A. A unique aspect of Marina’s Coastal Zone are the vernal ponds. Most of these seasonal lakes support wetlands which provide wildlife habitat during the migration and breeding season of various species. Two of these ponds are in public ownership and protected by fences against human intrusion. One of the ponds, Number Three, has no marsh. Number Four, west of Dunes Drive, and Number Two, on the north side of Reservation Road, have potential for nature observation facilities. However, before such use should be considered an environmental assessment should be undertaken to determine what level of use, if any, the habitat and pond itself can sustain. Since these vernal ponds are unique in California in their geologic character and proximity to the ocean, use even for nature observation should not be encouraged unless it can be demonstrated that it will not have an unmitigable adverse effect on the area.

B. Because these areas are defined as wetlands in the California Coastal Act, a one-hundred-foot protective setback will be required from the outer edge of the wetlands and any coastal permit issued for development, including walkways for observation, will have to comply with the policies and recommendations laid out in the local coastal land use plan (see Conclusions section of the LCLUP and Habitats section of the LCIP). These ponds, their wetlands and one-hundred-foot setbacks will also be included in the city of Marina’s coastal permit appeal zone. Therefore, any local decision regarding development within this area will be appealable to the State Coastal Commission (see Appeals section). (Ord. 2020-07 § 2, 2020; Ord. 2007-11 § 3 (Exh. A), 2007)