(Sacramento), – The California State Lands Commission, Amigos de Bolsa Chica, and local elected officials are commemorating the 10th anniversary of the historic wetlands restoration and inlet opening, the largest wetland restoration project in southern California, that restored the Bolsa Chica Lowlands in Huntington Beach.
When: Wednesday, August 24, 2016, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Where: Pacific Coast Highway at Seapoint Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Limited parking is available at the Heliport Lot and overflow parking is available at Bolsa Chica State Beach. A shuttle is available to transport attendees from the overflow lot.
Note: Please see the following link for additional information and to register for the event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bolsa-chica-10th-anniversary-celebration-tickets-26290248842
Following the event, the Amigos de Bolsa Chica is hosting a screening of the Saving Bolsa Chica Wetlands by Endless Eye Productions. The viewing will occur at 11:30 a.m. at the Huntington Beach Central Library Theater located at 7111 Talbert Avenue, Huntington Beach.
The restoration project, covering approximately 1,247 acres, restored portions of the wetland ecosystem and tidal influence from the Pacific Ocean to half of this area to reinvigorate the wetland ecosystem. The restored tidal inlet opened on August 24, 2006, marking the first time in 107 years that the tide flowed into parts of the wetlands. The historic restoration project, the result of decades of planning and collaboration by volunteers and government entities, is the largest wetland restoration in southern California history. Post-restoration monitoring shows that the basin has meaningfully increased bay habitat and improved fishery resources. Bolsa Chica is a critical stop for migrating shorebirds on the Pacific Flyway and provides a rich invertebrate community that is a food source to these birds.
####