LA is Transforming its Concrete River - here's why

Summary

The Los Angeles River, once a polluted concrete drainage channel, is undergoing a transformation into a green oasis through natural restoration efforts. Local groups like *Friends of the Los Angeles River* are working to remove waste, improve biodiversity, and create public spaces. The ambitious Los Angeles River Master Plan aims to plant 250,000 trees, enhance 8,500 acres of permeable surfaces, and restore vital ecosystems. These efforts promise to reduce water waste, improve water quality, and offer valuable green spaces for residents, turning the river into a model for urban waterway restoration worldwide.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Los Angeles River, once a concrete drainage ditch, is being transformed into a green urban oasis.
• 😀 The LA River was heavily polluted for decades due to agricultural and urban runoff, impacting both the environment and public health.
• 😀 Natural-based solutions are being used to restore the LA River's ecosystem, benefiting biodiversity and water security.
• 😀 Before colonization, water from the LA River supported the Tongva, Tatavium, and Chumash people in the area.
• 😀 The LA River’s transformation into a flood control system in the 1930s led to its encasement in concrete, damaging the natural ecosystem.
• 😀 Water from the LA River currently flows into the ocean, wasting valuable resources and failing to recharge groundwater.
• 😀 The Friends of the Los Angeles River has been working since the 1980s to clean up the river and restore its natural ecosystem.
• 😀 As part of the Los Angeles River Master Plan, 250,000 trees will be planted and 8,500 acres of permeable surfaces will be created.
• 😀 The restoration plan is expected to cost between $19 billion and $24 billion over the next 25 years.
• 😀 Bioswales are being used in urban parks like the Rio de Los Angeles State Park to collect stormwater runoff and provide habitat for wildlife.
• 😀 By 2022, 11 miles of the LA River had been restored, and the Glendale Narrows section was reopened to the public for the first time in 75 years.

Q & A

What is the main objective of transforming the Los Angeles River?

The main objective is to transform the Los Angeles River from a concrete drainage ditch into an urban green oasis, improving biodiversity, water security, and the quality of life for residents by restoring its natural ecosystem.

How did the Los Angeles River become heavily polluted?

The river became polluted due to agricultural and urban runoff over the last century, which negatively impacted both the environment and the health of people living near the river.

What historical changes occurred in the Los Angeles River to deal with flooding?

In the 1930s, after flooding destroyed towns, the Army Corps of Engineers encased the entire river in concrete as a flood control measure, transforming it into a drainage system.

How has the concrete encasement of the river affected local ecosystems?

The concrete encasement has drastically reduced biodiversity, harmed ecosystems, and prevented the river from naturally replenishing groundwater, which led to a significant decline in bird populations.

What initiatives have been introduced to restore the Los Angeles River?

Local groups like Friends of the Los Angeles River have been working since the 1980s to remove concrete, clean up the river, and create green spaces along the river. Additionally, the Los Angeles River Master Plan aims to plant 250,000 trees and restore 8,500 acres of permeable surfaces.

What role do bioswales play in the river restoration process?

Bioswales are designed to collect and transport stormwater runoff, remove pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat. They are used in urban parks like the Rio de Los Angeles State Park as part of the river's natural restoration efforts.

What is the significance of the 11 miles transformed in the river by 2022?

By 2022, 11 miles of the river had been transformed into a more natural waterway, allowing public access and activities like kayaking and fishing. This marks a major step in the restoration of the river after 75 years.

What benefits does restoring the Los Angeles River bring to the city?

Restoring the Los Angeles River helps capture rainwater runoff, improves water quality, increases biodiversity, and provides residents with a valuable green space, contributing to both environmental and public health benefits.

Why is the Los Angeles River restoration considered a model for other urban waterways?

The restoration of the Los Angeles River is considered a model because it demonstrates how urban waterways, once transformed into drainage systems, can be revitalized to capture and store rainwater, which is especially important in drought-prone areas.

What is the estimated cost and timeline for completing the Los Angeles River Master Plan?

The Los Angeles River Master Plan is estimated to cost between 19 and 24 billion dollars and is expected to take about 25 years to complete, including projects like tree planting, habitat restoration, and the creation of permeable surfaces.