The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers bulldozed a 48-acre wildlife area near Sepulveda Dam in December, touching off a fierce response from activists who opposed the action and said it lacked community input. For the moment, things have changed -- and for the better.
The Angeles Chapter's Sepulveda Basin Task Force members Terrie Brady and Jan Kidwell joined Conservation Coordinator George Watland at a Feb. 21 meeting hosted by the Corps of Engineers. Representatives from several environmental organizations and the Encino Neighborhood Council along with Michael Tou from U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman's office also attended.
Discussion centered on alternative solutions for management of the Sepulveda Dam site. As a result of the meeting, the current operating project and the Corps of Engineers preferred solution of planting salt grass throughout that area -- an action opposed by Sierra Club and other environmental groups -- has been stopped in its tracks.
New alternative solutions were put forth, and the Corps of Engineers agreed to begin working on more discussions to refine these ideas over the coming weeks. This activity will result in a new solution to be produced, reviewed and published according to federal NEPA requirements.
Jack Klesert
May 30, 2013, 12:02 am