BLOG for the Surfrider Foundation

BLOG IS MOVING!

2011-06-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

Please visit Surfrider's Legal Blog at the new site, here: http://www.surfrider.org/coastal-blog/c/legal

We've Moved!

2011-04-27T11:44:00.001-07:00

The Surfrider Foundation has consolidated all of our issue-based blogs into one Coastal Blog. Come check it out at www.surfrider.org/coastal-blog

Surfrider Foundation Files Suit for Sharp Park Restoration

2011-03-02T16:18:00.000-08:00

Surfrider Foundation filed suit today to promote coastal preservation at Sharp Park. Along with our partners at Wild Equity Institute, Sequoia Audobon Society, Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club, and National Parks Conservation Association, Surfrider is dedicated to preserving the coastal ecosystem at the park located within the Golden Gate Recreation Area. Surfrider Foundation San Francisco Chapter has challenged this project due to a misplaced sea wall, and proposed $11 million "upgrade" to the financially-troubled golf course, whereas these proposed "improvements" would actually jeopardize the recovery efforts endangered and threatened species in this area. The Chapter is fighting to restore the natural flood-protection features that were destroyed by the golf course and to have the land operated in partnership with the National Park Service, which already owns and manages the adjacent property.

The lawsuit is specifically aimed at protecting coastal resources by protecting the threatened California red-legged frog and the San Francisco garter snake. The Endangered Species Act suit pits conservation groups against the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department for illegal "take" (in this instance, killing) of federally protected species. The crux of the issue for Surfrider is habitat restoration which will lead to better beach management practices and a healthier coast.

According to the Chapter's Vice Chairman, Michael Stewart,

"We feel strongly that an interconnected and protective coastal ecosystem (beach, dune and barrier lagoon) must be recognized as a dynamic, integrated unit; you can't save just one part and expect it to work correctly. This would provide the most benefit to local endangered species, an expansion of desired recreational opportunities, and the best (and least expensive) flood protection for the community at Sharp Park - two, four or even zero legged."

According to a peer-reviewed scientific study by coastal restoration experts, restoration of the natural lagoon and wetlands at Sharp Park will provide the most public benefit, since it (a) is the cheapest public option, particularly compared to the San Francisco Park Department plan or the status quo, (b) will provide the best flood protection for neighbors against sea-level rise and coastal storm events, and (c) is essential for the long-term sustainability of endangered species found on the site.

The full Conservation Group Press Release is linked here.

Blue Vision Summit: May 20-23

2011-02-16T11:21:00.000-08:00

Registration is now open for the Blue Vision Summit in Washington DC on May 20-23! Hosted by Blue Frontier Campaign, the Summit brings together ocean activists from around the country to discuss ways to advance ocean and coastal conservation. The draft program includes panels on: offshore drilling; plastic pollution; marine protected areas (MPAs); ocean acidification; federal legislation; ocean recreation; and numerous other topics. The Summit also includes a "lobby day" where attendees will visit the Hill to meet with their representatives. Surfrider Foundation is one of many ocean groups participating in organizing the event, and our DC Chapter will also be hosting a reception on Sunday evening for conference attendees. At the last Summit, Surfrider activists were well-represented and we hope to see another good turnout this spring! Please CLICK HERE to register for the event. See you there!

150 Coastal Victories

2010-12-07T09:09:00.000-08:00

Stakeholder Workshops: National Ocean Policy

2010-11-13T11:42:00.000-08:00

A number of stakeholder meetings on the new National Ocean Policy are currently being held around the country. Organized by NOAA or Regional Ocean Partnerships, these meetings provide a great opportunity to learn about the new policy, including government efforts to: ensure clean waters and beaches; protect ocean and coastal habitats; and advance ocean literacy.

The meetings also provide information on Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning (CMSP), including ways that stakeholders, scientists and members of the public can participate. And of course, time to ask questions and provide comments. For a schedule of upcoming events around the country, please visit: http://www.msp.noaa.gov/events.html

For those who live on the West Coast, state level workshops are being held in CA (Nov 12), OR (Nov 15), and WA (Nov 16). Sponsored by the West Coast Governors’ Agreement on Ocean Health, these public meetings will help identify roles and partnerships for implementation of Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning (CMSP) on the West Coast. More information can be found at http://westcoastoceans.gov/

These meetings provide a great opportunity for Surfrider Foundation to build collaboration with regional and national efforts to protect our coasts. Please contact Pete at pstauffer@surfrider.org for more info on how to engage.

California State Water Resources Control Board Unanimously Votes For “Clean Water At The ‘Bu”

2010-09-23T08:35:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release

California State Water Resources Control Board Unanimously Votes For “Clean Water At The ‘Bu”

Decision Marks Major Victory For The Surfrider Foundation's Fight For Clean Water In Malibu

San Clemente, CA (September 22, 2010) – Yesterday, the California State Water Resources Control Board voted unanimously 5-0 to support the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board’s decision to prohibit septic systems in the Malibu Civic Center area. This decision, requiring commercial facilities to be off septic systems by 2015 and residential sites by 2019 marks a major victory for the Surfrider Foundation and its coalition partners Heal The Bay, Santa Monica Baykeeper and the Malibu Surfing Association.

Sep 21, 2010. Clean Water at The 'Bu Coalition reps from L to R: Ken Seino (MSA),
Nancy Hastings (Surfrider Foundation), Michael Blum (President, MSA), Liz Crosson
(Executive Director, Santa Monica Baykeeper), and Mark Gold (President, Heal The Bay)

“Surfrider Foundation has been working on water quality issues in Malibu for over fifteen years,” said Nancy Hastings, Surfrider Foundation’s Southern California Field Coordinator. “We are thrilled with the State Water Resources Control Board’s vote to phase out existing septic systems, and prohibit new ones in Malibu’s Civic Center Area.

