Conservation Corner

There’s been a lot of action of late on the conservation front in North County. As is typical these days, we have some news, good and not-so-good, to report. Here’s an update on recent issues of interest to BVAS. Lots of local heros pitched in to help on these issues.

San Luis Rey River Flood Control Project
The details have been hammered out on the plan to remove excess vegetation from the San Luis Rey River flood channel in Oceanside. In the end, BVAS favored the recommendations contained within the permit approved by the Coastal Commission in February. We trust the conditions included in the approved project will adequately protect endangered species, like the least Bell’s vireo, which depend upon this riparian habitat. Thank you to Fred Roberts for his well-written and passionate pleas for logic and common sense on this issue, and Diane Nygaard for her behind-the-scenes efforts.

Orange County Toll Road Extension
The rejection of this project by the Coastal Commission in February was all about protecting California’s state park system, ecological reserves, and other protected wildlands from the encroachment of developmentinducing capital projects. Audubon was involved in this fight at every level. This was a huge win for the environment, but one which still may face a future fight at the federal level.

Robertson Concrete Batch Plant
The Oceanside community came out in force to protest this proposed heavy industrial use on floodplain land along the wildlife corridor of Loma Alta Creek. The Planning Commission rejected the project, but four of the city council members have already suggested the possibility of approval when the project reaches them on appeal. BVAS testified against this project, following the lead of Nadine Scott, who helped guide community opposition.

Ban of Noxious Exotic Plants in Oceanside
City Council member Esther Sanchez has proposed a ban on the sale of three problem plants in the City of Oceanside. Giant reed, pampas grass, and tamarisk, are non-native plants which spread rapidly to choke out native vegetation and increase flooding danger in our riparian corridors. BV Native Plant Club president Joan Bockman was instrumental in bringing this issue to the attention of city officials.

Lagoon Hotel Update
The lagoon hotel project is presently on hold as the owner explores the possibility of selling this property for conservation use. BVAS has encouraged this course and hopes to celebrate a happy end to this story in the months ahead.

-Andy Mauro