-9 at the time. The annexation failed in part because St. Malo residents wrote 25 letters in protest. They had been alerted by the Keith-Tenaglia

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In December 1963, Bierce called a meeting of concerned property owners to explain his plans.

pilings. Canals 100 feet wide would go between the buildings. All kinds of boats could sail or motor in the canals.

Engineers employed by Bierce did a study of the lagoon in 1964/ and concluded that the water was basically sewage

It would haveib be filled unless a new source of water was found. Sea water was the answer.

Pipes on trestles in the ocean would provide a stable water level. No one liked this idea.

It would be expensive and a maintenance district should be formed to share the cost.

Both alternatives would need easements from the property owners at the lagoon's mouth, Keith-Tenaglia at St.

1 -9 at the time. The annexation failed in part because St. Malo residents wrote 25 letters in protest. They had been alerted by the Keith-Tenaglia Family. In December 1963, Bierce called a meeting of concerned property owners to explain his plans. Those attending included the BVL Association, Nature Conservancy, the Army & Navy Academy in Carlsbad, and the Tenaglias for St. Malo. it was a very elaborate plan with dredged and filled fingers of land for 260 building sites protected by dikes and pilings. Canals 100 feet wide would go between the buildings. All kinds of boats could sail or motor in the canals. It was to be a second Venice. The only problem was the water supply. Engineers employed by Bierce did a study of the lagoon in 1964/ and concluded that the water was basically sewage effluent. When the new treatment plant was ready in about 6 months,-the lagoon would dry up. It would haveib be filled unless a new source of water was found. Sea water was the answer. To do this the present water level would be allowed to drop to sea level, about 5 6 feet. Pipes on trestles in the ocean would provide a stable water level. No one liked this idea. An alternative was to maintain the present water level and install a pumping plant on the beach. It would be expensive and a maintenance district should be formed to share the cost. The engineers were questioned about similar installations in operation but they could not name any. Both alternatives would need easements from the property owners at the lagoon's mouth, Keith-Tenaglia at St. Maio, and :he Army & Navy Academy in Carlsbad. Remembering past attempts to bring in seawater like Dunn's flume which failed; both refused to grant the easements. Bierce declared bankruptcy in 1964 and the Bird Island project ended. My mother, Louise Keith, had given me the St. Malo lagoon in She was in poor health and died in The same year the long awaited and much needed Encinas Joint Powers Plant (Oceanside, Carlsbad and Vista) began operations and sewage discharges into the lagoon ended. The Bird Island property reverted to its lender, Palomar Savings & Loan.

-10 Other developers presented projects to the City of Oceanside.

could be bought at a reduced price by Nature Conservancy or the BVL Assoc.

Conservation Board in buying all the Bird Island property.

Maio pipes and two large pipes installed by Oceanside and Carlsbad as replacements

Without pipes there was no control over the water level.

The idea of a weir or spillway was suggested by Dave Rorick, one of Oceanside's

a design for the weir. 1968 was an epic year for the Buena Vista Lagoon.

of Fish & Game leased the Conservancy's acres of wet lands, with lease payments as

The Brodie-Bird Island property was now called Lake St.

2 -10 Other developers presented projects to the City of Oceanside. None were as elaborate or extensive as Bierce's Wan but they all included filling of water areas. Suggestions were made that the developers would split off wet lands and that these could be bought at a reduced price by Nature Conservancy or the BVL Assoc. At the same time, Nature Conservancy was trying to interest the State Wildlife Conservation Board in buying all the Bird Island property. In 1968, one of the more aggressive developers threatened to sue Oceanside for denying its tentative map. Severe storms in the winter of '68 and '69 washed out both sets of St. Maio pipes and two large pipes installed by Oceanside and Carlsbad as replacements but these were also lost in Without pipes there was no control over the water level. It was an immediate and serious problem. The idea of a weir or spillway was suggested by Dave Rorick, one of Oceanside's most distinguished citizens and a member of the boards of the BVL Assoc. and the Audubon Society. He discussed his plan with Alton Ruden, Oceanside City Engineer, and work began on a design for the weir was an epic year for the Buena Vista Lagoon. The first step in State acquisition of wet lands began with passage of Assemblyman Stull's Ecological Reserve Bill. This classified Nature Conservancy's 80 acres as part of the reserve. The Dept. of Fish & Game leased the Conservancy's acres of wet lands, with lease payments as part of the future purchase. The Brodie-Bird Island property was now called Lake St. Maio or Lake Shores and the new owner requested permission to fill 16 acres. In September there was a tumultuous public hearing on the request before the Oceanside Planning Commission. About 200 people attended and most were in opposition. Representatives from Nature Conservancy and the National Audubon Society came and testified against the proposal. The Planning Commission denied the plan and the developer threatened to sue. In October Fish & Game classified Nature Conservancy's holdings as an ecological reserve. This became effective in November and was the state's first ecological

In May, the Wildlife Conservation Board agreed to buy the property for $265,000, about

In August, another developer requested rezoning for adjacent lagoon wet lands owned by

The Planning Commission sided with the developer.

