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Aqua Hedionda Lagoon - about a 1/2 mile to the west
of Calavera Hills is the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. There is a trail system
for hiking, a Lagoon Discovery Center on Cannon Road and extensive water
sports enjoyed on the west lagoon area.
The Agua Hedionda Lagoon is
unique among San Diego County lagoons, in that recreational and commercial
uses are permitted; yet the lagoon is a healthy, tidal body, with a large
wetlands supporting several endangered species.
The majority of the lagoon is owned and maintained by
Cabrillo Power II, owners of a 900-megawatt power plant located on the outer
segment of the lagoon. The entire 400-acre lagoon, created in 1954, was
completely re-dredged in 1998/1999 to an average depth of 8 to 11 feet,
significantly increasing tidal flushing. An extensive eelgrass planting
program was initiated after the dredging, resulting in additional marine
nursery areas.
The City of Carlsbad regulates boating on prescribed
portions of the inner lagoon, and the YMCA operates a canoeing center. Two
aqua-culture facilities enjoy the tidal health of the lagoon—a white sea
bass
research facility jointly managed by Hubbs/Seaworld and California
Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and a commercial mussel
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growing facility. In 2000, CDFG acquired 186
acres of wetland located at the eastern end of the lagoon for an
Ecological Reserve. The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation manages a
3800 sq. ft. Discovery Center, with educational displays, scheduled
lectures and foot access to the wetlands and lagoon.
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The watershed is drained by the Agua Hedionda and Macario
Creeks and is a component of the Carlsbad Hydrologic Unit. The creeks are
normally a trickle in the summer, but become sources of storm water runoff
from continuing residential and commercial development. The lagoon and
wetland form a major element of Carlsbad’s Habitat Management Program and
are connected by corridors to other elements of the program. The wetlands
and surrounding slopes of coastal sage scrub provide habitat for sensitive
species including the California gnatcatcher, least Bell’s vireo,
light-footed Clapper rail, and others.
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The Agua Hedionda Lagoon
Foundation was established as a non-profit corporation in 1990 to
help conserve, restore and enhance the environmental features of the
Agua Hedionda Lagoon, marsh, wetlands and watershed area, to protect
sensitive land through acquisition or other means and to promote
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commercial uses consistent with assured future lagoon
vitality. The Foundation serves as an advocate for the lagoon and is a
strong supporter of public access, trails and recreational opportunities.
It co-promotes twice annual clean-up days. Members receive a quarterly
newsletter, the Watermark and can enjoy Foundation sponsored tours of the
Carlsbad Aquafarm mussel growing facility and the Hubbs-Seaworld sea bass
nursery. The Foundation welcomes volunteer participation on its committees
including the Trails, Nature Center, Recreation, Dredging, Fundraising and
Communication committees, and, of course, on clean-up days!
Below is the web address for the foundation:
www.aguahedionda.org/
If you have
any questions or comments regarding the foundation or what you can do to
help, please email Herb Papenfuss, the President, at:
president@aquahedionda.org
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