A new report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reveals that as of 2019, wetlands—95 percent of which are freshwater—occupied less than 6 percent of the contiguous United States, a figure that represents half of their extent since the 1780s. The report further indicates a 50 percent increase in loss rates since 2009, cautioning that without further conservation efforts, the decline of these ecosystems will persist, diminishing their benefits for people, as well as their role as habitats for fish, wildlife, and plants (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2024)
Mission Bay was once a thriving ecosystem filled with healthy salt marshes and a diverse range of flora and fauna. During the post-World War II years between 1945 and 1962, city leaders in San Diego decided tourism would be the best way to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of the region. As a result, they developed a plan to transform the coastal wetland area into the largest aquatic playground in the United States, thus creating Mission Bay Park. During development, crews dredged 25 million cubic yards of sand and silt to create the landforms of Mission Bay Park, which is now almost entirely human-constructed.
Over the years, ReWilders have championed the restoration of tidal wetland in the De Anza Natural Plan, trying to return a small portion of the man-made water park to its natural state by 2030, in line with the City of San Diego’s Climate Action Plan.
The next step is here on our journey, as the De Anza Natural Plan is set to go to full city council on May 14th at 2PM, and there are still a lot of improvements to be made, so it’s Mayday for the Bay!
Mark your calendars and take this opportunity to join the fight against wetland decline right in your backyard, be a part of reversing the damage that has been done instead of watching it continue.
Join the ReWild crew by:
1️⃣ Attending the City Council meeting THIS TUESDAY, May 14.
2️⃣ Giving a public comment via Zoom.
3️⃣ Sending an email to City Councilmembers in advance of the meeting telling them why you want more wetlands.
Follow along as we get ready for City Council to meet on May 14th, and check out this resource to contact your Councilmember about the De Anza Natural Plan today.