View of channelized wetland in Oceanside, CA July 9, 2008 - Photo Credit: J.Hendron

View of a different segment of the same wetland that was conserved as mitigation for development. July 9, 2008 Photo Credit: J. Hendron

Diane Nygaard of Preserve Calavera pointing out El Salto Falls to Barbara Henry, North County Times Reporter. July 9, 2008 Photo Credit: J.Hendron

View of El Salto Falls in Oceanside, CA July 9, 2008 Photo Credit: J. Hendron

From Left to right: Marci Koski, Carlsbad FWO; Maleah Ashford, Agua Hedionda Watershed Coordinator; and Carolyn Lieberman, Acting Coastal Program Manager, Carlsbad FWO July 9, 2008 Photo Credit: J. Hendron

 Jane Hendron, Carlsbad FWO
A July 9, 2008, press conference and walking tour gave media members the opportunity to learn about the risks facing wetlands in San Diego County, and the efforts that are underway to protect, conserve, and restore them. 

Participants in the press conference included Diane Nygaard, founder Preserve Calavera, Maleah Ashford, Agua Hedionda Watershed Coordinator, Andrew Mauro, member of the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy Board of Directors, and Jane Hendron, Carolyn Lieberman, and Marci Koski from the Service’s Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office.

     Following the press conference, media were escorted along a busy avenue to see the impact of channelization on natural wetland functions, sources of pollution from road runoff, irrigation, and trash. This spot was contrasted with a naturally flowing portion of the same creek just across the street that was protected as mitigation for a nearby development project. 

     The tour wrapped up with a visit to El Salto Falls, located behind a shopping center and adjacent to a quarry.  The media tour highlighted the extreme fragmentation of historic wetlands in southern California and clearly illustrated the need to protect these few remaining wetland areas for the benefit of both wildlife and people.