California State Parks Approves Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project Plan

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

A plan for the Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project has been approved by California State Parks with support of stakeholders, officials announced on September 12.

“The approved restoration plan, identified in the Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project Final Environmental Impact Report as Preferred Hybrid Alternative 3A, was developed and selected after extensive public, agency and land manager feedback,” read a statement. “The project will not only protect two critically endangered fish and associated habitats but will improve coastal access and visitor services, while building the resilience of beach areas.”

The plan includes restoration efforts of Topanga Lagoon and a portion of the Topanga Ranch Motel, which are located within Topanga State Park along Pacific Coast Highway, just north of Pacific Palisades, Topanga Beach, and the Caltrans right of way along PCH and Topanga Canyon Boulevard. The Resource Conservation Department of the Santa Monica Mountains is the project’s grant manager.

“The Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project is a multiagency cooperative effort that seeks to protect and restore the Topanga Lagoon ecosystem, one of the last coastal wetlands in Southern California,” the statement read. “The restoration seeks to preserve and expand the unique biological, cultural and recreational resources of Topanga Lagoon.”

The project aims to “enhance coastal access,” “expand recreation opportunities” and “develop buffers for projected sea level rise.” Design is anticipated to take place between 2024 and 2026, with construction in 2027 and beyond.

“Other key project elements include expansion, restoration, and enhancement of the existing lagoon and open space habitats; expansion of the existing Caltrans Pacific Coast Highway bridge to improve endangered fish passage and habitat; restoration of up to 15 units of the Topanga Ranch Motel; the development of a visitor’s hub within Topanga State Park with interpretive facilities and a trail system; relocation of Topanga Beach facilities further inland to protect from wave damage; and placement of native soils in the nearshore to nourish area beaches,” read the statement.

With the approval, the project is now entering the design phase. Additional public meetings will be scheduled in the future to collect input on the design, as well as uses of the visitor services features.