The freeway between Oceanside and Carlsbad was built in 1953, with an overcrossing for

In 1969, a full interchange between 15 and 78 was absolutely necessary to relieve

In October, the weir designed by Alton Ruden was complete.

extending from the beach to the railroad right-of-way on the east for the channel.

The State was approached through the Wildlife Conservation Board and Fish & Game.

Wildlife Conservation Board and Ray Arnett.

3 -11 reserve was equally eventful. In April the Lake Shores developer sued the City. In May, the Wildlife Conservation Board agreed to buy the property for $265,000, about $4,000 an acre. In August, another developer requested rezoning for adjacent lagoon wet lands owned by Buena Vista Ltd. About 250 people attended the hearing to object. The Planning Commission sided with the developer. In November, the City Council reversed the Planning Commission's decision. The freeway between Oceanside and Carlsbad was built in 1953, with an overcrossing for Vista Way or Hwy. 78. In 1969, a full interchange between 15 and 78 was absolutely necessary to relieve congestion. This required considerable lagoon fill for the ramps. In October, the weir designed by Alton Ruden was complete. It was a treated timber weir in the form of sheet piling, priced at just under $20,000, and was to be 80 feet wide. Ruden estimated about 30 days for construction and emphasized the need to begin before winter storms. The Tenaglias and the Army & Navy Academy offered to dedicate 80 feet of property extending from the beach to the railroad right-of-way on the east for the channel. Now came the hard part. Who would pay for it? The State was approached through the Wildlife Conservation Board and Fish & Game. Henry Tenaglia saw an impasse developing and went to Sacramento to see Ray Nesbit at Wildlife Conservation Board and Ray Arnett. Ray Nesbit said that since they had just bought the wet lands, some other agency should pay for protecting them. Ray Arnett at Fish & Game said the pipes controlling the water level were in place when they purchased the property and this was not their responsibility. It was also their position that no more lagoon acreage would be acquired until a stable water level control was operating. Both agencies asked him to make this clear to the cities and Nature Conservancy. The result was that Nature Conservancy said they would contribute $5,000, but Huey Johnson, the director, expected the money to come from a local fund-raising effort.

-12 1970 was the year it all came together. The weir money was raised by a joint effort.

Oceanside and Carlsbad each appropriated $5,000 and St. Malo gave $1,425 in individual donations.

With the guarantee of water level control, Fish & Game classified 60 more lagoon acres as an

Malo-Lake Shores property where the fight began in 1962.

in September 1970. Actual construction was completed in June 1971. The weir was 50-ft.

This was caused by a cobble layer too dense to penetrate so drilling had to begin again in another

Malo land and water to the residents. No one was interested.

The legal mechanism to operate the weir meant that the city boundaries between Oceanside and

This extended from the Pacific Ocean to the railroad on the east. A 40-ft.

by the Tenaglias of their St Maio property in Oceanside.

4 was the year it all came together. The weir money was raised by a joint effort. Nature Conservancy's contribution was $8,800. Oceanside and Carlsbad each appropriated $5,000 and St. Malo gave $1,425 in individual donations. This was in response to a letter by Henry Tenaglia and one from the BVL Assoc. With the guarantee of water level control, Fish & Game classified 60 more lagoon acres as an ecological reserve. This was the Brodie-Bird Island-Lake St. Malo-Lake Shores property where the fight began in The agreement for weir construction between Stait Engineering and Nature Conservancy was finalized in September Actual construction was completed in June The weir was 50-ft. in length instead of the 80-ft. as designed. This was caused by a cobble layer too dense to penetrate so drilling had to begin again in another area. In 1971, we offered to sell some or all of our underdeveloped St. Malo land and water to the residents. No one was interested. In 1973, we began discussions with the State about a possible purchase. The legal mechanism to operate the weir meant that the city boundaries between Oceanside and Carlsbad would be changed. The dividing line would now be the center of the 80 ft. weir channel. This extended from the Pacific Ocean to the railroad on the east. A 40-ft. easement was given by the Army & Navy Academy in Carlsbad, and 40 ft. by the Tenaglias of their St Maio property in Oceanside. Both cities would maintain the weir with work done primarily by Oceanside but with an equal sharing of costs to be paid by Carlsbad. Since only two landowners were involved, this complex project was done easily and swiftly. The new boundary line was to follow the natural drainage path from the center of the trestle south and west to the ocean. The old boundary line had been straight and on a diagonal. The Academy owned most of the beach frontage, but much less area east of it. Originally, we were to exchange property, but the Academy wanted us to buy their land instead. The Academy's property plus our vacant land next to the old drainage pipes extended the southern boundary of St. Malo to the weir channel. Four beach frontage lots and

