IN THE PIPELINE:Activists’ wetlands research looks solid

I’ve been reading about Mark Bixby for the last few months. He’s the computer engineer- cum-environmental activist who has spent the last five years walking softly and carrying a big camera, documenting one of the last significant open spaces in Huntington Beach (on the northeast border of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands). The 50 acres he patrols is called Parkside, and while Brea-based Shea Homes is looking to construct up to 150 homes here, Bixby (and others) are fighting the construction in the name of protecting precious coastal wetlands. The debate centers on whether or not this truly is a wetlands area and, if so, how much of it warrants protection.

In this city rich with historic wetlands battles, this may be the last great stand. Shea disputes how Bixby is defining the area, while he is adamant that his thousands of hours of personal documentation and study bear out his points.

In particular, his photo studies of local raptors, plant life and other indigenous aspects of the land have so far proven invaluable as the battle of Parkside escalates. Shea says it has allocated enough open space and forfeiting more would hamper development.

Last week, at a showdown before the California Coastal Commission, Bixby and his Bolsa Chica Land Trust compatriots came up big. They presented evidence relating to birds, water and plant life. But the trump card came in the form of photos and information they revealed, which they say offer proof that Shea is responsible for illegal land filling that took place on some of the property. Pointedly, they accused Shea of doing this to hide the fact that wetlands existed on the property.

“You can’t let them cover up a wetland and say the wetland does not exist,” Jan Vandersloot, a Bolsa Chica Land Trust board member and co-founder, said dramatically. You can’t let them get away with that!” And they swayed the commission enough to force the issue to another round, which will happen in July up in San Luis Obispo after the charges can be fully investigated. When you speak with some of the senior Bolsa Chica players, you get a clear sense that Bixby plays a huge part in taking this fight into the late rounds. Vandersloot told me Bixby’s efforts are, “Truly amazing — for a citizen to take such copious data in this manner is unprecedented. What he has accomplished is nothing short of remarkable.”

Flossie Horgan, executive director of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust has her own word for Bixby’s deeds: “Herculean. The facts he has documented over the years quite simply tilted this issue.”

I met Mark Bixby the day after the hearing. On a clear breezy morning as we trudged onto the property in question, he wasn’t celebrating — it was business as usual as we plodded and talked. Throughout the next couple of hours, he examined soil, listened for gnatcatchers, studied plants and scanned the property for raptors. He methodically explained why such a healthy chunk of his life has been spent in this place, applying such intense scrutiny. He was bitten by the bug shortly after moving nearby, when he saw a flier advertising a Bolsa Chica Land Trust meeting. The subject ignited something inside of him and soon, he documented more than 120 birds and over 40 species of vegetation typically found in wetlands regions. He also created a newsletter and today it seems he’s the unofficial spokesman. The soft-spoken 48-year-old says he never planned on becoming a public activist, but he’ll take the title if it helps the cause.

“This is one of the last large parcels in the city,” he said. “I think it’s important for us as a species to retain a connection to the natural world … if we lose touch with that it endangers our own long-term survival.” Clearly, this is old-school California activism.

Wearing his safari hat and armed with his serious zoom lens camera, he pointed out specific hot spots on the property: the two eucalyptus groves, where the White Tailed Kites live, where “ponding” typically occurs after it rains and where the controversial landfill was detected. In the distance, a lone coyote sauntered along the perimeter, as if acting as Bixby’s sentry. Near the animal, dog walkers and joggers steadily streamed past. (An encampment of homeless people was visible among the trees, which, aside from the obvious health code concerns, also seems volatile in how close it sits to dry brush, trees and homes. Can you imagine what an errant fire would do back there?)

Though technically not a scientist, Bixby’s self-education is apparent. Though scientists across the aisle like to dismiss large chunks of his conclusions, being here every day and “feeling the pulse” of the land does seem to have given him an innate sense of what is real.

Shea Homes spokesman Laer Pearce sees Bixby in a slightly different light. “Mark is very bright and intelligent. His bird evidence is good. But while we have a certain amount of respect for his dogged determination — we have no respect for his conclusions — including the ones that have confused the commission.”

Does he think Bixby’s efforts have added some balance to the always hotly contested wetlands issue?

“A benefit comes from productive dialogue,” he said. “This sort of push-back can in fact make for a more superior resolution.”

But the decision in San Pedro cannot be viewed as superior if you’re in Shea’s corner. (For the record, Pearce calls the landfill claims against Shea “Baseless—but unfortunately, rebuttal is more complex than accusation.” He also touts benefits that Shea says it will provide, including sewer and flood-control improvements which would bring nearly 7,000 area residences out of federal flood zones.)

I’m no wetlands expert, or development guru, but I know good presentations. After watching a full video of what the commission observed, it’s clear to me why they sided with wetlands advocates. Their arguments were crisp, clear and compelling. In my opinion, the land trust simply outplayed their opponent. (Pearce told me his side didn’t get enough time but based on what I saw, this wasn’t about time, it was about quality. See for yourself at the California Coastal Commission’s website).

Both sides have agendas and points to be made. But I think it’s how they ultimately present facts, not emotion, that will determine the winner. And right now, Bixby & Co. are looking strong.

Wrapping up my morning tour, the open swath of land suddenly reminded me of old battlefields I’ve trod upon. Though silent, in the dirt and wind there was a palpable sense of struggle. Watching Mark Bixby march off the property, it was clear he will keep soldiering along with the rest of his army. I may head up to San Luis Obispo this July for what is shaping up to be a fascinating final act. The new question now seems to be — who’s really the underdog?

Thoughts on Parkside? Post them online and see the video of my walk with Mark at www.hbindependent.com/video.