Laguna Canyon Creek Protection and Restoration

Major Watercourse Laguna Canyon Creek is a major watercourse. The City identifies it as that and treats it as that, even if the City has neglected to update maps. For example, the Feasibility Report for the City’s Creek restoration at Laguna Canyon Road says “Laguna Canyon Creek is a major water course that drains a watershed area of approximately acres (FEMA 2009) at the project site.” (Section 3.1.1)

Nearby Creek Reaches The applicant’s contention that “…the creek is a concrete channel 300 feet upstream and 300 feet downstream with approximately 75% channelization in the reach adjacent to the project” is untrue.

300 feet south

300 feet north

In between the Longi properties and there are small sections where the creek bottom is natural, but residents have attempted to stabilize the bank by applying rip rap, gunnite, etc.

Maximum Protection The value of the section of Laguna Canyon Creek that would be impacted by the proposed project has been understated. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is the proposed project’s immediate neighbor to the west, just feet away, and Aliso and Woods Canyon Wilderness Park is located to the east. About 600 feet from the proposed project, in the Sun Valley neighborhood, is City owned open space described in a CLB Staff report as, “contiguous and ecologically connected to” the Wilderness Parks.

Distance from Project to Habitat Restoration at LCR

Habitat Restoration in Laguna Canyon Habitat Restoration has already begun at Laguna Canyon Rd. Extensive restoration will be performed, attempting to restore an oak woodland and coastal sage scrub. Further habitat restoration may involve the Creek. “The Laguna Canyon Foundation (LCF) has expressed an interest in using the residence (after renovation) on the north side of Phillips Road as a facility that would house staff and serve as a base for their education and restoration programs. LCF is dedicated to preserving, protecting, enhancing and promoting the South Coast Wilderness — a network of open space including the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park — each of which is contiguous and ecologically connected to the Project area. The two wilderness parks will benefit from the Project related restoration. ” From City of Laguna Beach Staff Report 1/6/15

Habitat Restoration Laguna Canyon Rd- LAGUNA CANYON CREEK EROSION CONTROL AND RESTORATION PROJECT

Stream rehab area LCR

Vegetation map of LCR

Habitat Value

Pilot Project The banks of Laguna Creek at the Dog Park have already been restored to a more natural condition by the removal of non-native vegetation and the planting of native trees, shrubs, and grasses. Funded by a Southern California Wetlands grant and Verizon, with contributions from the Beautification Council, the Laguna Greenbelt, the Laguna Canyon Conservancy, the Temple Hills Community Association and Village Laguna

Habitat Maintenance The Laguna Canyon Foundation, partnering with the Orange County Conservation Corps works on all the City maintained areas of Laguna Canyon Creek, removing invasive plant species, debris and litter within the creek and outer banks.

Regional Significance Laguna Coast Wilderness Park to the west Aliso and Woods Canyon Wilderness Park to the east Jim Dilley Preserve to the North Former DeWitt Property (Burn Site Remediation/Phillips Rd) approx 600 feet from the proposed project site, connects Laguna Coast Wilderness and Aliso Woods Canyon

Surrounded

Maximum Protection This project is located on a major watercourse with high habitat value. That value is leveraged by the project’s location between major habitat restoration projects upstream and downstream. The project is located between 3 areas of Open Space – 2 Wilderness Parks, and a City owned area (potentially) to be managed by Laguna Canyon Foundation The LCP requires a minimum of 25 ft setback from the bank. But given the value and fragility of the area, a greater setback should be required.