California State Parks is seeking public input on the future of Seacliff and New Brighton State Beaches to help protect them from sea level rise and extreme weather. In the initial phase, members of the public are invited to participate in an online survey to share information on preferred recreational activities and what they value when visiting the parks.
The historic storms that impacted California’s communities this past winter and damaged Seacliff and New Brighton State Beaches are evidence of a new reality the state’s shoreline faces because of climate change, parks leaders say. As State Parks staff develops plans to restore services and amenities for visitors, providing climate-resilient facilities will be a critical consideration.
State Parks staff says public engagement will be key to the success of these efforts.
The public outreach and engagement launched on Sept. 8 are part of the Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Alternatives Study, which is analyzing the parks in the context of climate change and sea level rise. The study, expected to be completed in 2024, will evaluate options and opportunities moving forward.
The public can participate in the online survey at SurveyMonkey.com/r/ZZZH2BG. The survey is confidential and takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
Information on future public engagement opportunities and project updates will be shared on social media and by email. Sign at parks.ca.gov/Seacliff.
The recovery process is supported by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. As operating partners with State Parks, the nonprofit has established the Seacliff State Beach Recovery Fund.
The fund provides short-term support, followed by investments in long-term recovery work to ensure public access and environmental protection at the beach. To date, the fund has raised $98,558 from 184 donors across the country.
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Top Photo: The historic winter storms damaged over half of the pier and the campground at Seacliff State Beach. • Photo Credit: California State Parks