Septic systems in Malibu have long contributed to the chronic pollution problems at Malibu Creek, Malibu Lagoon and the historic Surfrider Beach. A central sewer system will significantly improve water quality by reducing the risk of septic systems leaching into the groundwater and contaminating the Malibu coastline with high levels of bacteria. This decision will also reduce the task of management and enforcement of on-site wastewater treatment systems that are faulty or not to code, a responsibility that the City of Malibu has repeatedly failed to accomplish.

Photo by Paul Diamond. Surfer Ken Seino speaks at the West LA/Malibu Chapter's Press Conference
and Rally for Clean Water At The 'Bu on Sep. 16, 2010. Ken contracted viral myocarditis after
paddling through raw sewage at Surfrider Beach in 1997, requiring a pacemaker to keep him alive.

“Millions of people visit Surfrider Beach each year,” Hastings continues. “This landmark decision to remove septic systems in the lower Malibu Creek Watershed will significantly reduce the health risk for all those who surf, swim, and recreate along this stretch of coastline.”

About Surfrider Foundation

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 90 chapters worldwide. For more information on the Surfrider Foundation, go to www.surfrider.org.

DEMAND CLEAN WATER IN MALIBU - SUPPORT THE SEPTIC PROHIBITION!

2010-08-13T10:59:00.000-07:00

Surfrider Beach is a crown jewel of surfing, an iconic beach, and the birthplace of the California beach lifestyle. Unfortunately, Surfrider is also one of the state’s most polluted beaches, receiving poor water quality grades in the Beach Report Card every year for nearly two decades.

It has been scientifically demonstrated that commercial and residential septic tanks in the Malibu Civic Center area are a major source of pollutants into Lower Malibu Creek, Malibu Lagoon and ultimately Surfrider Beach. The Lagoon and Beach have been impaired for well over a decade and are included on the State’s 303(d) List of Impaired Waterbodies.

After many years, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) finally stepped up to solve this serious public health issue by adopting a prohibition on new septics and a phase-out of current septics in the Civic Center area while the City of Malibu pursues a permanent solution. The adopted prohibition is a long overdue, legally enforceable action that should fulfill the promise of improving water at Surfrider Beach.

There is great urgency in solving the water quality issues in the Malibu Civic Center area. Over a million people visit Surfrider annually, and beach-goers have spent decades recreating in polluted waters with major health consequences.

Enough is enough.

A prohibition is a critical step towards improving water quality in Malibu Lagoon and Surfrider Beach to protect human health and aquatic life. Malibu has the potential to move forward with an integrated watershed management approach that utilizes recycled water and filtered stormwater instead of relying on potable water for all City needs.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Sign the Surfrider Foundation West LA/Malibu Chapter's petition asking the California State Water Board to approve the Basin Plan amendment adopted under RWQCB Resolution No. R4-2009-007 – phasing out existing and prohibiting new septic systems in the Malibu Civic Center area.

What Obama’s New Ocean Policy Means for Protecting Oceans, Waves, & Beaches

2010-07-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

On July 19, President Obama made history by establishing the first comprehensive National Ocean Policy for the United States. His executive order not only reaffirms the nation’s commitment to protecting our oceans and coasts, it also defines new approaches for how we get there. For too long, our ocean resources have been managed in a piecemeal way, with ecosystems - and those who value them - getting the short end of the stick. While an executive order doesn’t solve everything, it is a major step forward. Some highlights of the National Policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, Coasts, and Great Lakes include:

• A commitment to protect, maintain and restore ocean, coastal and Great Lakes ecosystems.
• Dedication to maintaining public access to our coasts and waters.
• A regional approach that promotes improved cooperation among federal, state, tribal, and local entities
• The use of marine spatial planning to ensure that new uses of the ocean minimize impacts to the environment and existing uses like recreation and fishing
• Establishment of a National Ocean Council to guide implementation of the new national ocean policy
• Substantial stakeholder and public input to ensure that local and regional needs are considered and addressed.

All this is great, you may be thinking, but why should we care? That’s a valid question for any Surfrider activist entrenched in local battles to save our coasts. In simplest terms, a national ocean policy matters because it provides top-down guidance to federal agencies to prioritize protection of the ecosystem. What Obama’s executive order - and the funding and legislation that will hopefully follow - represents is an improved framework for ocean planning and decision-making. Does this mean that all the local battles to save our coasts and oceans will suddenly evaporate? Absolutely not, but it should certainly help level the playing field in our favor. And, that alone is valuable and worth celebrating.

To read the new National Policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, Coasts, and Great Lakes please click here. Also, we encourage you to check out the recently updated Wear Blue for the Ocean website where you can access more information and send comments to President Obama thanking him for establishing a National Ocean Policy.

West Coast EBM Network Publishes New Guide: Community-based Management

2010-07-19T23:51:00.001-07:00

The West Coast EBM Network has published a new guide: 'Community-based Management of Coastal Ecosystems'. The guide highlights successful examples of ecosystem-based management (EBM) on the West Coast, including Ventura, CA and Port Orford, OR - both of which have great Surfrider participation. Co-sponsored by the NOAA Coastal Services Center, the Network brings together six community projects to share best practices and exchange lessons learned. Areas of focus include stakeholder engagement, collaborative science, and ecosystem protection and restoration. To learn more about the West Coast EBM Network, please click here. To learn more about Surfrider engagement in ecosystem-based management, please click here. Thanks to John Hanson (EBM Network), Paul Jenkin (Ventura, CA), Kathy Greer (Grays Harbor, WA), Leesa Cobb (Port Orford, OR) and Pete Stauffer (Port Orford, OR) and many others for their efforts on this project!

