The Lagoon Projet

Links

Project info

Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains.

California Department of Parks and Recreation

Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project

Press

The Canyon Chronicle : CA Parks & Rec move forward on Topanga Lagoon Project

Circling the News : Controversial Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project June 11 Meeting Will Be Virtual

One Topanga : Update on the Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project

Alternative 4: (7.1 wetted acres, 10.8 acres restored): The alignment of PCH would move north allowing for the maximum amount of beach area. A portion of the historic Topanga Ranch Motel is retained with parking adjusted and allows for remodel and continued operation of a restaurant (currently Reel Inn), while also providing expanded lagoon, wetland, riparian and transitional habitat mostly to the west. No other concessions remain and parking locations shift. Partial or full relocation of public parking, concessions and overnight accommodations along the west side of Topanga Canyon Blvd. in the project area may be an option. The helipad and lifeguard headquarters are not as closely sited. This alternative maximizes managed retreat and provides the most sea level rise resilience.

Alternative 3: (7.1 wetted acres, 9.8 acres restored): This alternative preserves much of the Topanga Ranch Motel in its historic configuration and allows for remodel and continued operation of a restaurant (current Reel Inn), while also providing expanded lagoon, wetland, riparian and transitional habitat mostly to the west. No other concessions would remain in that area. Partial or full relocation or replacement of public parking, concessions and overnight accommodations along the west side of Topanga Canyon Blvd. in the project study area may be an option. The lifeguard headquarters would move slightly east, and the helipad would be on the same level as PCH and the parking lot.

California Department of Parks and Recreation

RCDSMM

Alternative 2: (9.5 wetted acres, 11.7 acres restored): This alternative provides the maximum amount of lagoon, wetland, riparian and transitional habitat, but completely removes the historic Topanga Ranch Motel and other visitor services from the project area. The dendritic channel pattern is based on conditions in 1924 before the lagoon was filled in. This alternative includes restoration of side channels of different elevations on the west side that are based on the historic configuration of the lagoon and would accommodate changing sea level and storm surge conditions. Partial or full relocation or replacement of public parking, concessions and overnight accommodations along west side of Topanga Canyon Blvd in the project area may be an option. The lifeguard headquarters and helipad would be closer to the realigned access road that will have handicapped parking on a lower level, with additional parking on the upper level.

Alternative 1: No Project/Managed Decline (0 acres restored): There would be no change to the lagoon footprint or habitat quality and no new bridge. The lifeguard headquarters will probably need to relocate due to undermining from coastal erosion and sea level rise. The Topanga Ranch Motel may or may not be restored to operational but existing non-conforming concessions and septic systems may be restricted. No improvements to habitat would occur. Sea level rise will continue to reduce beach area and threaten PCH.

LEAD AGENCIES

California Dep of Parks and Recreation (Landowner & CEQA Lead

US Army Core of Engineers (NEPA Lead)

RESPONSABLE AGENCIES

CALTRANS (landowner)

LA County Beaches & Harbor (Landowner)

RCDSMM : Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project

STATE PARKS : Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project

Southern California Wetland Recovery Project