Groundbreaking Launches 154-Acre Los Cerritos Wetlands Restoration in Long Beach – Single Largest Increase in Open Space in Long Beach in Decades

Above: Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson (fifth from left), City Manager Tom Modica (left) and
Third District Councilwoman Kristina Duggan (center) are joined by representatives from the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority, Synergy Oil & Gas and other local leaders at a groundbreaking ceremony on May 8, 2025.

Long Beach, CA — Yesterday, City of Long Beach officials joined the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority, Synergy Oil & Gas and other local leaders to break ground on the restoration of 154 acres of the Synergy Oil Field, located off Second Street near Studebaker Road, officially launching the land's transformation from oil and natural gas production fields into publicly accessible coastal wetlands. Once completed, this will be the largest single addition of open space in Long Beach since the creation of El Dorado Regional Park in the 1960s.

"Long Beach is moving beyond its legacy of oil production and is finding innovative ways to transform both our environment and our economy," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "This is the largest wetlands restoration project in Long Beach and the first of its kind in the state of California. I'm proud to be part of a collaboration where private industry and government agencies come together to create something truly special for our city and the entire region."

The Los Cerritos Wetlands complex is a  privately owned property that has operated as oil fields and natural gas production for over 50 years. Last year, the City advocated for the authorization of the Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Exchange Proposal – a critical step to bring the Los Cerritos Wetlands Oil Consolidation and Restoration Project to fruition by transferring five acres of land from the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority to the Los Cerritos Wetlands LLC in exchange for the 154-acre parcel – which was approved by the California Coastal Conservancy in February 2024. As a result of this land exchange authorization, the Los Cerritos Wetlands complex was placed under public management, consolidating existing oil operations to a significantly smaller footprint – approximately seven acres – and paving the way for the beginning restoration phases for the historic acres of wetlands.

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"This project shows the power of collaboration," said Third District Councilmember and Chair of the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority, Kristina Duggan. "We are turning an active oil site into restored wetlands at the southern entrance of our city, protecting our environment and opening up private coastal land to the public for the first time in over 60 years."

The Los Cerritos Wetlands Oil Consolidation and Restoration Project will be conducted in phases over the next decade, with initial transformation visible within the first two years. The restoration will be led by Synergy Oil & Gas, with oversight from state and federal agencies. Work to remove the large oil wells and equipment is already underway. As oil equipment is removed, the site will be regraded and new topsoil and native plants will be placed. Additional work within the project scope includes removing invasive species and hazardous materials and restoring tidal flows to support native plants and wildlife, along with a new visitor center, public walking trails, and opportunities for environmental education and recreation.

This project is made possible through the above-mentioned public-private partnership land exchange, limited new environmentally sensitive oil drilling, creation of a mitigation bank and purchase of mitigation credits by the Port of Long Beach. The project involves collaboration between the California Coastal Conservancy, the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority, the California Coastal Commission and the City of Long Beach. The City of Long Beach sheparded the project through more than 10 years of public process in partnership with the applicant, dedicated community members and activists and the state agencies.

"This oil field provided jobs and energy for decades, and now it will serve the community in a new way, as open space that benefits future generations," said John McKeown, CEO of Synergy Oil & Gas. "After more than a decade of work to bring this partnership together, I'm proud to see the project move into the restoration phase."

"This project reflects our long-standing commitment to environmental restoration and public access," said Mark Stanley, Executive Director of the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority. "It's a win for the community, the coast, and the climate."

Environmental sustainability is a core function of the City. This project is a testament to the City's dedication and long-term goals to protect and restore local biodiversity and native habitats and ensure Long Beach remains a city where everyone can live in safe, healthy and thriving communities that are built on sustainability and resilience. This project will position Long Beach as a leader in sustainability by helping California advance its critically important land conservation goals by helping combat the biodiversity and climate change crisis using nature-based solutions. Without the fruition of this project and with continued use of aging oil wells and production equipment, the Los Cerritos Wetlands complex would have continued to degrade and the threat to local tidal wetlands and coastal habitats perpetuate.

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The Los Cerritos Wetlands Oil Consolidation and Restoration Project is also part of a broader regional effort. Combined with the 103-acre Southern Los Cerritos Wetlands Restoration Project in Seal Beach, over 250 acres of coastal wetlands are being restored—strengthening local ecosystems, increasing climate resilience and reconnecting people to nature.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

About the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority
The Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority is a joint powers authority focused on acquiring, restoring, and managing the Los Cerritos wetlands. Member agencies include the City of Long Beach, City of Seal Beach, State Coastal Conservancy, and the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy. More information is available on the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority website.

About Synergy Oil & Gas
Synergy Oil & Gas has operated in Long Beach for over 60 years and is committed to leading responsible transitions from industrial land uses to environmentally sustainable futures. More information is available on the Synergy Oil & Gas website.

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