No New Drilling Act of 2010

2010-06-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

Surfrider Foundation has joined dozens of other environmental groups in supporting the No New Drilling Act of 2010 (HR 5248). Introduced by Rep. Frank Pallone (NJ), the No New Drilling Act would prohibit new offshore exploration, development, or production of oil and gas. The proposed legislation is currently the ONLY bill in Congress that would ban all new offshore drilling in the United States.

Despite the tragic lessons of the BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the No New Drilling Act currently has only modest support in the House with a total of five co-sponsors. If you haven’t already, please participate in the action alert to ask your representatives to protect our oceans and coasts from drilling! Please also call your congressmen to ask them to co-sponsor the No New Drilling Act. Calling your representative is the most effective way to have your voice heard and to help advance this legislation.

Finally, in addition to the No New Drilling Act, there are a number of other bills proposed in Congress that would either strengthen regulations and/ or restrict new drilling activities. Please visit the forum on chapternet for more info and discussion.

Thanks for taking action!

Naples Development on the Santa Barbara Coastline Delayed

2010-05-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

Photo: Environmental Defense Center

The Surfrider Foundation Santa Barbara Chapter has led the 10 year fight to block development of a key Gaviota Coast property, along with its partner organizations the Environmental Defense Center and the Naples Coalition. So last week they were overjoyed at the news of a bank auction/foreclosure sale of a 1,035 acre parcel known as Naples, located on the Gaviota Coast.

First Bank, who initiated the foreclosure proceeding, set a minimum bid of $50 million for the property. No one entered a bid, including the land's former owner, Orange County developer Matt Osgood, thereby making First Bank the new owner of the property. Naples had been slated for a massive development of 71 luxury-style homes averaging 8,000 square feet in size. Following last week's foreclosure sale, Osgood's development plans are uncertain at best.

"Last week's forced foreclosure sale of Naples is a testament to the work of our chapter, our partners, and all those who have never given up on preserving the Gaviota Coast," said Surfrider Santa Barbara chair Sandy Lejeune. "That an overwhelming majority of citizens both in and outside of Santa Barbara oppose development on the Gaviota Coast cannot be overestimated," Lejeune also said.

After 10 long years of struggle this victory has re-energized the Surfrider Foundation Santa Barbara Chapter! They continue to be on constant alert for any threats to the Gaviota Coast and are vigilant in their strategy of "constant pressure endlessly applied" to preserve the last remaining 20 miles of undeveloped coastline in southern California.

...ANYONE HAVE A SPARE $50 MILLION?

You can help the Santa Barbara Chapter in their efforts to permanently preserve the Gaviota Coast’s rural character and unspoiled nature for future generations to enjoy?

Sign the Petition to Preserve The Gaviota Coast.

Please sign our Petition to Preserve the Gaviota Coast

2010-05-03T15:54:00.000-07:00

THE GAVIOTA COAST, located in southern Santa Barbara County, includes the coastal watersheds between Coal Oil Point in Goleta, to Point Arguello on Vandenberg Air Force Base, and the remainder of Vandenberg’s coast to Point Sal. Surfrider Foundation’s Santa Barbara Chapter is working to preserve the 20-mile stretch of the Gaviota Coast between Goleta and Gaviota, which draws more than a million visitors to its beaches, coastal canyons and mountain trails every year.

WHAT'S AT STAKE:
In just over two generations, more than ninety percent of southern California's once-unspoiled coastline has been lost to development forever. Expanding urbanization has displaced agriculture on fertile coastal plains, reduced public beach access, and stressed coastal watersheds and marine ecosystems. Rapid population growth in the region has led to dramatic loss of native biological diversity, and a general decline in the health of ecosystems we depend on. The Gaviota Coast’s intact ecosystems, riparian and wildlife corridors, important coastal farmland, rare and endangered animals, unique tidal wetlands, and Native American cultural sites are all gravely threatened by development.

YOU CAN HELP!
Please sign our petition to permanently preserve the Gaviota Coast for future generations to enjoy! Thank you for your support of this incredibly important cause.

The Cycle of Insanity: The Real Story of Water

2010-03-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

The Cycle of Insanity: The Real Story of Water from Surfrider Foundation on Vimeo.

Plastics Are Forever or at Least 27 Years

2010-02-03T13:16:00.000-08:00

Found this on the beach in NJ yesterday. Now don't laugh, but you have to pay to get on the beach here in the summer. Most towns give you a beach tag or a beach "badge". If you aren't familiar with a beach badge, it is a thin piece of plastic, I'm guessing vinyl, about 2 inches square. They are dated of course so you can't use them next year.

Take a look at this one; it is 27 years old! There is no telling if this was in the ocean for 27 years, or if it spent some of that time buried in the sand. Maybe it went a few hundred miles south during a Nor'easter and made its way back. Maybe it did that ten times. Maybe it circumnavigated the entire North Atlantic. Belmar is two towns away from me, less than a mile.

The point is that besides being a bit faded and a little bent at the edges, this little piece of plastic is entirely intact 27 years later. We all pick up our share of plastic on the beaches; rarely is it dated. Makes me wonder how old some of the other stuff we are picking up is.

John Weber

Join Ocean Lovers and Conservationists To Stage National "Wear Blue For Oceans" Day to Advance U.S. Ocean Policy

2010-01-11T13:49:00.000-08:00

Conservationists and citizens who care about our oceans and coasts will be wearing blue this Wednesday January 13 to show their support for a new national ocean policy in what is being called, “Wear Blue for Oceans Day.”

