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Bolsa Chica wetlands and mesa
 Where is it?
The 1,700-acre Bolsa Chica wetlands ecosystem is located along the coast in Huntington Beach, Orange County, across the street from Bolsa Chica State Beach. Bolsa Chica serves as a rich and varied habitat refuge for wildlife and humans. However, Bolsa Chica will soon become "just another subdivision" -- unless we act.
Why is it important?
Bolsa Chica has an unusually rich diversity of habitats within its wetlands and mesas. Fresh water and saltwater wetlands, coastal bluff scrub, eucalyptus woods and grasslands are habitats found here. Thousands of birds use the open space at Bolsa Chica as a rest stop during long migrations. Endangered species of birds use the site, as do a host of birds of special concern.
One of the most unique and significant archeological sites in coastal Southern California lies within Bolsa Chica. Known as ORA 83, this site contains evidence of an 8,000-year-old village site and burial ground. It is the last remaining Early Holocene coastal village in Orange County. At least 25 burial sites are known within ORA 83, and more than 1,000 "cogged stones" have been found on the mesa. The only other site on earth that has been identified as an early Holocene manufacturing site similar to that found at Bolsa Chica is located in Chile. This site is now proposed for a residential housing tract.
Why is it Threatened?
Orange County is the second most populous county in the state and the
fourth most populous in the country. North Orange County is an intensely
urban area with little natural habitat areas left. The 1,700-acre Bolsa
Chica wetlands and mesas, located along the coast in Huntington Beach,
are the subject of intense development pressures. Hearthside Homes has
divided the Bolsa Chica Mesa into two parcels and now has a proposed development
plan before the Coastal Commission to build on one of the parcels (the
upper bench). We cannot let this happen.
Prop. 50 funds approved by the voters in November of 2002 identified Bolsa
Chica Mesa for acquisition. We must act now to alert our elected officials
to negotiate the acquisition of Bolsa Chica Mesa so that we can preserve
this most precious biological resource for generations to come.
What can I do?
Please copy and paste this letter, and then sign it and send it to:
Director Bob Hight
Director of Dept. of Fish and Game
1416 Ninth Street 12 floor
Sacramento, Calif. 95814
Dear Mr. Hight:
The Bolsa Chica ecosystem wetlands and mesas are an important biological
resource here in Southern California. With more than 12 million people
in L.A. and Orange counties alone, it is apparent that natural habitats
are at a premium. In November of 2002, the people passed Prop. 50 with
funding identified to acquire Bolsa Chica Mesa. I urge you to negotiate
an acquisition for the entire Bolsa Chica Mesa now.
Sincerely,
(your name and address)
Photo courtesy Connie Boardman.
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