-13 six lots between the lagoon and the beach road were created. The road continued south to the weir and east to the lagoon.

The Coastal Commission had just taken over permit authority from the cities and our application was approved unanimously in 1973. Construction began soon after.

filling and the Board's objectives for the lagoon.

He also stated that WCB intended to fill some islands for wildlife habitat. WCB acquired 23 acres on the northwestern end, and in 1973, another 33 acres were added.

A Master Plan for public use of facilities would be developed.

It was recommended that hunting, trapping, boating, and surface contact sports be prohibited. Uncontrolled dogs would not be allowed and leash laws should be enforced.

5 -13 six lots between the lagoon and the beach road were created. The road continued south to the weir and east to the lagoon. The plan with maps illustrating it were explained in detail to all St. Malo residents. We planned to build a new house for ourselves on one of the lagoon frontage lots. The Coastal Commission had just taken over permit authority from the cities and our application was approved unanimously in Construction began soon after. The Wildlife Conservation Board continued to purchase lagoon wet lands and in February 1972, Foster Knight of the San Diego Attorney General's office inquired about lagoon filling and the Board's objectives for the lagoon. Ray Nesbit, the Director, replied that filling was necessary for the weir and channel and keeping the lagoon as a fresh water body with a uniform water level was the aim. He also stated that WCB intended to fill some islands for wildlife habitat. WCB acquired 23 acres on the northwestern end, and in 1973, another 33 acres were added. In May 1973, Oceanside and Carlsbad met with Fish & Game to discuss a management and coordination plan for the lagoon. A Master Plan for public use of facilities would be developed. The initial phase called for water monitoring stations, maintaining the old pilings as perch poles and a wildlife inventory. Domestic water fowl were to be removed. It was recommended that hunting, trapping, boating, and surface contact sports be prohibited. Uncontrolled dogs would not be allowed and leash laws should be enforced. In 1974, Nature Conservancy deeded 74 acres to Wildlife Conservation, 39% of the Ecological Reserve, and a total of 190 acres was now under Fish & Game control. WCB paid $798,500 and the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, using matching funds from the Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund, provided $652,926 as its part in preserving BVL. Meanwhile in St. Malo, a lawyer who was also a property owner persuaded six residents to join in a suit against the Tenaglia family. He claimed we had no right to extend the existing south road to the weir, to our house and

the other new lots. We were fortunate to have a very knowledgeable real estate attorney defending us.

Another group of residents thought a better idea would be to buy the lagoon from us.

This was done and the St. Maio Lagoon Assoc. became the owner of the west lagoon in October 975.

if needed. The lagoon association members were all members of the St.

Fish & Game began management of the lagoon and started to develop a long-range plan.

adult midge population. In June 1976, the Department of Health reported on the midge problem.

$.\(\, 3)-Rern e bottom sludge from past sewage effluent discharges, 4) Reduce' mosquito attraction to homes by artificial$ light sources, 5) Do nothing, 6) Do all these things.

light sources, 5) Do nothing, 6) Do all these things.

