January 12, 2006

Los Angeles County Wetlands Advocate Receives Award

WASHINGTON, DC — Since 1978 Ruth Lansford has been working to protect Ballona wetlands, a unique and precious wildlife habitat in Los Angeles County considering that more than 95 percent of California's wetlands have been lost to development. For her accomplishments, the American Planning Association (APA) has named her recipient of the association's 2006 Distinguished Leadership Award for a Citizen Planner.

"An unwavering proponent of wetland preservation, Ms. Lansford has worked diligently for nearly three decades to create a workable solution that balances the development needs of the property owner with the need to protect important environmental resources," said Carol Rhea, AICP, chair of the APA Awards Committee. "Her efforts are responsible for preserving 70 percent of Ballona wetlands as permanent open space," she said.

Ms. Lansford will be recognized at APA's National Planning Conference during a luncheon ceremony on April 25 in San Antonio, Texas. In addition, a 30-minute video about all of APA's 2006 National Planning Awards recipients will be shown at the luncheon. Accomplishments of the awardees also will be highlighted in the March issue of Planning magazine and on the APA website.

Located between Marina del Rey and the Westchester bluffs, Ballona Wetlands provide a unique habitat for some 215 species of birds, a spawning ground for fish, and a vital source of nutrients for the entire coastal marine environment. From 1978 to 1984 Friends of Ballona Wetlands, under Lansford's leadership, fought the proposed development through every level of government and every step of the permitting process. When the California Coastal Commission designated 178 acres of the wetlands for preservation — and then permitted a major roadway to cut through that — Friends of Ballona Wetlands went to court.

With a lawsuit looming and the political outlook shifting, the heirs of Howard Hughes sold their major interest in the property. Lansford and the Friends immediately entered negotiations with the new owners. Eighteen months later, an agreement was reached to preserve and restore 285 acres of habitat as well as to eliminate proposed housing sites along the most sensitive portion of the wetlands, the major roadway cutting through the site, an upscale senior citizens' complex, a golf course, and 10-story buildings.

When it became possible during former Gov. Gray Davis's administration to acquire the remaining wetland acreage, the Friends strongly supported the purchase, which occurred in 2004. Today construction is occurring on the site in two phases and only in areas where wetland habitat is not found. When completed, there will be 5,200 homes, 3 million square feet of office and industrial space, and 250,000 square feet of retail and commercial space.

Today Lansford serves on the Ballona Wetlands Stakeholders Committee, which shares responsibility for the planning and decision making associated with the site. The Science Committee and Phil Williams and Associates will create a plan with input from the stakeholders that will restore habitat, combat pollution, control flooding, and provide educational and recreational opportunities.

"Ruth Lansford has, in no small way, helped to create a legacy of coastal open space for all Californians to enjoy," wrote former Los Angeles City Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski in a letter supporting Lansford's nomination for the distinguished leadership award. Her work, Councilwoman Miscikowski continued, is "citizen planning at its best."

The APA National Planning Awards are part of a proud tradition established more than 50 years ago, recognizing outstanding community plans, planning programs and initiatives, public education efforts, and individuals for their leadership on planning issues.

Contact

Roberta Rewers, APA Public Affairs, 312-786-6395; rrewers@planning.org