The Big Picture: Save Colorado Lagoon

The evil Carpobrotus edulis was no match for FOCL volunteers this Sunday.

“You’re going down Ice Plant!”

I say this every time I come out to a FOCL Ice Plant Removal. And this time it looks like the Colorado Lagoon is just about free of the invasive species. There are small piles of it left, decomposing into a dark black and slimy mush. But we’ll be back to finish it off.

Good riddance!

There were 17(as I remember, but correct me if I’m wrong) of us and everyone did an amazing job. Piles and piles of Ice Plant and other debris were removed (we weren’t actually pulling anything, just throwing it all in a trash truck to be smashed up!) And it was tons of work! I was amazed at how much we accomplished. There was great teamwork and plenty of enthusiasm to keep the event upbeat and fun! It was a tough job, but everyone enjoyed themselves. There was music and laughter all around us.

It was beautiful.

At the park near the WAMSEC shack, a large group of people were out and enjoying the weather. It looked like a family celebrating (maybe a birthday) with food and playing soccer. A loose ball bounced towards me and I kicked it back. They were having so much fun.

And so was I.

To be a part of purging Colorado Lagoon of such a destructive plant is something special. I have to admit, I came to the event in the worst mood. I had an awful weekend and I was just looking for an escape. To be away from the stress and worries in my life. I wanted to look beyond myself. To look at the bigger picture. And for me, the bigger picture is saving Colorado Lagoon.

It is one of Long Beach’s greatest treasures. Who wouldn’t want to save it?

Well, not everyone does. It’s not my place to say that some community members are against saving the lagoon, but they are in disagreement on a crucial part of Phase II of the lagoon’s restoration project. And these people aren’t afraid to voice that disagreement (even if it breaks the “rules” of meeting etiquette).

The city of Long Beach hosted a community meeting at Lowell Elementary last Thursday and a lot of supporters came out. Individual members gave wonderful speeches on the lagoon and its impact on their own lives as well as the community as a whole. The amount of support and love for this wetland made me understand how precious the lagoon truly is.

Our own Taylor Parker voiced his opinion. As the last comment, he summarized all the great educational opportunities the lagoon provides for local schools.

Colorado Lagoon is a priceless learning tool.

Just last Tuesday at our second TIDE meeting, Cris walked us through some history in Native American Ethnobotany. We discovered the importance of some of the native plants and the roles they played in the traditions of the Tongva tribe. There is so much to learn! And many educators (some present at the meeting) recognize the opportunities the lagoon provides for their students.

The meeting offered the public an opportunity to learn about, and comment on, alternatives for restoring circulation to Colorado Lagoon (Phase II of the restoration). The preferred alternative (according to the Environmental Impact Report) is restoring the original Open Tidal Creek between the lagoon and Alamitos Bay. It is expected to bring permanent and full tidal circulation to the lagoon. This is crucial to the overall restoration (including the flow of clean water). And as some supporters noted in the meeting, this open channel will enhance the aesthetic beauty of Marina Vista Park and the community.

But for those in opposition, major concerns are safety and the disruption of sports/recreational activities.

Again, it’s not my place to say who is right or wrong, but I do feel like people aren’t listening to the benefits. They won’t look outside themselves and see what a great opportunity this is. To restore what man ultimately destroyed. To protect a Long Beach treasure.

There is plenty of room in the park to create field space for sports like soccer. And as for safety, the Colorado Lagoon is threatened by contaminated water, trash and other issues. These are the greatest dangers. By restoring the lagoon we can make it a safe place for people to come swim. Who wouldn’t want that?

Overall the meeting felt like a heated debate. I was disappointed that a lot of discussion was lost to complaints about email listings and other side-tracked issues. The agenda was practically spelled out for everyone. All they needed to do was be patient and listen.

But some of us turned our frustration into a positive force for change. We were all pumped on Sunday. Our passion and excitement for restoration fueled us in an unbelievable way. We were energized and ready to clean up our wetland!

I had an amazing time. My mood was lifted, tangled in tree branches and covered in wet Ice Plant. Carrying giant loads of it to the trash compactor; I smiled as it swallowed it all up. And as time progressed, I found myself sunk deep in the black decomposing mush and loving every minute of it. Knowing we were piles closer to restoring our piece of Long Beach.

-Amber Parker

*Pictures taken by Amber for Ice Plant removal. For fun, Can anyone tell me the scientific name of the birds in the pics?

Also, be sure to look out for a FOCL Facebook group. It should be up soon!