We did it!
The California Coastal Commission approved the DeAnza Natural Plan Amendment with staff recommendations.
Great work everyone. This item will be on our September meeting agenda and we will provide more details.
Read all about it on MSN’s repost of the San Diego Union Tribune article “After years in limbo…”
We Did It: Coastal Commission Strengthens De Anza Natural Plan
On August 14, the California Coastal Commission voted unanimously to approve a strengthened De Anza Natural Plan for Mission Bay.
This landmark decision reflects years of advocacy by San Diego Bird Alliance, the 101-member ReWild Coalition, and community members who have called for meaningful wetland restoration in northeast Mission Bay. The Commission listened, and the plan is stronger because our coalition spoke with a unified voice.
What the Commission strengthened
Two years ago the City Council approved the De Anza Natural wetland restoration plan. It’s a good plan, but we didn’t get everything we needed for the future of wetlands in Mission Bay. The Coastal Commission reviewed that plan and had great recommendations. The approved modifications:
- Identify wetland creation and restoration as a major component of De Anza Natural and replaced key “should” provisions with the binding “shall.”
- Commit the City to plan for marsh migration onto the proposed island–this is the acreage that gets us Wildest! Actively used park now, and the long term marsh acreage as sea levels rise.
- Protect at least 260 acres of tidal marsh and surrounding upland, even if future studies identify conflicts with other proposed land uses.
- Plan for marsh migration and adaptable facilities as sea levels rise.
- Ensure visitor accommodations do not preclude or delay wetland and upland restoration.
- Require a Wetland Management and Implementation Plan with performance standards, monitoring, maintenance, and reporting.
Together, these provisions mean we have gotten the Wildest acreage we advocated for! With a commitment that the island becomes marsh in the future, De Anza Natural is the enforceable restoration plan of our long-term vision.
“This is just such a win for our region,” said Coastal Commissioner Matt O’Malley, who previously led San Diego Coastkeeper. “There’s really nothing else like this throughout the state in a very urbanized area.”
San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava also emphasized the importance of the plan, which balances the interests of environmental advocates, golfers, campers, and recreation supporters.
“The council’s unanimous passage of the De Anza Natural plan stands out as one of my and the city’s more significant achievements,” LaCava said.
Why this matters
Mission Bay’s wetlands provide critical habitat for birds and other wildlife while improving water quality, storing carbon, and helping our shoreline adapt to sea-level rise.
De Anza offers a rare opportunity to restore the natural connection among upland, tidal-marsh, mudflat, and eelgrass habitats in a highly urbanized area while preserving public access and improving opportunities for recreation. The strengthened plan can serve as an important model for other coastal communities facing similar challenges.
Mayor Gloria echoes the significance.
“The Coastal Commission’s unanimous approval strengthens our commitment to creating a healthier, more resilient Mission Bay while preserving public access and recreation. I thank the ReWild Coalition and everyone who helped move this important plan forward.”
The work continues
The Commission’s vote is a major milestone, but it is not the end of the work. The City of San Diego must now approve this version, scheduled to happen in mid-October. Then the City must carry these conditions through technical studies, planning, permitting, funding, and restoration; actually get us a restored, vibrant marsh!
The ReWild Coalition will remain engaged to advocate for a clear implementation timeline, responsible entities, measurable habitat goals, public and Tribal participation, and the funding needed to turn these commitments into restored habitat on the ground.
To every organization and community member who signed a letter, submitted comments, attended meetings, spoke at the hearing, or shared our message: thank you. This victory belongs to all of us.
Today, we celebrate an important win for Mission Bay. Tomorrow, we continue working to ensure this strengthened plan becomes thriving wetlands for birds, wildlife, and future generations.
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