Conservation and Open Space Proposal Announced for Carlsbad Lagoon

A new proposal could conserve 176 acres of land and provide new access to open space in Carlsbad near the strawberry fields.

Environmental advocates, community leaders, board members from the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation and President of Carlsbad Strawberry Company Jimmy Ukegawa introduced a plan for a 203 acre section of land on the south shore of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon by Interstate 5. 

β€œThrough this process we have learned that Carlsbad wants new access to open space, preservation of its beloved strawberry farming and additional ways to enjoy Carlsbad. Our Agua Hedionda 85/15 Plan will accomplish all of these goals, while preserving and protecting the lagoon, coastal habitat and agriculture,” said Rick Caruso, CEO and founder of Caruso Affiliated.

The Agua Hedonda 85/15 Plan would protect and expand strawberry field farming in the area and open up new low-impact nature trails in addition to picnic areas with lagoon views and an outdoor classroom.

If approved, the project would not cost taxpayers any money. Revenue from the project and from private sources would fund every aspect of the proposal, including its improvement, restoration, operation and maintenance.

The proposal would provide filtration systems and environmentally friendly design safeguards for the lagoon and the wildlife there.

The project would also create a pedestrian-friendly, open-air dining and entertainment promenade on 26 acres of that land once the conserved open space is improved.

Caruso Affiliated said it would collect signatures on behalf of the effort and present them to the City Council for consideration in the coming months.

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