Additional protection as development proposals proceed under the new zoning for the lands in and around Los Cerritos Wetlands

Additional protection as development proposals proceed under the new zoning for the lands in and around Los Cerritos Wetlands


One of the good things about the new zoning (known as SEASP) for the lands in and around Los Cerritos Wetlands was the creation of a wetlands mitigation fund. Developers proposing to re-develop land near Los Cerritos Wetlands must pay into that fund to help mitigate the indirect impacts that their higher, denser developments will bring to the area. These impacts will be generated by the increased population around this unique and highly sensitive natural wetlands resource.


The Sensitive Coastal Resource Fee will be $.25 per gross square foot for new (where there is a net increase in square footage) development. Which amounts to a total dollar figure of $670,000. The impact fee applies to approximately 2,547 units and 307,071 gross square feet of non-residential uses.


The fee is derived from calculations focused on the estimated cost of the assumed “impact area,” which would be development adjacent to the Los Cerritos Wetlands, in the amount of 8 acres.


This is an innovative and forward-thinking aspect of the new zoning and we were happy to see it included in the original authorizing vote for SEASP. On Tuesday the City Council voted to put the fee into place. While we wish the amount available for protecting our local wetlands was more, we recognize that the City had to balance legal, conservation, and other issues to come up with the fee amount. And you can be sure we will be working with the City to add to or improve this new mitigation fee ordinance where possible. Click here to see the agenda item that was before the City Council on Tuesday night and here to read our letter of concern.

Remembering a special person


I was very sad to hear about the passing of Timothy Anderson, former Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust Executive Director. He might even have been the very first one. I never met Tim in person but I heard many interesting stories about him and, as is so common these days, got to know him through his postings on Facebook.

He was truly beloved by so many people both here in Long Beach and also in Mer Rouge, Louisiana, where he retired.

Below are how Tim’s brother Carey Anderson described Tim from a Facebook account of his memorial service.


My brother was a hoot. He loved most everyone, designed and built great and beautiful boats, and loved sailing, nature, birds, and libraries. Tim used to tell me “ libraries should be open 24 hours and have free coffee”, and requested that he be buried with his most valuable possession, his Library Card! He loved the Morehouse Parish Library, one of the librarians came and spoke at the service. Tim finished the 8th grade and took off from home seeking adventure and understanding and he never stopped learning and acquiring new skills. He could build computers, and 3D print tools he designed, use his laser printer and cutter, build a curved Oak stair rail, and designed some great boats. He built me the world’s most beautiful sailing canoe, no brag, just fact.


You gotta give a shout-out and a thank you to all who work to preserve the natural world and wild spaces of our planet and Tim Anderson was one of those people. Please send a thought and a prayer to all who loved Tim and let’s keep on working together to protect and preserve local important natural areas like Los Cerritos Wetlands.
Join us for a walk on December 3rd

Join us for a walk on December 3rd


Come check out the Los Cerritos Wetlands on Saturday, December 3rd. This guided outdoor walking tour is led by environmental educators from Tidal Influence, a local environmental firm that is actively working to restore the wetlands. Our Raptor Ramble nature walk will begin with a brief orientation to the Los Cerritos Wetlands, followed by a stroll through heritage coastal sage scrub and historic dredge spoils while looking for raptors (birds of prey) and other birds that nest in the area. As we pass the salt flats, we may see tiger beetles and coyote tracks while hiking up to the Heron Pointe Cultural trail.
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WHERE: Meet in the driveway/parking area at the corner of 1st St and PCH in Seal Beach. Close-toed shoes required, and kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. There are no bathrooms along the route so please plan accordingly.
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WHEN: Saturday, December 3rd, at 8:00 am sharp! The parking lot gate will open at 7:45 AM and close at 8:10 AM. No latecomers can be admitted, and all participants must stay for the entire walk, which will end by 10:00 AM.
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Reserve your spot via our Eventbrite page. Feel free to send me an email if you have any questions.


Hope to see you there!
BE SAFE Trips are Back and Sponsored by the Port of Long Beach

BE SAFE Trips are Back and Sponsored by the Port of Long Beach


The Port of Long Beach (in partnership with the Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust) participated in Long Beach Parks, Recreation & Marine summer programming this year by sponsoring field trips to Los Cerritos Wetlands for kids who are enrolled in summer programs at Silverado, Drake, Seaside and Admiral Kidd Park (as well as other parks in Long Beach).  
 
On these wetlands field trips kids learn about the value of protecting wetlands and the role wetlands play in a functioning ecosystem. As part of the field trip experience, attendees help plant a wetlands plant which helps restore and bring our local wetlands back to life and they participate in an educational walk through Zedler Marsh where environmental educators help kids learn about wetlands plants, and animals.  
 
Sadly, due to COVID protocols, these popular field trips were canceled for the last couple of years, but now they are back! It was great to see our youth learning firsthand why it is important to protect our local wetlands while at the same time making memories and expanding their knowledge of an important ecosystem. 
 
You can check out the Los Cerritos Wetlands for yourself by attending a free-of-charge guided nature walk that takes place on the first Saturday of the month from 8:00 AM until 10:00 AM. Hosted by the Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust, there are three different tours that you can sign up for, the Heron Hike, Turtle Trek, and Raptor Ramble. For more information or to rsvp email Elizabeth  
 
The Los Cerritos Wetlands is a unique resource that provides the community with an opportunity to spend quality time in nature while also serving as important coastal habitat for threatened species.