The California
Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Annenberg Foundation are working
to bring an interpretive center to the Ballona
Wetlands Ecological Reserve. Today, along with the State Coastal Conservancy
(SCC) and the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission (SMBRC), CDFW and the
Foundation entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to begin planning
the center in hopes construction will begin in 2014.
“We hope this
center will become a place where community members can come to learn how nature
works, and how each of them is a part of it,” said CDFW Director Charlton H.
Bonham. “This effort is the kind of legacy project we need, with education
programs to help instill a sense of stewardship in these urban communities that
might otherwise not be fulfilled.”
Though details
are still being worked out, and subject to variation pending the outcome of
environmental review, concepts for the possible 46,000 square foot building
include an auditorium, classrooms, a public lobby, exhibits on wildlife and
domestic animals, facilities for an animal adoption and care program,
veterinary facilities for animals on site, retail space, parking and office
space for staff.
Educational
goals for the facility are outlined in the MOU and are based on responsible
natural resource stewardship. The proposed interpretive center would educate
visitors on:
- The
ecological importance of the wetlands, its native habitat and how the
community can interact with it in a responsible, respectful way;
- Responsible
treatment of animals;
- Human-wildlife
interactions and how to minimize conflicts, including pet owner
responsibilities at the urban-wildland
interface;
- The
cultural history of the area including the ways that the Native Americans
incorporated wildlife and animals into their lives; and
- Other
educational messages about the importance of wetlands and conserving and
protecting wildlife and their habitats.
A key goal of
the Foundation will be to provide support for existing programs at Ballona Wetlands, such as educational tours and volunteer
opportunities. But the restoration of the Ballona
Wetlands remains a CDFW, SCC and SMBRC project. The draft state and federal
(California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act)
environmental documents will be out for public review around spring or early
summer 2013.
The concept
under consideration would create public access to a neglected portion of the
wetlands not currently accessible to the general public. Local community
meetings have commenced and will continue providing feedback that will help
shape the proposal.
The emerging
partnership with CDFW, SCC and SMBRC is a model of a productive public/private
partnership that leverages the strengths and resources of each other. The
Annenberg Foundation is committed to creating compelling community-serving
space in Los Angeles as demonstrated through the Annenberg Community Beach
House and the Annenberg Space for Photography.
Annenberg
Foundation is a family foundation that provides funding and support to
nonprofit organizations in the United States and globally. The Foundation and
its Board of Directors are also directly involved in the community with
innovative projects that further its mission to advance the public well-being
through improved communication. The Foundation encourages the development of
effective ways to share ideas and knowledge.
Media Contacts:
Jordan Traverso, CDFW Communications, (916) 654-9937, jordan.traverso@wildlife.ca.gov
Liza deVilla Ameen,
Annenberg Foundation (310) 209-4571, lameen@annenbergfoundation.org
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