Dear Fish Friends,
We have an amazing opportunity to have Caltrans repair the existing bridge over Trancas Creek with one that could actually support eventual lagoon restoration, development of a permanent ADA accessible trail from Zuma Beach to connect with upstream NPS trails and the Market complex, provide increased access for southern steelhead trout and habitat for endangered tidewater gobies.
One of the few proven ways to help recover steelhead is to provide them the habitat they need. Restoring Trancas lagoon requires a longer span bridge to be most effective. Here is a chance to make the great habitat upstream in Trancas Creek available for spawning again.
The Alternatives being considered include:
Alternative 1 No project – the existing bridge (84-foot span) remains until it fails, which given the scour and tilt issues is inevitable.
Alternative 2 Short Bridge (120-foot span) essentially has the same scour and hydrologic problems as the existing bridge, and would require elevating the road bed 2.5 feet above current grade, with ramping along both north and southbound PCH to meet flood control standards, requires retaining walls and would effectively preclude any substantive restoration of the lagoon footprint.
Alternative 3 Long Bridge (240-foot span) provides the opportunity to not only build a bridge that would have a longer life span at the current road elevation, but also provide the opportunity for lagoon restoration and a safe trail connecting the beach upstream under PCH.
To review the documents, check out:
Please send your letter by 5 June to: ron.kosinski@dot.ca.gov
Ron Kosinski, Deputy District Director
Caltrans District 7
Division of Environmental Planning
100 S. Main Street MS-16A
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Every letter helps!
Short and sweet will work.
Many thanks,
Rosi
Rosi Dagit is a Senior Conservation Biologist for the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains.
lariverflyfishing 