Saving the Ballona Wetlands Essay -- California Nature Environmental E

in the lead development exploded in atomic number 20, the relegate contained about 5 million acres of wetland habitat. Unfortunately, over the years California has been willing to get out with 91 percent of its wetlands, Southern California having scattered 95 percent. Los Angeles County has only one wetland remaining. This being the Ballona Wetlands located between Marina del Rey and the Westchester bluffs, it was erstwhile a major part of Californias natural wetland systems. Before development, Ballona wetlands natural habitat covered 2002 acres. This nation, 800 to 1000 acres, referred to as Playa Vista by its owners is made up of salt marsh freshwater marsh and part upland and dune areas. It is considered Los Angeles largest wetland ecosystem. Although degraded over the years it still helps as a normal natural wetland - providing vital services. A major function it provides is that it filters out toxic wastes and pollutants from stormwater runoff before they reach the San ta Monica Bay. It is a coastal plain, and acts as a flood plain for the surrounding area (FOBW entropy folder 1998 Fact Sheet). Ballona is an integral part of the Pacific flyaway, providing vital aliment and nesting habitat for over 185 species of birds, including some on the federal endangered species list. The southwest willow flycatcher, an endangered species, was just recently seen by developers in an area cleared for construction. Ballona is no doubt a welcomed refuge to all species, both flora and fauna, from the industrial landscape of Los Angeles. The Friends of Ballona Wetlands have said it is a spawning launch for commercial and sport fish, and a vital source of nutrients for the entire coastal marine environment (FOBW Information folder 1998 20 years of C... ...na Wetlands. http//eco.bio.lmu.edu/www.ballona/fbw.htm. 22 Jan. 98. Friends of Ballona Wetlands Information Folder. Friends of Ballona Wetlands 20 years of Commitment, Fact Sheet, Mission parameter Friends of Ballona Wetlands 1998. Helgeson, Rubell. Commentary. A Phony War to Save the Ballona Wetlands. Los Angeles Times 6 Dec. 1996 B10. Lynch, Glen. Interview. The Ballona Free Press. Westchester May. 1997 2. Tagawa, Rick. recital of the Ballona Valley. The Ballona Free Press. Westchester Nov. 1997 2. Additional References not cited Ballona Land Trust Mission Statement http//www.life.net/wetlands/bmission.html Effort To Protect Ballona Wetland Moves Forward http//www.house.gov/harman/flapgate.htm Protestors Target Spielberg, Lost World http//www.channel2000.com/ intelligence information/stories/news-970520-202436.html