Coastal Preservation

Surfrider FoundationCA Chapter Conference 

Aug. 27, 2010

"Stop human interruption of natural beach processes"

  Shoreline structures: seawalls, groins, revetments

Seawalls Kill Beaches

Beach Dredge and Fill (Nourishment, Replenishment, Restoration)

Watershed (sandshed)

Coastal Development

Beach is Alive

Beach Preservation Policy(ratified by BOD in 1999)Promote long term beach preservation for the benefit of the public. Protect undeveloped spaces through:  • Placement of beaches and beachfront lands in public trust

 • Establishment of beach setbacks based on current and

historical erosional trends  • Restoration of natural sediment transport processes in

coastal watersheds

Beach Preservation Policy(cont.)Where erosion threatens existing coastal development, we advocate appropriate long-term solutions that maximize public benefit.  • Landward retreat of structures from dynamic shorelines  

Where landward retreat is not feasible, beach nourishment may be considered for short-term beach preservation.  Under no circumstances does the Surfrider Foundation support the installation of stabilization or sand retention structures along the coastline. Such structures can protect existing coastline development but have no place in beach preservation.

Resources

Campaign Planning - Staff, Regional Managers

Experts - Staff, Environmental Issues Team (professionals)

Resources

Campaign Planning - Staff, Regional Managers

Experts - Staff, Environmental Issues Team (professionals)

Beachapedia.org - Coastal issue Wiki   State of the Beach - State Coastal Program assessment and reference 

Laws   

 US - Coastal Zone Management Act              Army Corps of Engineers CA - Coastal Act, Coastal Commission    Local - Local Coastal Plans, Planning Commissions, City Councils

Case Studies

Case Study:Malibu Lagoon Restoration    Nancy HastingsSoCal Field Coordinator

BACKGROUND:• Created - 1984• Breach bulldozed &

wave destroyed • Surfrider's 1st victory• Lagoon health fails• Breach shifts East• Increased erosion

1970's

Present

1929

WHAT WENT WRONG:• Entire eco-system not

considered• Narrow focus on

improving only the lagoon channels

• Impacts on the beach and wave not studied

• Various enviro's and surfers joined in opposing the project

Surfers NOT: Surfrider Foundation!

PROBLEMS                          • Restoration did not study impacts to coast and wave• New activists unfamiliar with 10-20 year issue• Chapter unsure how to proceed - no science to go on• Chapter morale impacted by attacks from opposition

SOLUTIONS• Take a step back - Ecosystem and Chapter concerns• Hire professionals - PWA/ESA to address Chapter and

opposition's concerns.  • Take the offense vs defense.• Promote positive solutions.  (ie: relocate the breach) 

"PROTECT THE BEACH...MOVE THE BREACH!"

 

Case Study:Ocean Beach, San FranciscoSloat Blvd

El Niño 2010

 Bill McLaughlin - San Francisco Chapter local415@gmail.com / 415-225-4083http://www.sloaterosionob.blogspot.com/