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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSurfrider - Seal Beach Dune Restoration Presentation 1.12.26 City Council - FINALSeal Beach Dune Protection and Restoration Presented by: Surfrider’s Northern Orange County Chapter What We’ll Cover Today •Who we are and why we’re here •Why coastal dunes matter •Project site and current conditions •Project overview •Questions and next steps Surfrider Foundation The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network. Climate Action Program Unlocking the Power of Nature to Combat Climate Change The Climate Action Program empowers and supports chapters and clubs to restore our coastlines and oceans, mitigating and adapting to climate change impacts and protecting coastal environments for all future generations through nature-based solutions. Surfrider’s North Orange County Chapter Surfrider’s North Orange County Chapter Beach Cleanups at the San Gabriel River Jetty Native Plant Restoration at River’s End Park 3,900 lbs removed in 2025! Vision for Seal Beach’s Coastal Dunes •Protect and restore approximately 2.3 acres of coastal dunes •Engage the local community through hands-on volunteer restoration days •Strengthen Seal Beach’s natural coastal resilience and native biodiversity Community Engagement: Engaging local residents through educational volunteer opportunities fosters community stewardship of the environment. Why Protect and Restore Coastal Dunes Biodiversity: Healthy dunes play a critical role in supporting native wildlife, such as birds and plant species, and improving local ecosystems. Coastal Protection: Healthy dunes act as natural barriers against storm surge and erosion, protecting the coast and infrastructure. Cost-Effective Coastal Defense: Nature-based solutions like dune restoration can reduce long-term costs for coastal defense compared to man- made infrastructure. Current Conditions Key pressures on this remnant habitat •Trampling: Unmanaged foot traffic damages vegetation and dune structure. •E-bikes & Vehicles: Unmanaged access causes erosion and habitat loss. •Invasive Species: Outcompete natives and reduces biodiversity. •No Protection: Lack protection measures leaves dunes exposed. Current Conditions Transforming Challenges into Solutions Dune Protection •Symbolic fencing •Designated walking areas Dune Restoration •Invasive species removal •Native plant installation/seeding Ongoing Stewardship •Regular maintenance restoration days as needed A Community -Led Initiative for Coastal Resilience Leadership: North OC Surfrider Chapter Responsibilities: The Chapter will fund, plan, implement, and maintain the restoration project, coordinating restoration planning, monthly volunteer events, and permitting with Surfrider staff support. Funding: The Chapter will cover project costs including materials, tools, and technical support through grants and donations. Local residents have also expressed interest in contributing. Community Engagement: Ongoing collaboration with residents, partners, and stakeholders to shape and sustain the project. City Support: The City will be fully informed throughout the process and will approve any elements they want to review, such as project plans and event dates with potential support such as providing dumpsters for invasive species removal events, parking passes for volunteer events if needed Vehicle Access Symbolic Fencing Signage Locations Protect Seal Beach Dunes Timeline: Present through Summer 2026 (pending permit approval timeline) A. Secure Permits B. Secure Funding C. Organize Implementation D. Community Engagement Restore Seal Beach Dunes Timeline: Present through December 2027 (pending permit approval timeline and funding) A. Develop Restoration Plan B. Secure Permits C. Community Engagement D. Implement Restoration Plan through Regular Surfrider Led Volunteer Days Ongoing Stewardship Days Timeline: January 2028 + A. Annual Site Assessment B. Stewardship Days Hosted as Identified in Assessment C. Revisit Assessment Frequency D. Community Engagement Where We Are Today Walked the site with City staff and community members to map vehicle and public access routes Identified fencing layout to reduce disturbance and preserve key access points Preliminary assessment of present vegetation and photographed site conditions Building community interest and engaged volunteers ready to help Going through permit application process, fundraising, and grant writing. Community Impact & Inclusion •Improves safety and public access •Educates and engages community through hands-on restoration events •Builds community pride through volunteer stewardship opportunities •Connects inland and underserved communities across the watershed •Protects infrastructure with low-cost, nature-based shoreline defense •Demonstrates local climate leadership and supports eco-tourism 4. Thank you!