In June President Obama called for the nation’s first ever policy to protect our Ocean, Coasts and Great Lakes, which many hope to see finalized in early 2010 and made official through an executive order. At present management of marine resources is determined by 20 different agencies operating under more than 140 laws each with different goals and often conflicting mandates. In public hearings across the nation this fall the administration heard widespread support for a unified ecosystem-based policy centered on the protection and restoration of the sea’s living resources – much like the policy the administration is in the process of creating. Only a healthy ocean can help assure a sound economy, good jobs, maritime security and viable coastal communities.

“Wear Blue for Oceans”Day events and rallies will be held in 10 cities across the nation, including San Francisco CA; New Orleans, LA; Washington D.C.; Honolulu, HI; Cambridge, MA; Houston, TX; St. Petersburg FL and Anchorage, AK. Those who can’t attend in person are encouraged to wear blue wherever they are and upload photos of themselves to http://wearblueforoceans.org/.

Supporting organizations include: Blue Frontier Campaign, Conservation Law Foundation, Environment California, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, Gulf Restoration Network, In Defense of Animals, Natural Resources Defense Council, Ocean Champions, The Ocean Conservancy, Ocean Defenders Alliance, Ocean River Institute, Pacific Environment, Save Our Shores, Save the Waves, Sea Stewards, Surfrider Foundation

Some quotes from those working on ‘Wear Blue for Oceans’ Day:

“A strong national ocean policy will provide major benefits to those who use and enjoy the ocean. This is a historic opportunity for the President to take action in support of clean beaches, healthy oceans, and sustainable fisheries,” said Pete Stauffer, Ocean Ecosystem Project Manager of Surfrider Foundation

“Like a Clean Air Act for our air, or a Clean Water Act for our water, we need a national policy to protect our oceans for this and future generations,” said Sarah Chasis, Director of the Ocean Initiative at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

“For too long we have ignored the health of the Gulf of Mexico and other ocean water, believing these ecosystems would remain a limitless resource despite our continued abuse. However, our ocean and coastal resources are degrading and far too many species that are dependent upon them are at risk. A strong national ocean policy will help us protect and restore these resources for future generations,” said Cynthia Sarthou, Executive Director of the Gulf Restoration Network

“New England’s oceans and coasts make up a large part of our heritage and our future. We need a strong National Ocean Policy that protects and restores the special places that we use and enjoy,” said Sean Cosgrove, Marine Campaign Director for the Conservation Law Foundation.

“People are ready for a national policy that recognizes that a healthy ocean is essential for our safety, livelihoods, recreational enjoyment and spiritual renewal. A new wave of seaweed (marine grassroots) citizen action is emerging that aims at nothing less than the restoration of the blue in our red, white and blue,” says David Helvarg, President of the Blue Frontier Campaign.

NOTE:

For more information on Wear Blue Day visit http://wearblueforoceans.org/ .

For more information on the national policy, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/oceans.

Wear Blue for the Oceans Day: January 13, 2010

2009-12-19T12:36:00.000-08:00

January 13, 2010 has been dubbed “Wear Blue for the Oceans Day” http://wearblueforoceans.org/ . The purpose is to demonstrate widespread support for the Obama Administration to establish a National Ocean Policy through issuing an Executive Order. This is a great opportunity to organize an event around or spread the word through your networks.

Last June, President Obama established an Ocean Policy Task Force to develop recommendations for a National Ocean Policy and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). The Task Force process is nearing completion – see interim reports and comment opportunities on their website - and in early 2010, the Obama Administration will be considering its response to the Task Force recommendations.

This is a historic opportunity to help shape the future of ocean and coastal management. Please help spread the word!

"We have a stewardship responsibility to maintain healthy, resilient, and sustainable oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes resources for the benefit of this and future generations."

President Barack Obama, June 12, 2009

Help Surfrider Spread the Word About Clean Water

2009-11-25T11:09:00.000-08:00

Improving and maintaining healthy ocean water quality has been one of our top priorities since our organization was founded 25 years ago. Next year the Surfrider Foundation will be rolling out an exciting new program called "Know Your H2O."

This program, which was piloted by our San Diego Chapter, is the next evolutionary step following our successful Blue Water Task Force water quality testing program. Know Your H2O seeks to educate the public on how they can have a direct impact on enhancing ocean water quality. Not only will this program speak to those audiences along our nation's coasts, we will be using it to message to audiences across all of the United States regardless of proximity to the beach or coastline.

Along with educational tools and materials, one of our goals is to create a stand alone interactive website for the program. That is where you come in...

The Surfrider Foundation is currently entered into an online contest on the social media site Youtopia. The winners of this contest will be eligible to receive $15,000 worth of design and/or strategic communications services from their menu of core offerings: strategy consulting, identity design, web design, print design, and online movies. In this time of tight budgets, this will tremendously help us spread the word about how to keep our ocean waters healthy.

Please visit the Youtopia website and vote for the Know Your H2O Flash Movie Website.

This action is free and takes just a few moments to complete.

As well, please do pass on this request to any of your friends or contacts who you feel would be interested in assisting the Surfrider Foundation find a new educational effort.

