Oceanside granted $1M for wetlands restoration

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has awarded a $1 million grant for the first phase of construction of the Loma Alta Slough wetlands enhancement project.

The work, which could begin in late 2022, will restore and enhance 6 acres of coastal wetland and upland habitat along the Loma Alta Creek near Buccaneer Beach in southern Oceanside. Plans include more than 1,500 feet of nature trails with educational signs and connections to nearby facilities such as Buccaneer Park.

When healthy, small creeks and estuaries like Loma Alta provide a home for unusual species such as the tidewater goby, a native California fish less than 2 inches long. However, urbanization and development lead to stagnation and poor water quality that degrade the native species’ habitat and the nearby public beach.

Restoration involves excavating about 8,700 cubic yards of infill to create new wetland and upland zones, the removal of invasive vegetation, and the installation of a range of native plants to provide wildlife refuge, city officials said.

The improvements will expand the wildlife habitat, improve water quality and protect against flooding from sudden stormwater flows on the creek, which drains nearly 6,300 acres or about 10 square miles through the center of Oceanside and part of Vista.

“Following years of conceptual planning, the award ... sets the stage to make the restoration of Loma Alta Slough a reality,” said Cari Dale, Oceanside water utilities director, in a news release Thursday.

“This award, under partnership with the state Coastal Conservancy, is a testament to the city’s efforts to protect our local waterways, provide outdoor experiences for our community, and ensure long-term resiliency for coastal infrastructure,” Dale said.

The award complements previous grants, bringing a total of $1,635,000 dedicated to the project. Final design, environmental compliance and permit acquisition is expected to be complete later this year.

Money for the program comes from taxes collected from the sale of fishing equipment, boats and motorboat fuels under the Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950.