Plan to Preserve Wetlands Adopted in Orange County

In an attempt to conclude a 15-year dispute over the Bolsa Chica wetlands, a coalition of preservationists, developers and local officials Monday adopted a plan that will preserve at least 1,000 acres of wetlands and significantly limit development on the scenic coastal strip near Huntington Beach.

Members of the Bolsa Chica Planning Coalition, formed six months ago by Orange County Supervisor Harriet Wieder, called the plan a breakthrough and said its final approval by various federal, state and local agencies was virtually assured.

While the coalition still must grapple with specific components of the plan, Monday’s agreement includes significant concessions by the principal landowner and developer, Signal Landmark Corp.

When the company bought the property in 1970, it envisioned developing a huge waterfront community of homes, a 1,400-slip marina, restaurants and hotels and a boating channel to the ocean.

The new plan scales back many of the original development proposals. Signal has also agreed to contribute nearly 51 acres for use as parkland.