And visit the Know Your H2O blog at http://knowyourh2o.blogspot.com/

West Coast EBM Network Meets in Port Orford, Oregon

2009-10-27T16:36:00.000-07:00

Surfrider members from Washington, Oregon, and California recently participated in a meeting of the West Coast Ecosystem-Based (EBM) Management Network in Port Orford, OR. Co-sponsored by the NOAA Coastal Services Center, the meeting convened practitioners from six community projects to discuss best practices for implementing ecosystem-based management. Discussion topics included stakeholder engagement, collaborative science, integrated governance, and ecosystem protection and restoration. Attendees included elected officials, scientists, managers, and ocean users. To learn more about the West Coast EBM Network, please click here . To learn more about Surfrider engagement in ecosystem-based management, please click here. Thanks to Paul Jenkin (Ventura, CA), Gus Gates (Florence, OR), Jody Kennedy (Grays Harbor, WA), Kathy Greer (Grays Harbor, WA), Leesa Cobb (Port Orford, OR) and Pete Stauffer (Port Orford, OR) for participating!

Save Gaviota! Possible recission on development agreements at Naples!

2009-10-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

NAPLES COALITION

P.O. Box 1099, Goleta, CA 93116
Ph: 805.683.6631Link

http://www.SaveNaples.org

For Immediate Release
October 13, 2009

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO CONSIDER RESCISSION OF DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS FOR THE SANTA BARBARA RANCH, AKA NAPLES, DEVELOPMENT ON THE GAVIOTA COAST.

When: TUESDAY OCTOBER 20, 2009. Estimated time of hearing is unknown at this time. Meeting agenda and staff report can be found at http://santabarbara.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx#current
Where: County Administration Building, 105 East Anapamu 4th fl, Santa Barbara Broadcast on Channel 20 and streamed at http://www.countyofsb.org in real time.

Background
The Santa Barbara Ranch development is a 71 large lot residential development located two miles west of Goleta on the rural and agricultural Gaviota Coast. The development received tentative approval by the Board of Supervisors in late 2008 after unanimous opposition by the community (not a single citizen, unaffiliated with the developer, spoke in favor of the project over the years of public testimony).

The Supervisors conditionally approved separate Development Agreements in Ordinance 4694 for the inland and coastal portions of the Naples development specific to Santa Barbara Ranch on October 21, 2008. This ordinance embodies conditions which must be satisfied before the Development Agreements are effective including project approvals by the California Department of Conservation and the California Coastal Commission. These conditions have not yet been satisfied and therefore the Development Agreements are not in full force or effect.

The conditions that the County relied upon in approving the development agreements changed materially in February 2009 when the developer withdrew his application for the coastal portion of the Project. This in effect revoked most of the purported County benefits in the development agreements and undermined many of the mitigation measures required in the EIR. Further, the developer has failed to respond to Coastal Commission requests for biological information. Finally, Santa Barbara Ranch’s partner, Dos Pueblos Ranch, recently announced they had placed Dos Pueblos Ranch on the market. These conditions provide a basis for revoking the development agreements.

The Naples Coalition strongly urges the Board of Supervisors to cancel the development agreements so that future Boards may be able to respond to changes in circumstances.

Canceling the Development Agreements will not cancel the underlying project approvals.

About The Naples Coalition:
The Naples Coalition is a Santa Barbara County, CA-based public benefit corporation with representation by local non-profit groups including the Citizens Planning Association of Santa Barbara County, Gaviota Coast Conservancy, League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara County, Los Padres Chapter of the Sierra Club, Santa Barbara Chapter of Surfrider Foundation, Santa Barbara Chapter of the Audubon Society and Santa Barbara Community Action Network. The Naples Coalition is dedicated to the preservation of the rural character of the Naples property on the Gaviota coast. Specifically, the Naples Coalition is responding to Vintage Communities, an Orange County development company that purchased the Naples town site lots and has an application pending with the County of Santa Barbara to build up to 72 large luxury houses on the rural Naples property. The Naples Coalition seeks to preserve the rural character of the Naples area from this development’s impacts.

Visit http://www.GaviotaAction.org for complete information regarding the development at Naples.
Visit http://www.SaveNaples.org of information about Naples and the Naples Coalition.
Visit http://www.savenaples.org/index_res/NC%20History%20Chronology%209-09.htm for a summary of the 120 year development history of Naples.

Contact:
Marc Chytilo, Esq Phil McKenna
Attorney for the Naples Coalition Naples Coalition Board Member
Phone: 805-682-0585 Phone: 805-682-0302
Email: airlaw5@cox.net Email: mckennapj@cox.net

Demand Clean Water At The 'Bu!

2009-10-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

World Famous Malibu Surfrider Beach received F water quality ratings 62% of this year making it one of California's most polluted beaches. Aging or malfunctioning septic tanks in the City's "Civic Center" area (including Malibu Colony and Serra Retreat) are leaching into the ground, resulting in polluted groundwater reaching the ocean where visitors surf and recreate. Surfrider Beach is a classic California beach, that deserves better.

Photo: Serra Retreat, Malibu Colony, and Civic Center area

With encouragement from the public, and the West LA/Malibu Chapter's Clean Water at the 'Bu Coalition, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) will be considering a prohibition on septic systems at their November 5th public hearing. The Chapter will be asking the RWQCB to move on this septics ban to alleviate chronic pollution at Malibu's world famous Surfrider Beach (aka The 'Bu). You can find answers to your questions and links to the science on the Clean Water At The ‘Bu campaign blog.

View the Proposed Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the LA Region to Prohibit On-Site Wastewater Disposal Systems (OWDS) in the Malibu Civic Center Area

YOU CAN HELP! Here's how:

Attend the RWQCB hearing Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 9 am, and say you support Surfrider Foundation's position. Metropolitan Water District 700 North Alameda Street Downtown LA.
Sign the petition asking the RWQCB for a wastewater solution for Surfrider Beach. Sign the petition now!

Surfers' Point Restoration to Start

2009-10-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

The City of Ventura gave the go-ahead for the Surfers' Point Managed Shoreline Retreat project.