6 the other new lots. We were fortunate to have a very knowledgeable real estate attorney defending us. The suit was settled in our favor in September The attorney who filed the suit threatened to appeal. Another group of residents thought a better idea would be to buy the lagoon from us. They convinced the litigants to drop the appeal and instead contribute funds to acquire the lagoon. This was done and the St. Maio Lagoon Assoc. became the owner of the west lagoon in October 975. It was to be kept in a natural state except that a tennis court along the railroad property could be added at a future date if needed. The lagoon association members were all members of the St. Malo Beach Association and the two associations merged in Fish & Game began management of the lagoon and started to develop a long-range plan. In 1975, state and local health departments became concerned about mosquitoes and began surveillance of the larvae and adult midge population. In June 1976, the Department of Health reported on the midge problem. Possible solutions were: 1) Biological control through fish management, stocking the agoon with ;species, of garnbusla'to eat the larvae, 2) Change water quality through tidal flushing,. ))..\(\, 3)-Rern e bottom sludge from past sewage effluent discharges, 4) Reduce' mosquito attraction to homes by artificial light sources, 5) Do nothing, 6) Do all these things. In July 1976, Fish & Game approved the use of Baytex to control mosquitoes. In 1978, 2.6 acres were added to the Ecological Reserve. This was land owned by the California Department of Transportation. The winter storms of caused a large amount of sediment to wash down from the BVL Creek watershed. Fish & Game applied to FEMA for $1:04 million to dredge the lagoon and remove the siltation. This request and a later appeal were denied. A BVL Action Committee was formed of citizens, council people and organizations to obtain money for lagoon restoration. -14

-15 It was apparent that there was a variety of levels on the lagoon frontage in St. Malo.

commissioned a study by Moffat & Nichol Engineers to recommend an elevation to prevent flooding.

At that time, Oceanside was completely cut off and supplies had to be brought by boat and off-loaded from the pier.

The lowest level was 9.5 and this was where the water entered.

The berm was raised and the long process of widening the weir began.

Oceanside began applying for oermits to the various agencies involved.

The city passed an ordinance requiring the property owners to clear them out.

The weir widening project was expected to begin in the fall and tule removal might be coordinated with it.

7 -15 It was apparent that there was a variety of levels on the lagoon frontage in St. Malo. This would have to be corrected to safeguard everyone. In 1980, the St. Maio Assoc. commissioned a study by Moffat & Nichol Engineers to recommend an elevation to prevent flooding. Their report compared the storms to a very destructive historic flood of At that time, Oceanside was completely cut off and supplies had to be brought by boat and off-loaded from the pier. The recommendation was to widen the present 50 ft. weir to 80 ft. and raise the berm level to 11.5 above mean sea 'eve'. The lowest level was 9.5 and this was where the water entered. It flooded the roads and pooled in the old tennis court, which was at The berm was raised and the long process of widening the weir began. Oceanside and Carlsbad supported the widening and each allocated $6,000. Oceanside began applying for oermits to the various agencies involved. An ongoing problem was the vigorous and rapid growth of tules, especially on the Carlsbad, side next to the channel. The city passed an ordinance requiring the property owners to clear them out. If nothing was done, the city would do it and bill the owner. The weir widening project was expected to begin in the fall and tule removal might be coordinated with it. Neither of these hopes was realized. BVL was the subject of many studies beginning in July of Oceanside commissioned a study of water flow in the lagoon watershed from Hunsaker Engineers of San Diego. The devastaling winter storms of made it vitally important to prevent further damage. The decade of the '80s produced more studies than had ever been done before. In January 1980, the City of Oceanside issued a 34 page report as part of its local coastal program. This was highly technical, especially about water quality. St. Malo had experienced severe damage to its seawall and lagoon flooding. An engineering report from Moffat & Nichol for the association in September recommended well widening and raising the berm around the lagoon

-16 to 11.5 ft. above mean sea level. We have been attempting to do this ever since. $1,000,000 was appropriated for a lagoon restoration project in 1981.

treasury to the new BVL Foundation president, Dr. Regg Antle. The following year the State Board of Water Quality funded an engineering study of the lagoon watershed with a grant of $52,500.

_ Foundation & the Buena Vista Audubon Society agreed to build and operate a nature center on land leased from Oceanside.

Each city has three votes, two are council members and one is a citizen member. The meetings are open to the public and the press. Regg Antle is the chairman.

Vegetation was slow because the dredged mud was rock-hard when it dried. Sand was put on top tc attract least terns and plants began to appear.

