Group 1 : Enviromental Group

This group advocates returning the river to a more natural state. Their reasoning revolves around the fact that the continuing urbanization of L.A. has left us with very little area to recreate in, and with our burgeoning population we need more natural areas available to the public. Additionally, they point out by channeling the water in the river quickly to the ocean during storm periods, very little water is allowed to percolate into the ground for our aquifers. Why waste such a precious and scarce resource?

Return Our River also feels that the river could be a unifying force in our city. As it winds its way through the area, it could be a symbol of our commonalities as a people rather than a dividing line. Presently, the river is treated in separate sections with flood control projects that vary according to location. It also separates the city in two, making communities that border the river strangers.

Ways to restore the river:

• Unpave portions to create a more natural setting

• Propose that land along the river be converted into natural flood basins
  (similar to the Sepulveda Basin)

• Revegetate slopes and hillsides to increase infiltration during rains

• Line sides of the river with porous material to accommodate more infiltration

• Widen the river in various locations where possible

• Set aside land away from the river as containment basins to prevent large amounts of water from entering the river during rainy seasons

Possible uses for a restored river:

• Increase habitat and migration stopover locations for wildlife

• An educational lab for students to learn about urban ecosystems

• A greenbelt for recreation

• A bikeway for non-polluting transportation

• Jogging paths along the edge

• Canoeing and small boat use

• A natural filtration system for pollutants going out to the ocean