3:32pm | The Lost Cerritos Wetlands Authority (LCWA) celebrated the largest transfer of private wetlands into the public trust the morning of August 10th, 2011. The 100-acre parcel of wetlands came under public ownership in December 2010. The wetlands are located on the southwestern portion of the larger 175-acre Hellman Ranch in Seal Beach, immediately north of Gum Grove Park and near the intersection of 1st Street and Pacific Coast Highway.
“I am proud the LCWA’s investments in the Los Cerritos Wetlands region are growing,” says LCWA Chair and Long Beach City Councilmember Gary DeLong. “Today, we [added] 100 acres of wetlands to an existing 100-acre parcel that is already in the public trust. I’d like to thank the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, State Coastal Conservancy, City of Long Beach and City of Seal Beach for their collaborative efforts as we begin this restoration process.”
For years, governmental agencies have attempted to acquire different portions of the Los Cerritos wetlands from private owners for preservation and restoration purposes. The Hellman acquisition marks the largest transfer of private wetlands into public ownership in the region’s history.
“Seal Beach is thrilled to have facilitated the Hellman acquisition, “The acquisition was made possible by the City’s approval of the Hellman Specific Plan and the Heron Point project.” said Seal Beach Mayor Michael Levitt. “We already have Gum Grove Nature Park, which is one of the hidden treasures of this region – to be able to attach 100 acres of the Hellman Ranch to the restoration process is truly a monumental step towards preserving our natural resources.” Gum Grove Nature Park totals 15 acres and is comprised of hiking trails, eucalyptus groves and interpretive signage.
Working collaboratively with state and local governments, the City of Long Beach has also been successful in acquiring portions of the Los Cerritos Wetlands. In November 2010, the City of Long Beach finalized a land swap agreement with a local developer to bring approximately 33-acres of wetlands south of 2nd Street and east of Shopkeeper road into public ownership.
“The City of Long Beach is committed to environmental stewardship,” says Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster. “These wetlands have played an important role in the region’s history by filtering stormwater from throughout the San Gabriel watershed before it reaches our ocean. We are excited to be a part of the LCWA and look forward to the Los Cerritos Wetlands restoration process.”
For more information about the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority and restoration efforts, please visit http://lcwetlands.org/.