San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy
Mission
The mission of the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy is to preserve, protect
and enhance the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and its watershed”
History
The San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy (SELC) is a non-profit citizens group
formed in 1987 with the mission to assist in preserving, protecting
and enhancing the natural resources of the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological
Reserve.
Who is involved?
SELC is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, which sets policy
for the executive director. The Executive Director is responsible for
staff, programs, fundraising, and scientific projects. We have three
additional staff and a core group of 20 volunteers. We hold monthly
work parties around the reserve. We have an active Docent program that
leads about 10,000-15,000 student per year through the year. We also
have monthly walks that are led by docents for the public.
Projects
Currently, we are involved in drafting the EIR/EIS for the restoration
of the lagoon in conjunction with the ACOE and other regulatory agencies.
We are also beginning to ramp up for a large invasive species removal
project that will cover the Carlsbad Hydrologic Unit. We are designing
an ADA boardwalk near the nature center and are working on long-term
plans for a new building. Another project is a parking lot and viewing
structure on the Ford property, which we acquired using a grant from
Ford. An ongoing project is the maintenance of the inlet of the lagoon.
Each year we dredge out the inlet so that tidal flushing may occur.
As part of this, we conduct the scientific monitoring of Water Quality,
Flow, Fish, Invertebrates, vegetation, and birds.
Goals
With several projects underway and many more in the planning stages,
it is critical to set priorities in the form of an updated strategic
plan. Our revised plan will allow the Conservancy to fulfill its obligations
to contracts and grants, at the same time staying true to the mission
of the organization. The purpose of the strategic plan is threefold:
1) Identify the accomplishments the organization has achieved over the
last few years; 2) Identify ongoing and currently funded projects and
programs; and, 3) Set goals and milestones for future short term and
long range projects. The end result of this 3 pronged approach will
allow SELC to implement its mission statement while properly attending
to the administrative details of managing a fast-growing organization.
Why we joined the Conservation Resources Network
To keep some coordination between SELC, WRP, CWN, CRN,….. So the
wheel isn’t reinvented. Collaboration helps if you’re involved
– and we think we can all learn something from one another.
How are we unique?
The SELC might be the only group that has the experience to write a
restoration grant, do the studies, and either perform or manage the
restoration and monitoring. Our group is strong on the fundraising side
and the project side.
Business Partnerships?
Yes. We have partnered with Johnson & Johnson, U.S. Bank, The Rancho
Santa Fe Foundation, San Diego Foundation, Ford Motor Company, and many
local companies. The nature varies from donations and sponsorship to
land acquisition.
Education Partnerships?
Yes. We do most of our out reach to the Encinitas and Cardiff Schools
and a yearly event with Poway High School. We also have a partnership
with Mira Costa College – where each year we get about 16 students
for 30-60 hours of service learning
Internship Opportunities: (show only if that group has any)
Yes. It really varies. Depending on need and time needed to train.
Wish List
Land acquisition – although we have acquired about a 100 acres,
we still have trouble getting to some people because of lack of time.
We also would like use of a hydrologist – on call.
Contact for more information:
Doug Gibson
P.O. Box 230634
Encinitas, CA. 92023
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