Channel Islands Wetland to Be Restored

What was once the largest wetland on the Channel Islands will soon be wet again, as the final environmental report on plans to restore 60 acres near Prisoner’s Harbor on Santa Cruz Island were released last week. The preferred project — which will give shade and water to island fox, island scrub jay, and migratory birds when complete — includes removing 17,000 cubic yards of dirt, eight cattle corrals, about 20 acres of eucalyptus trees, and a berm between the creek and floodplain; relocating a historic ranch house; fighting the spread of invasive fennel and kikiyu grass; and protecting an archaeological site. Work is expected to being once the official decision is reached sometime this summer. See the report at nps.gov/chis/parkmgmt/planning.htm.