creek Watershed for over two decades. Our Stream Team program has conducted water chemistry and biological monitoring and restoration activities throughout the watershed for over a decade. We have also removed stream barriers on Malibu Creek and conducted regular restoration efforts to remove invasive plant species and replace them with native plants. We know this lagoon, and we know this watershed.
The goals and design of the restoration plan grew out of a long-term stakeholder process that included a diverse group of local residents, agencies and environmental groups, including California State Parks and Recreation, the California State Coastal Conservancy, esteemed wetlands experts and Heal the Bay. We worked together for the overarching goal of preserving Malibu Lagoon. The resulting restoration plan will improve water quality through increased circulation and enhance lagoon habitat for birds, fish and invertebrates.
The Malibu Lagoon restoration project is a historic opportunity to restore critical wetland habitat in the Santa Monica Bay and greatly improve water quality in the Lagoon and at chronically polluted Surfrider Beach. We must work together to move forward with this critical project-the health of our precious watershed is at stake.
Kirsten James
Director of Water Quality, Heal the Bay