California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks will host a community workshop on Thursday, Sept. 26, to share information about the future of Seacliff and New Brighton state beaches, which were badly damaged by storms in early 2023.
The Seacliff Resilience Community Workshop will provide the public with an update from the Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Alternatives Study, while explaining coastal processes, sea level rise, vulnerability, strategies for adaptation and funding sources. Participants will be encouraged to share feedback on possible adaptations.
“Seacliff State Beach is beloved but it’s also at risk,” Santa Cruz District Superintendent Chris Spohrer said in a release. “State Parks is working with the community, scientists, environmental stewards and local partners to improve the resilience of our coastline as sea levels continue to rise and storm intensity increases.”
The recovery process is occurring in partnership with Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. Friends supports Seacliff and New Brighton state beaches, as well as more than 30 other state parks and beaches in Santa Cruz and coastal San Mateo counties. Through their unique position as operating partners with State Parks, the nonprofit has established the Seacliff State Beach Resilience & Recovery Fund. The fund has provided short-term support, followed by investments in long-term work to ensure public access and environmental resilience at Seacliff State Beach.
“These beaches have a complex history of extreme weather, with recreational uses that have adapted over time,” said Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Executive Director Bonny Hawley. “This workshop is an opportunity to give input about the important choices we have to create a more sustainable, accessible public space that will endure for generations to come.”The Seacliff State Beach Resilience Community Workshop will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Ct., Aptos. Learn more here.
Have news that should be in Lookout Briefs? Send your press releases, including contact information, to news@lookoutlocal.com.
