Decades in the making, Buena Vista Lagoon restoration plan finally approved – California

A long-sought compromise has been approved that will open the stagnant, reed-filled Buena Vista Lagoon to the sea and restore its native coastal marine habitat, but years of work remain before the transformation begins.

Disagreements over whether the lagoon at the border of Carlsbad and Oceanside should remain freshwater or be restored to saltwater have stalled the project for decades.

The final decision allows the removal of the weir, a low wooden dam at the mouth of the waterway that keeps [
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