When we learned that several palm trees were slated for removal, we immediately asked to see the analyses of the potential biological impacts and the Coastal Development Permit (CDP) that would allow such work. However, the entity seeking to remove the trees refused to provide any such information even after repeated requests. As a last resort, we filed suit, alleging a violation of the Coastal Act, and were granted a preliminary injunction by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge. This resulted in a settlement agreement that required a valid CDP to be obtained, which in turn requires a more robust level of analysis. As the Coastal Commission states: “staff has determined, however, that more specific information will be required for staff to be able to evaluate potential habitat impacts of the proposed vegetation removal.” (see Commission letter here).

We believe that this additional information and evaluation of impacts will result in at least some of these trees being preserved as habitat for the owls. Although our legal costs were reimbursed to us as part of the settlement agreement, we could not have afforded to file the suit in the first place without the support of our donors. This is true also of our other efforts, such as our ongoing efforts to compel a mostly unused paved parking lot in the reserve to be converted to native habitat, to compel a planned restoration project to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and to compel an access policy that is equitable, wildlife-friendly, and based on the public interest rather than politics.

Please consider increasing your support this year so that we can continue to advocate for this ecosystem in 2022.