The Wetlands Restoration Principles Coalition (WRP)
WRP Coalition Mission Statement
Our coalition brings organizations together to advocate collaboratively to support wetland restoration projects that follow our nine principles. Success starts by using these accepted best practices to maximize every opportunity for comprehensively and scientifically restoring our degraded wetlands.
We are a coalition of environmental groups led by four key partners – Friends of Ballona Wetlands, Heal the Bay, Los Angeles Waterkeeper, and Surfrider Foundation – who came together to support the complete restoration of Southern California’s remaining wetlands as the best way to bring back their functioning ecosystems.
Fully restored wetlands expand essential habitat for the survival of native animals and plants.
We must do the very best we can to enhance degraded wetlands. We must take every opportunity to restore habitat for plants and animals that are increasingly rare, threatened or endangered. Anything less is a failure to protect our water and wildlife, now and in the future.
Fully restored wetlands provide nursery, shelter, and feeding grounds for fish and wildlife; purify water by filtering out pollutants; recycle nutrients; and provide a place where people love to visit. They also protect us from flooding, store carbon from the atmosphere, and support vulnerable plant and animal communities. (i)
Southern California has lost approximately 95% of its historic coastal wetlands, often due to infill and development. Much of the remaining wetland habitat in our densely urbanized region is so damaged it cannot function like a natural wetland. (ii) But it can be fixed, and we must make the most of our remaining habitat’s potential.
A successful wetland restoration project should address these nine key principles, such as having clear environmental goals, including scientific monitoring, and incorporating climate change projections in planning. Our coalition advocates for comprehensive and scientific restoration of Southern California’s remaining wetlands in a manner that is consistent with our principles.
References:
i. USEPA (2000). Principles for the Ecological Restoration of Aquatic Resources. EPA841-F-00-003. Office of Water (4501F), United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington D.C. 4pp.
ii. USEPA (2000). Principles for the Ecological Restoration of Aquatic Resources. EPA841-F-00-003. Office of Water (4501F), United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington D.C. 4pp.