8 -16 to 11.5 ft. above mean sea level. We have been attempting to do this ever since. $1,000,000 was appropriated for a lagoon restoration project in Half of the money came from Fish & Game's budget and the rest from a bill by Sen. Craven. In 1982, Henry Tenaglia donated the remaining cash in the I3VL Assoc. treasury to the new BVL Foundation president, Dr. Regg Antle. The following year the State Board of Water Quality funded an engineering study of the lagoon watershed with a grant of $52,500. There was interest in a flush-gate concept in the widened weir with the aim of moving sediment to the ocean. In 1983, the BVI._ Foundation & the Buena Vista Audubon Society agreed to build and operate a nature center on land leased from Oceanside. The Tr- City Joint Powers Committee of Oceanside, Vista and Carlsbad was formed by the BVLF to coordinate management of the lagoon watershed. Each city has three votes, two are council members and one is a citizen member. The meetings are open to the public and the press. Regg Antle is the chairman. The meetings are well attended especially when there is a controversy. In March 1983, dredging began in the eastern lagoon. Four new islands for wild life were created. Vegetation was slow because the dredged mud was rock-hard when it dried. Sand was put on top tc attract least terns and plants began to appear. The weir enlargement project was ready for state funding. In April 1984, the $105,000 allocated was deleted by the legislative analyst because it was primarily a flood control project rather than to enhance the wetland habitat. In 1985, the Coastal Conservancy commissioned a study of the lagoon's watershed and a sediment control plan the Applegate Study. The study said that until 1960, the upper east end had been a wide flat marsh that trapped sediment before it entered the lagoon. Upstream catch basins were recommended; the weir should be widened to 80 ft., the bridge over Coast Highway should be widened to 100 ft. and the roadbed raised. The channel under the 15 bridge should be deepenec and periodic dredging would always be

-17 needed. These recommendations were very expensive and nothing was done. The conditions noted in the Applegate St.

got permission from the Coastal Commission to spray the tules, cut and pull them out with a mechanical weed harvester, and put them in a

A pipe at the Vista/Carlsbad pumping station in the upper lagoon was broken by accident and raw sewage flowed out.

In 1995, the mosquito problem reached crisis proportions.

Manual removal of tules was attempted by brave people in boats, but it was soon realized that this was impossible.

At Rancho Guajome east of Oceanside they were hired to clear a small lake.

Spraying napalm from a helicopter required even more permits. A proposed commercial development for a large property north of Hwy.

9 -17 needed. These recommendations were very expensive and nothing was done. The conditions noted in the Applegate St.. dy continued and grew worse, especially the tule population. The St. Maio Assoc. got permission from the Coastal Commission to spray the tules, cut and pull them out with a mechanical weed harvester, and put them in a dumpster. The cost was about $15,000. in 1994, a major sewage spill of almost 5 million gallons occurred. A pipe at the Vista/Carlsbad pumping station in the upper lagoon was broken by accident and raw sewage flowed out. Sanitation workers in boats collected dead fish, but ducks and other shore birds were quicker and happily ate many of the dead fish. In 1995, the mosquito problem reached crisis proportions. Vector Control was unable to get its boats through the tule forest to spray breeding sites. Manual removal of tules was attempted by brave people in boats, but it was soon realized that this was impossible. Various proposals for tule control were discussed. A representative from Oceanside Fire Dept. said that tule burning was expensive. At Rancho Guajome east of Oceanside they were hired to clear a small lake. Locating and escorting the homeless out of the tules was the hard part. The burn was easy. Spraying napalm from a helicopter required even more permits. A proposed commercial development for a large property north of Hwy. 78 at Jefferson St. called Pacific Coast Plaza, came before the City council. The public hearings were filled with protesters because of the size of the project and Wal-Mart as the anchor tenant. The project was approved with drainage fees required. These could be used for flood control and widening the weir. With money available, weir design began again. Long-range planning for the lagoon was a first step in securing grants. In 1996, the Joint Powers Committee finalized a Strategic Plan with five major goals: 1) Enhance and protect fish, wild-life, and their habitat, 2) Improve water flow and widen the weir,

-18 3) Seek funds and grants, 4) Need for environmentally compatible recreation the Boardwalk along Coast Hwy.

In 1996 and 1997, planning efforts continued.

Should it have a movable gate section to flush out sediments?

At the March 1998 JPC meeting, the Water Quality Board representative proposed tidal flushing.

It would also mean that the lagoon would cease to be a fresh water body.

At the next JPC meeting in May, there was an 8 0 vote in favor of the weir.

prohibited importing sea water. Also, Fish & Game required a stable water level before buying the lagoon.

In 1999, many more lagoon conservation and planning groups are appearing at county, state, and federal levels.

