The South Los Cerritos Wetlands Restoration project officially broke ground Friday morning, heralding the rehabilitation and future opening of more than 100 acres of land to the public.
Members of the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority (LCWA) board and City and State officials were in attendance to celebrate the launch of the long-awaited open space project. Funders of the project, members of Tribal Advisory Group and wildlife officials were also present for the celebration.
Visitors were welcomed with puzzle pieces to place onto a board showcasing the before and after of the rendered project. LCWA Chair and Councilmember Kristina Duggan called the project a win for open space and education.
“This has been a transformational couple of years,” Duggan said. “Thank goodness for the state coastal conservancy and the work that they bring in with two decades of work to get to the first phase of the project.”
The first phase of the restoration project will begin with the western part of the wetlands, including the western tidal swamp. This phase will also include the creation of a community hub and gathering place that will provide education, an open space for residents to learn about nature, and access for tribal groups.
LCWA boardmember and Seal Beach City Councilmember Joe Kalmick thanked the partners and funders as the project will also allow Seal Beach residents access to the wetlands.
“It’s kind of overwhelming to be able to look at this now,” Kalmick said.
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For more information about the wetlands project, along with the area’s history and details about future events, visit intoloscerritoswetlands.org.
