EDC is taking action to save an exceptional coastal habitat in Ventura County.

The Ormond Beach wetlands, located in the City of Oxnard between the Port of Hueneme and the Point Mugu Naval Base, support many rare plants and hundreds of species of migratory birds, including the endangered California least tern and Western snowy plover. Like many of our dwindling Southern California wetlands, this area has been severely degraded and fragmented by human development.  For example, the Halaco Engineering Company operated a secondary metal smelter at Ormond Beach for 40 years, creating such toxic pollution that the site is now a U.S. EPA Superfund Site.

In spite of these impacts, the Ormond Beach wetlands are still renowned among scientists and nature lovers.  The State Coastal Conservancy (SCC) and The Nature Conservancy have purchased land in the Ormond Beach wetland area to permanently protect habitat, and the SCC is also leading restoration planning. If the SCC's plan can be achieved, the Ormond Beach wetland area could truly stand out among Southern California wetlands as a fully-functioning wetland, providing habitat for native species and improving migratory connections for species along the California Coast.

Two urban development projects targeted for development near the wetlands (collectively referred to as the “Ormond Beach Specific Plan”), however, threaten to undermine protection and restoration efforts. The envisioned development – commercial, light industry, and residential – marks a dramatic departure from the current agricultural land uses for which the area is zoned and utilized. If they proceed as planned, these projects will further degrade the wetlands and interfere with the SCC’s efforts to restore the wetland area. The City approved the first of the two projects in June 2011. The second project is still pending. Read here for more details about the Ormond Beach Specific Plan.

In addition, the City of Oxnard is considering adoption of a 2030 General Plan, which describes what the City will look like through the year 2030. Unfortunately, Oxnard’s vision for Ormond Beach continues to include industrial land use, which is incompatible with wetland protection and the SCC’s restoration plan. The City is expected to make a final decision on the 2030 General Plan in September 2011. Check here for more details about the 2030 General Plan.

EDC represents the Los Padres Sierra Club and the Environmental Coalition of Ventura County regarding the Ormond Beach Specific Plan and the Oxnard 2030 General Plan.