The passage of the state budget allows the previously earmarked grant funding to be released in time to break ground this year.

Construction of the first phase of the project should begin in November 2009. For more information visit http://www.surferspoint.org.

Photo: Bike trail at Surfer's Point now...

Marine Spatial Planning for Renewable Energy off the West Coast

2009-10-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

On October 6 -7, 2009 Surfrider Foundation participated in a meeting on Marine Spatial Planning for Renewable Energy on the West Coast in Seattle, WA. The purpose of the meeting was to formally launch an eighteen month process to develop a 'Coastal Siting Report' for renewable ocean energy projects off the West Coast. The meeting was part of the West Coast Governors Agreement on Ocean Health, and was sponsored by the Nature Conservancy, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Marine Minerals Services (MMS). Invited participants discussed a range of topics including regulatory frameworks, baseline data needs, and decision-support tools. Over the coming months, the process will provide an opportunity to help ensure that renewable ocean energy development minimizes impacts to the nearshore enviroment and existing uses like recreation and fishing. For more information, please visit the website of the West Coast Governors Agreement or contact Pete Stauffer pstauffer@surfrider.org.

Surfrider Foundation Beach Access Policy

2009-09-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

In Surfrider Foundation's past 25 years of working towards protection and enjoyment of our coastlines, we have amassed a vast and rich history of beach access campaigns and victories. Because beach access is a central component of Surfrider Foundation’s mission and strategic plan, the goal of this policy is to promote low-impact, universal beach access, while recognizing the balance of ecological integrity of the shoreline with the opportunity for optimized beach access. The policy also addresses perpendicular, horizontal and visual/scenic access to the beach as well as a balance of recreational user group interests.

Our Chapters have had many great victories in the past involving beach access, and there are ongoing campaigns as well. These include campaigns for improved beach access legislation and preservation of strong laws, like the Texas Open Beaches Act.

We also have a Coastal A-Z article that discusses beach access.

The Board of Directors approved the policy in their June 2009 meeting and the policy has been reviewed and revised with input from Surfrider Foundation Activists, Chapters and Affiliates.

You can link to the final policy language here and find it below. This policy can be used as a guidance document in dealing with any local beach access campaigns, as well as an attachment to legal briefs or administrative appeals regarding beach access.

Surfrider Foundation Beach Access Policy

Approved by the Surfrider Foundation Board of Directors on June 27, 2009

Surfrider Foundation views beach access as a universal right. Surfrider Foundation works to secure universal, low-impact beach access for all people. Surfrider Foundation’s members live, work, visit, and recreate on and near the world’s beaches, and are impacted by beach access limitations.

Surfrider Foundation recognizes that the public’s right of access to waterways is often based on the Public Trust Doctrine, and is further reflected in international, regional, and state laws and Constitutions. The Public Trust Doctrine is derived from the ancient Romans and incorporated into American law as a statement that the government retains rights in certain lands and resources in trust for the public, acting in its sovereign capacity as trustee for the beneficial use and enjoyment of the public. Specifically, governments hold title to navigable waters and the public has the right to use those waters, shorelands, and submerged lands. Surfrider works to increase public awareness and educate the public about their beach access rights, including those under the Public Trust Doctrine. In addition to the public trust right of access, the public may enjoy a right of access to and along the beach through custom, use or legislative authorization.

Surfrider Foundation also recognizes the importance of balancing ecological integrity with beach access. Surfrider Foundation recognizes the unique ecological, recreational and economic value of the world’s coastal resources. We support strong beach preservation and protection efforts when securing or augmenting low-impact beach access opportunities. As a grassroots, environmental organization, Surfrider Foundation works toward both the preservation and enjoyment of our precious coastal resources.

Surfrider Foundation acknowledges that increased carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are inducing increased sea level rise. According to the Public Trust Doctrine, the right to use a public resource (or “trust”) attaches to the shoreline regardless of the shoreline’s movement. In this way, the doctrine’s protections adapt to changing sea levels because the zone of protection moves landward or seaward as the shoreline erodes or accretes. Access should not be thwarted by the destruction of the beach, and the public should not be deprived of the benefit of natural environmental resources and habitat through beach replenishment projects, shoreline armoring, coastal development or other potentially destructive practices.
This policy is general in nature; the Surfrider Foundation recognizes that every specific case must be evaluated in the context of its local setting.

Statement

Beach access is a universal right and necessary for the public’s enjoyment of the beach. Surfrider Foundation promotes the rights of the public, including all recreational user groups, and members of the community to enjoy low-impact beach access, including the enjoyment of coastal aesthetics. Surfrider encourages recreational user groups to balance their interests and to work cooperatively with local residents and decision-makers to ensure maximized coastal access for all persons.