10 -18 3) Seek funds and grants, 4) Need for environmentally compatible recreation the Boardwalk along Coast Hwy. between Oceanside and Carlsbad, 5) Integrate an educational and promotional effort. In 1996 and 1997, planning efforts continued. The weir project seemed to be going well but the design became controversial. Should it have a movable gate section to flush out sediments? While this was being debated an opposing concept of NO weir at all was suggested. At the March 1998 JPC meeting, the Water Quality Board representative proposed tidal flushing. This would mean lowering the water level about 5 6 ft. so ocean water could enter. It would also mean that the lagoon would cease to be a fresh water body. When it came to a vote on the weir, it was a 4-4 tie. At the next JPC meeting in May, there was an 8 0 vote in favor of the weir. This was because the members were reminded that the original recorded weir agreement between Oceanside and Carlsbad prohibited importing sea water. Also, Fish & Game required a stable water level before buying the lagoon. The final weir design is to have a knock-out section to be used if necessary. In 1999, many more lagoon conservation and planning groups are appearing at county, state, and federal levels. The North County lagoons are considered as "A String of Pearls." This is a tool to be used in grant applications. The BVLF is the lead agency for Fish & Game's Land Management Plan. It has submitted a Memorandum of Understanding for development that calls for a Request for Proposals. These have just been received by the board of BVLF and will be evaluated' and a contract awarded. After BVLF approval, it goes to the Joint Powers Committee. Tidal flushing has been revived again as an alternate to widening the weir. Grieg Peters of the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board has obtained a grant to do a Buena Vista Lagoon Tidal Flow-Feasability Study as a

Wetlands Recovery Project. The estimated cost is $250,000.

The Carlsbad Watershed Network (the 4 coastal lagoons and Escondido Creek) agreed to this.

This is difficult to envision in a fresh water body like the Buena Vista Lagoon as we know it.

The relative merits of salt versus fresh seem to be based on a belief ;n the availability of money for salt water projects.

Lagoon. -19 Another new idea is under consideration for the coastal lagoons by a federal agency, US Fish & Wild-Life Service.

The goby is a very small fish not exceeding 2 inches in length and is proposed to be listed as an endangered or threatened species.

Pendleton are possibilities. The habitat would extend from the ocean about 2.1 miles upstream.

Agua Hedionda is a tidal salt water lagoon with a jetty bringing in sea water.

11 Wetlands Recovery Project. The estimated cost is $250, to be funded from the "Ag Money" (paid by developers in Carlsbad to mitigate loss of agricultural lands). The Carlsbad Watershed Network (the 4 coastal lagoons and Escondido Creek) agreed to this. An outline of the project states as a goal the "restoration" of more than 120 acres of tidal salt marsh. This is difficult to envision in a fresh water body like the Buena Vista Lagoon as we know it. The only salt water seepage creating brackish conditions is at the weir. The relative merits of salt versus fresh seem to be based on a belief ;n the availability of money for salt water projects. The last major funding was frorh harbor improvements at the Port of Long Beach with mitigation money paying for dredging at Batiquitos Lagoon. -19 Another new idea is under consideration for the coastal lagoons by a federal agency, US Fish & Wild-Life Service. There is a "Proposal to Designate Critical Habitat for the Tidewater Goby". The goby is a very small fish not exceeding 2 inches in length and is proposed to be listed as an endangered or threatened species. In southern San Diego County the Agua Hedionda Lagoon (Kelly's slough) in Carlsbad, the Buena Vista Lagoon and several creeks at Camp Pendleton are possibilities. The habitat would extend from the ocean about 2.1 miles upstream. Activities such as dredging or construction of flood control devices (weirs) altering water quality or quantity might be prohibited. Agua Hedionda is a tidal salt water lagoon with a jetty bringing in sea water. The San Diego Gas & Electric Company owns most of the lagoon and leases parts of it as fish hatcheries and sea food farms. A large section of open water is devoted to pleasure boating and water skiing, etc. These activities would be incompatible with a critical habitat designation. Concerned citizens and companies led to a public hearing organized by the local agency of Fish & Wild-Life. Bob Norvet and I and Ron Wootton, Executive Director of the Buena Vista Lagoon Foundation, attended the November 1999 meeting. There were many speakers, all in opposition. Ron Wootton stated that gobys are not now

-20 and have not been present in the Buena

12 -20 and have not been present in the Buena Vista Lagoon. Regg Antle once counted 57 agencies having some regulatory control over the lagoons. There are probably more now. Coordinating and funding projects through the thicket of agencies is an on-going task.

CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF COASTAL WETLANDS IN CALIFORNIA

Studies in Avian Biology No. 2: 151-155, 1979. CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF COASTAL WETLANDS IN CALIFORNIA JOHN SPETH' The title, Conservation and Management of Coastal Wetlands in California, implies