Agency drops plans to plant salt grass at Sepulveda Dam site

  • Posted on 22 February 2013
  • By George Watland

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers bulldozed a 48-acre wildlife area near Sepulveda Dam in December, touching off a fierce response from activists who opposed the action and said it lacked community input. For the moment, things have changed -- and for the better.

The Angeles Chapter's Sepulveda Basin Task Force members Terrie Brady and Jan Kidwell joined Conservation Coordinator George Watland at a Feb. 21 meeting hosted by the Corps of Engineers. Representatives from several environmental organizations and the Encino Neighborhood Council along with Michael Tou from U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman's office also attended.

Discussion centered on alternative solutions for management of the Sepulveda Dam site. As a result of the meeting, the current operating project and the Corps of Engineers preferred solution of planting salt grass throughout that area -- an action opposed by Sierra Club and other environmental groups -- has been stopped in its tracks.

New alternative solutions were put forth, and the Corps of Engineers agreed to begin working on more discussions to refine these ideas over the coming weeks. This activity will result in a new solution to be produced, reviewed and published according to federal NEPA requirements.

Activists who care about this critical habitat in the San Fernando Valley should join the task force to work toward making better use of this area in the Sepulveda Basin. To join the task force, contact: 
 
Hillary Gordon: hillgordon@verizon.net
 
For more information about the habitat destroyed and updates on the project, go to the Sepulveda Basin Take Action Blog.
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Comments

There was an outing back on April 27, 2013. What purpose was the outing for? And what was the outcome? As of Feb. 22, 2013, nothing more has been posted. Is someone doing any follow up on what's going on? Are there going to be any more outings to the basin? If so, could someone please notify me prior to them? My email address: xxxxxxxxxxxxx. Thank you

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