The Surfrider Foundation believes decision-making bodies should recognize the following principles when evaluating beach access issues:
- The public has an inherent right of access to and along all beaches and shorelines. Generally, local authorities have the primary authority to develop and maintain public access to and along the shorelines.
- Existing public coastal access opportunities must be retained, new or increased public access opportunities should be provided, and development must not be allowed to interfere with public access. Furthermore, beaches that provide access for water-oriented recreational activities should be protected for such uses.
- The public should be afforded full and fair access to beaches, which are public trust resources, by minimizing the possibility of impediment; including development, subdivision or land use zoning change; or deterring obstacles, including gates, fences, hired security, misleading signage, rock walls, shrubbery or other blockades, being placed upon public rights of way to beach access.
- Means of access to the beach (or “perpendicular access”) should be readily available and secured so as to maximize access along the coast and should not be overly burdensome for the potential beachgoer to utilize.
- When beach access may impede upon sensitive ecological coastal resources, beach access may be managed or restricted if necessary to protect the sensitive ecological coastal resource. Not all beach and coastal areas are appropriate for heavy recreational use or significant human presence. Sensitive ecological areas warrant restrictions and buffers to reduce negative impacts to beach ecosystems.
- There exists a cultural value of active visitation to the beach as part of traditional, historical and/or customary practices.
- Coastal views from offshore to the inland coastline and from inland areas to the ocean view should be highly-valued. The public coastal viewshed should be preserved in relation to all public viewing corridors, including from offshore, ocean-based vantage points and views of surfers, fishers, boaters, kayakers, and others from nearshore waters.
- Preferably, the world’s beach resources would always be open and free to all persons. However, if parking or beach fees are collected, the recovered funds should be used for purposes which are directly related to coastal access, recreation, management, restoration, conservation, and preservation efforts in the general vicinity of where the fees are collected.
- Wherever appropriate, public facilities, including parking areas, showers, bathrooms, changing areas and other amenities, should be made available in a manner that mitigates the adverse impacts, environmental, social or otherwise of public access.
- Surfrider Foundation advocates for development setback requirements that take into account the rate of sea level rise, so as to allow any new structures to withstand damage from hurricanes or flood events without the use of shoreline armoring or other ecologically destructive development. Coastal development policies should work towards managed landward retreat of existing structures from eroding shorelines. Any access improvements should also contemplate sea level rise.

The Surfrider Foundation is an environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches for all people through conservation, activism, research and education. Our membership includes beach goers, surfers, windsurfers, fishermen, kayakers, other ocean users and people concerned with the protection of the world's beaches and oceans.

Coastal Commission Denies Santa Barbara County Beach Armoring in Resounding 9-1 vote

2009-08-03T13:40:00.000-07:00

"The Coastal Commission has sent a clear message to the County," explained Linda Krop, chief counsel of the Environmental Defense Center. "A hard structure such as groin will rob downcoast beaches of sand, causing bluffs and beaches to erode."

According to EDC environmental analyst Brian Trautwein, "This decision is a victory for beaches and people who love the coast. The proposed groin would have required ongoing dredging off Goleta Beach, causing beach and park closures, as well as air and water pollution."

Maintenance work being done in January 2003 to the previous beach erosion fix, a rock wall. Paul Wellman (file)

EDC and Surfrider hired the engineering firm Phillip Williams and Associates (PWA) to critique the County's proposal, and develop an alternative, long term plan for Goleta Beach. PWA designed the Park Reconfiguraton Alternative (PRA) to protect the entire length of beach by relocating threatened facilities and park amenities, while retaining the restaurant, lawn area and parking lot. EDC and Surfrider submitted over 580 letters in opposition to the groin and in favor of the alternative.

Although Commission staff found the alternative to be both feasible and environmentally superior, the staff recommended against the alternative on the grounds that 1.3 acres of turf could be lost. However, this assertion was refuted by EDC and PWA at the hearing.

At the end of the hearing, the Commissioners advised the County to consider an option that respects and incorporates natural processes, and plans for future sea level rise. "We are pleased that environmental solutions are back on the table," said Scott Bull, Santa Barbara Chapter Surfrider representative and member of the County's original Goleta Beach Working Group. "Surfrider remains committed to a plan that protects the beach, the Park, and the environment."

EDC and Surfrider hope to work with the County to develop a workable, environmentally-sensitive solution.

Read the Santa Barbara Independant coverage of this story here - http://www.independent.com/news/2009/jul/09/coastal-commission-denies-permeable-pile-pier/

Surfrider Foundation Commends & Comments on Obama’s Leadership on National Ocean Policy

2009-07-31T14:45:00.000-07:00

On June 12, 2009, President Obama issued a memorandum to executive departments and agencies to establish the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force. The Task Force is charged with developing recommendations for a National Ocean Policy, as well as a framework for effective coastal and marine spatial planning.

Surfrider Foundation strongly supports this movement by the Obama administration. “Our coastlines are increasingly challenged by a growing number of human use”, says Jim Moriarty, Surfrider Foundation’s CEO. “A National Ocean Policy will help promote smarter management decisions, and ensure that we prioritize the health of our ocean ecosystems and coastal communities.”

This proclamation also calls for increased coordination among all federal, state, local, and tribal authorities with jurisdiction over our oceans – a major recommendation of both the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and Pew Oceans Commission five years ago. “As a grassroots environmental organization, we are excited to support a more comprehensive approach to management”, says Moriarty. “We believe our chapter network can really enhance this effort through our many grassroots campaigns, volunteer programs, and outreach events”

“Our coastlines represent almost $138 billion dollars to the nation’s economy, that magnitude would rank it as a “Fortune 10” company, what we’re seeing with this federal movement is that we’re starting to understand we need to manage our coastlines in a way that reflects their enormous value to this nation.”

A first round of comments to the Ocean Policy Task Force on their broad agenda were due today. We are honored to join the American Canoe Association and American Whitewater in commenting on this exciting first step towards better protection of our ocean and coasts.

Learn more about the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force here.

Read our joint comments here.

Long Beach has Surfing Potential After Removal of the Long Beach Breakwater

2009-07-06T13:31:00.000-07:00

Written by the Long Beach Chapter:

The Surfrider Foundation has released a new report on the effects of removing the 2.5 mile Long Beach breakwater (Read full report here) . Prepared by *Sean Collins of Surfline, one of the worlds leading surf forecasters, the report examines the potential for surfing waves and increased surf tourism to the typically deserted four mile shore of Long Beach. In classic Surfline fashion, the twenty-four page document contains detailed graphs of swell windows, bathymetry, currents, and "surfability indexes".

