Western Pond Turtle © USDA Forest Service

By Ed Maurer

Wildlife restorations and habitat upgrades are continuing along the lower reaches of Aliso creek, i.e., between the I-5 and its outlet to the sea at Aliso Beach. A partial list of these improvements paints a hopeful picture for the future of this lovely area in south Orange County that not too many years ago was to be “enhanced” by the Army Corps of Engineers, an enhancement that local opposition kept from occurring.

•

The Laguna Canyon Foundation’s projects, some of which were initiated as far back as ten years ago, are showing welcome results.

* Arundo removal has allowed the Southwest Pond Turtle to thrive again. Turtles are again reaching their nesting grounds above the creek in greater numbers and are breeding successfully.

* LCF’s multi-year revegetation efforts have seen the Least Bell Vireo, an endangered species, return to Aliso Creek, and these rare birds have been observed nesting and rearing young for the first time in June, 2024.

• Further downstream, the Aliso Creek Water Reclamation Facility removes polluted runoff in Aliso Creek, keeping poor quality urban runoff from flowing into the ocean at Aliso Beach. This innovative facility also helps restore Aliso Creek to natural conditions.

• The Laguna Ocean Foundation’s Estuary Restoration Plan that involves land on both sides of Pacific Coast Highway. Included in this project is a much-needed enlargement of lagoon and stabilization of the natural berm that creates the lagoon. Initial approval was given by the Laguna Beach City Council on October 23. Next steps involve START the CEQA processes, and we will keep you posted.

• Since the berm at the Aliso Creek Estuary is being breached repeatedly by ill-informed beachgoers, OC Coast keepers are running an educational program under the heading “Berm Buddies” to help visitors understand the importance of the berm for the natural habitats existing in the lagoon, the ocean, and the berm itself.

I gathered this information at a recent meeting of the Aliso Creek Watershed Collaboration Group where I also learned, much to my chagrin, that the long-awaited Trail to the Sea that would connect Aliso Wood Canyon Park with Aliso Beach is back with the California Coastal Commission where the project’s future is very cloudy.