The Army Corps of Engineers deserves a big thank you for helping to clean up Los Angeles after devastating fires and for standing up for the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve. The Army Corps rejected a phony restoration plan that we campaigned against to bulldoze the wetlands and repair failing fossil fuel infrastructure beneath the wetlands, and called out the faulty flood risk analysis in the plan, forcing state developers to revise it. 

To celebrate American Wetlands Month and Biological Diversity Day on May 22, please join us for a press conference and rally to give a giant thank you card to the Army Corps of Engineers. We will applaud the Army Corps for withdrawing the federal Environmental Impact Statement and share next steps to protect Ballona Wetlands. 

The Ballona Wetlands, which lies on the Los Angeles Coast in the midst of the Pacific Flyway, provide a home and refuge to thousands of wild animals, but it’s at risk. Recent comments from California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) officials indicate this agency is still committed to implementing a highly destructive industrial bulldozing project, in spite of a court victory we helped support. The CDFW project we oppose would decimate habitat for members of numerous endangered and rare species, including some who have been elevated to more sensitive status this past year: the monarch butterfly and Western burrowing owl.

The fossil gas facility beneath the wetlands is expanding through piecemeal permits, even as the Defend Ballona Wetlands coalition we are part of, is calling to shut down this outdated and toxic facility. Yet there are signs that our activism has been working, including a vote on February 21 by the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission to explore the gentler approach, which we recommend to improve the Ballona Wetlands.

What: Press Conference & Rally to Protect Ballona Wetlands

When: Thursday, May 22, 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. PT

Where: Los Angeles District of the Army Corps of Engineers, 915 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017

Please RSVP and arrange carpools on the Facebook event page.

Celebratory signs are encouraged. Some signs will be provided.

Wear an exclusive Ballona Wetlands t-shirt with a burrowing owl to the rally!  

We appreciate your support to help preserve Ballona Wetlands and key habitats for wild animals by making a donation today!