Photo courtesy of RCDSMM
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
A Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project was released on February 12, and the 60-day public review and comment period is now underway.
“The Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project is a multiagency cooperative effort that seeks to protect and restore precious biological and cultural resources, create an integrated program for coastal access, emergency response and interpretation, and proactively address the effects of sea level rise,” according to a summary on the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains website.
Other key restoration goals are to expand the beach, maintain the surf break and “minimize harm during construction.” Additional elements include the expansion of an existing Caltrans PCH bridge “to improve endangered fish passage and habitat,” as well as determining the fate of the Topanga Ranch Motel.
The area is managed by three public agencies: California State Parks (Topanga State Park), Caltrans (area highways), and County of Los Angeles Department of Beaches and Harbors (Topanga Beach).
“Topanga Lagoon is special—one of the last remaining wetlands in Southern CA,” read a synopsis of the project. “The current half-acre area is a shadow of the 30-acre extent once present. The lagoon is a natural filtration system, stormwater buffer, and hosts rare and endangered species. Over one million visitors enjoy the associated beach each year.”
The lagoon is a “last sanctuary for endangered fish,” like the tidewater goby, and the “only reproducing population in Santa Monica Mountains” of steelhead trout. The area provides an “important surf break” and “popular beach” with “limited visitor services.” The land also includes “Gabrielino/Tongva cultural sites.”
“Three alternatives have been identified to restore the Topanga Lagoon area,” read the synopsis. “All alternatives address the key project goals.”
The Draft Environmental Impact Report is now available for public review and comments through April 12. The document can be accessed online, as well as in person at Topanga Library, Malibu Library, Calabasas Library, Malibu Creek State Park Administration Office and RCDSMM Office.
Public comments, which will be accepted through April 12 at 5 p.m., can be sent via the project’s website (topangalagoonrestoration.org), email (topangalagoonrestoration@gmail.com) or mail (California Department of Parks and Recreation, Attn: John Ota, Environmental Scientist, 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302).
The project timeline includes environmental review from 2019 to 2024, with the EIR expected to be finalized in June. The design phase is expected to take place between 2024 and 2026, with construction slated for 2027 to 2031, and post-construction monitoring from 2031 to 2036. It is currently funded through December 2026.
Two upcoming public meetings regarding the project are scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 24, at 10 a.m. at Annenberg Community Beach House and Wednesday, February 28, at 6 p.m. at Topanga Community Center. The meetings will also be recorded and available to view via youtube.com/@rcdsmm.
“Restoration will preserve and expand the unique biological, cultural and recreation resources of Topanga Lagoon for the future,” the synopsis concluded.
Those who wish to learn more about the project, including information about upcoming meetings, may sign up for an email list at topangalagoonrestoration.org.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
