High above the blue Pacific Ocean, OCTA is restoring the aptly named Pacific Horizon Preserve in Laguna Beach. OCTA purchased the 151-acre property in 2015 as part of its Freeway Environmental Mitigation Program. This comprehensive effort to offset the environmental impacts of freeway projects protects large open spaces and their valuable animal and plant species.
The restoration project includes removing ice plant, invasive grasses, and other non-native plants so that natives such as the many-stemmed dudleya can thrive once again. During the next few years, the work will continue as OCTA fulfills promises made to Orange County taxpayers to restore such native plants through its environmental program.
Pacific Horizon Preserve is adjacent to Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, as well as Moulton Meadows Park. The Preserve serves as the final open space connection between the south end of the Laguna Greenbelt, Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, and the sea. Because of the land’s proximity to the coast, OCTA has worked closely with the Coastal Commission and Laguna Beach officials to ensure that all proper procedures are being followed. OCTA has received positive feedback from the commission, city officials and the environmental community.
The environmental program is funded by OC Go and helps offset the impacts of more than a dozen freeway-improvement projects that are helping improve the regional transportation system to keep Orange County moving, while at the same time preserving what is so special about Orange County. OC Go, also known as Measure M, is Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements. For more information about the Freeway Environmental Mitigation Program, visit here.
