This hour long documentary is a spirited film which examines the controversial land use struggle near Los Angeles International Airport related to the Playa Vista development which includes the proposed DreamWorks' Studio. The film centers on the issues, politics and players involved in the debate over one of Southern California's remaining wetland ecosystems and one of Los Angeles' last open spaces. The film provides a stimulating forum for wetland issues, particularly in southern California where wetland losses have reached 95%, compared to 50% lost nationally.
The Ballona Wetlands drama includes scientists, environmentalists, development advocates, actors, filmmakers, authors, Native Americans, labor unionists and politicians set against the backdrop of Hollywood and a wetlands ecosystem. The film also shows the various functions of wetlands in a dynamic and entertaining way.
Dr. Joy Zedler, Aldo Leopold Professor of Restoration Ecology at the University of Wisconsin describes the various functions of wetlands which she refers to as "rainforests in miniature." Dr. Zedler is considered one of the foremost wetlands expert in the country. She is the former Director of the Pacific Estuarine Research Lab, San Diego State University and was the recipient of the National Wetlands Award (for science research) awarded by Environmental Protection Agency and Environmental Law Institute, May, 1997. Dr. Zedlar is the author of Wetlands Restoration and serves as a member of the Board of Directors of The Nature Conservancy.
The film concludes with examples of land preservation solutions at Bolsa Chica Wetlands at Huntington Beach, 35 acres at Fomosa Slew in San Diego, and 30 acres of Madrona Marsh in Torrance. It includes clips from a 1959 film which shows the beginning of development at Point Reyes National Seashore and information about its preservation as a National Seashore three years later.