3:10pm | Long Beach received the final $1 million needed to move forward with a $7 million, 34-acre DeForest Wetlands Restoration project that will plant native flora, create new trails and connect the north end of DeForest Park to the south end of the Dominguez Gap Wetlands. That 90-acre connection will create direct access through 51 miles of the Lower Los Angeles River Parkway Bike Trail.
The final piece of funding was a $1 million grant authorized last month by the Board of the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC).
“Our community will be thrilled to know that we now have the ability to move forward with this very exciting project,” said 9th District City Councilman Steven Neal, in a press release. “Residents for generations to come will be able to enjoy the beauty and recreational amenities of this restored wetlands area.”
The DeForest Wetlands line the lower Los Angeles River. Construction on the project is slated to begin in summer 2011.
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September 14, 3:30pm | The City of Long Beach will receive a $2.5 million River Parkways Grant for a project to restore and protect the DeForest Wetlands, it was announced today.
The DeForest Wetlands Restoration project is part of the Lower Los Angeles River Parkway Plan, a joint project between Long Beach and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, to create more than 86 acres of functional wetlands habitat along the Los Angeles River. Funding comes from the Proposition 84 California River Parkways Grant Program.
“This is a great news for the City of Long Beach,” said Mayor Bob Foster, in a press release. “By restoring these wetlands, we’ll be adding more open space for the public’s use as well as improving water quality.”
The project plans to re-grade slopes that will restore stream flow and trails for 34 acres of freshwater wetlands, restoring habitat for local wildlife and providing recreation with accessible trails and new signage.
“This project will restore 34 acres for the DeForest Wetlands for native plants and animals to thrive again,” said Long Beach 8th District City Councilwoman Rae Gabelich, in a statement. “Combined with the Dominguez Gap Wetlands, which was made possible by Supervisor Don Knabe, this will create a wonderful wildlife habitat and provide another outdoor experience with nature for residents of Long Beach and the region to enjoy.”
Construction is expected to begin in summer 2011.
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