State Coastal Conservancy

The Project Will Restore 14.3 Acres of Coastal Wetlands and Associated Uplands in the Big Canyon Nature Park in Upper Newport Bay in the City of Newport Beach. This Is the Final Phase of a Multi-phase Water Quality, Habitat Restoration, and Climate Adaptation Project in the Big Canyon Nature Park, and Will Restore a Self-sustaining Coastal Wetlands Complex Across the Tidal to Freshwater to Uplands Continuum. the Project Will Restore and Enhance 1,900 FT of Tidal and Creek Channel, 2.8 Ac of Tidal Marsh, 7.3 Ac of Transitional Wetlands, and 4.2 Ac of Coastal Sage Scrub. the Project Involves Grading to Extend Tidal Influence and Restore Tidal Marsh, Transition Zone Wetlands, and Riparian Habitat Removal of an Artificial Berm Restoration of the Mouth of Big Canyon Creek Removal of Invasive Plants Focused on Brazilian Peppertrees and Soil Placement and Planting to Restore Coastal Sage Scrub Adjacent to the Wetlands. Grading Will Restore Tidal Salt Marsh Habitat by Extending Tidal Influence and Redirecting Dry Weather Urban Flows Away From the Marsh. an Artificial Berm in the Project Area Is Currently Ponding Water and Has Led to the Development of a Monocultural Cattail Marsh. Berm Removal, Invasives Removal, Grading, and Planting Will Restore Creek Channel, Riparian Scrub, and Transitional Freshwater Wetlands to the Cattail Pond Area. the Project Will Establish a Riparian Corridor That Integrates With the Upstream Restored Corridor From Phases 1 and 2 of the Big Canyon Restoration. the Restored Channel Will Maintain Positive Drainage During Low Flows, Conveying Dry Weather Flows Away From the Restored Intertidal Salt Marsh to Maintain the Salinity Required to Support Salt Marsh Vegetation. Storm Flows Will Still Inundate the Full Marsh Plain to Maintain the Full Extent of the Restored Wetlands and Restore Natural Hydrology. Restored Hydrology and Wetlands Will Reduce the Selenium Accumulation in Soil and Vegetation and Reduce Mosquito Breeding Habitat by Converting the Cattail Monoculture to Riparian and Transitional Freshwater Habitat. the Project Also Involves Restoration of Coastal Sage Scrub Adjacent to the Riparian and Transition Wetlands. Restored Habitats and Improved Water Quality Will Benefit Listed Species, Including Least Bell S Vireo, California Gnatcatcher, Light-footed Ridgway S Rail, Belding S Savannah Sparrow, Salt Marsh Bird S Beak, and California Least Tern. the Project Also Includes Educational Programming and Improved Public Access. Big Canyon Creek Is in Urgent Need of Habitat Restoration to Address Water Quality and Habitat Degradation Due to Dredge and Fill Materials Placed Within the Lower Canyon Marsh Plain and Riparian Areas, Upstream Development, Selenium-laden Groundwater Seepage, Historical Grazing and Agriculture, Increased Peak-flows During Storm Events and Year-round Dry Weather Flows Due to Urbanization, and Invasive Plants and Insects. Without Restoration, Any Remaining Native Habitats Will Rapidly Disappear From This Important Coastal Tributary of Upper Newport Bay, and There Will Be Increased Impacts From Poor Water Quality and Future Sea Level Rise.project Construction Is Anticipated to Begin in Fall 2023 With Substantial Completion by Fall 2024, Followed by a Five-year Plant and Habitat Establishment and Maintenance Period. the Project Is Led by the Newport Bay Conservancy (NBC) in Collaboration With California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the City of Newport Beach. NBC Has Successfully Completed Phase 2 (NCWC Funded) and Collaborated With the City on the Successful Completion of Phase 1. the Majority of the Project Site Is a Part of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife S Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve.