Caring for our lagoons
While other cities have coastal wetlands, Carlsbad is technically the only city in California with three distinct lagoons. Many different agencies and organizations work together to keep these lagoons healthy and thriving.
Recently, a young California least tern was spotted testing its wings at the Batiquitos Lagoon, a sign that conservation efforts there over the past 30 years have made a difference.
Although there are signs of life around the lagoon dating back thousands of years, in the 1980s, Batiquitos Lagoon was on the decline. The I-5 freeway and coastal railroad tracks interfered with the natural tidal ebbs and flows, and water quality suffered.
In 1987, a unique opportunity to restore the lagoon came from L.A. of all places. As part of a major project in Los Angeles Harbor, the Port of Los Angeles was required to provide funding for other environmental restoration work. Long story short, the port contributed $57 million (which in today’s dollars is almost three times that amount) toward the Batiquitos Lagoon Enhancement Project.
The project reestablished natural tidal flows that had been blocked for decades by infrastructure development. This breathed new life into the lagoon, transforming it into a thriving habitat for wildlife once again.
Over the next few years, you may notice more work going on at the lagoon. SANDAG and Caltrans are set to replace the 1940s wooden trestle railroad bridge over the lagoon with one that has a wider channel that allows more tidal flow.
- This work is being done as part of a larger double tracking project up and down the rail corridor.
- The new bridge will accommodate two parallel sets of train tracks.
- Sand dredged during construction will be used to replenish South Ponto Beach and enhance existing nesting habitats for the California least tern.
If you’re interested in getting involved in the conservation of Batiquitos Lagoon or just want know more about it, the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation is a great place to start. You can also learn more about our lagoons on the city’s website.