Amongst the more notable statements in the report is one regarding erosion in the controversial peninsula area: “There is very strong evidence that removal of the (Long Beach) breakwater would improve long term erosion by allowing more equally balanced wave action along the beach.” The peninsula area has for many years utilized “beach nourishment” measures at taxpayer expense to counter their ongoing erosion problems.

He also concludes that Long Beach would have a surfing environment similar to that of neighboring Seal Beach, and notes, “…great surf isn’t mandatory to bring lots of surfers to the beach as there are currently lots of beginning and intermediate surfers looking for smaller, more manageable surf.”

“However,” he continues, “Of special note is the area closest to the Downtown Marina where an excellent quality surf spot could be located during a strong south swell.”

Increased tourism

Through Sean’s extensive record keeping of nearby beaches, he’s concluded that the potential increase of surfing visitors to Long Beach would be near 400,000 per year. “It is also important to note that the focus of this report is specifically on surfers, and the number of surfers that would be in the water during the four to five hour period between sunrise and noon.” Those numbers don’t take into account windsurfers, swimmers, bodyboarders, sunbathers, or anyone who goes to the beach after noon, when surfers typically leave due to wind.

The Surfline report makes a good case – in terms of waves and commerce – for once again opening Long Beach to the living pulse of the ocean.

*Sean Collins – Through his website Surfline.com, Collins has provided weather and wave forecasting services to lifeguard agency’s, the Coast Guard, National Weather Service, multiple domestic and international governmental agencies and nearly every surf company in the world. With over thirty years of experience, he has developed a sophisticated, proprietary system of wave forecasting that has become a standard on most every surfer’s desktop.

Long Beach has 3 breakwaters protecting the Long Beach harbor.
The Long Beach Breakwater is the eastern-most section.

Go to LBSurfrider.org

Small Steps

2009-06-08T11:57:00.000-07:00

Small Steps to a Greater Future by Shannon Serrano

“All of us have in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean…and when we go back to the sea…we are going back from where we came.” – John Kennedy.

I wonder if John Kennedy thought we would systematically destroy where we came from, our home. If I looked at the content of the ocean today I would not lovingly refer to it as a clean home, or be proud to show it off to my friends and family. I go out into the water because I am a water lover and I enjoy spending time in it. However, I do not love the thought of becoming sick from being in the water. I do not enjoy the thought of a dying environment. It is deceiving to untrained eyes, as our beaches are beautiful. But when you look a little closer you can see the bits of Styrofoam mixed in the sand and rocks on shore. Maybe you noticed a plastic bottle floating on the surface when you paddled out at your home break or felt the plastic bag brush your leg as you went for a swim on a flat day. Better yet, maybe you bore witness to the oil that spilled from a boat washed up on the rocks or came across a dying bird on the beach with a belly full of plastic bits. These are devastating sights that allow me to never take for granted the time I spend in the water.

I am asked a myriad of questions on a near daily basis when I meet people and talk about my job. What will future generations face in the quality of their water? Will they look forward to getting sick regularly when they get in the water or maybe just once in awhile? What can I do to clean my home? What about the rest of the world?

It never seems cliché that my answer always starts something like, “every person doing just a little bit sets a trend for a greater change, bigger than themselves. “ I truly believe that the small act of picking up trash creates awareness in those around you on the beach or at the park, who are not picking up trash.

But there are lots of other ways to make a difference besides picking up trash. Volunteer and reach out to youth by leading a beach walk, a surf trip, or a beach cleanup. There is no better way to create a sense of ownership and responsibility in another generation than allowing them to learn to love the ocean. Or bring your own mug, take out dish, bag, silverware, etc. By creating less trash there will be less in our water. Get involved in local and state initiatives seeking to make a change to help protect and preserve the ocean. Travel consciously, promote awareness and continue to support and join groups like the Surfrider Foundation, who have a global reach in working to protect the world’s oceans. Remember to always, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” Gandhi.

Look Out Terracycle!

2009-06-04T18:43:00.000-07:00

What is it? It is a bracelet made out of aluminum can pull tabs (with an elastic thingy in the middle). It gets better. Kids from the Carl Sandburg Middle School in Old Bridge, NJ Environmental Club sold these bracelets and raised a lot of money. It gets better. They gave they money away including a rather sizable check - several hundred dollars - to the local Surfrider Foundation Chapter!

So not only did they reuse something before it was trashed or recycled, they made something beautiful out of it, made money, and did something good with the money.

Me? I just showed up and played Sea to Summit and a few PSA's on DVD. But it gets better. I went to Carl Sandburg Middle School back in the day. Way to go kids! And if you don't get the Terracycle reference click here

West Coast Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) Network

2009-05-27T23:15:00.001-07:00

Surfrider Foundation is collaborating with the NOAA Coastal Services Center and many other partners to advance local approaches to ecosystem-based management (EBM). The West Coast EBM Network is a partnership of six community-based initiatives focused on the successful implementation of ecosystem-based management (EBM) along the coasts of Washington, Oregon and California. Priorities of the network include: shared learning between the six projects; identification of “best practices” for community EBM; and building political support for implementation. The Surfrider Foundation has formal involvement in three of the six projects including; Ventura, CA; Port Orford, OR; and San Juan County, WA. We look forward to sharing outcomes from the effort with other Surfrider chapters around the globe. For more information on the network, check out the new website of the network.

Southern California Chapter Conference a success

2009-05-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

On May 16, 2009, over 30 core Surfrider Foundation activists from San Diego to Santa Barbara converged in Long Beach for the annual Southern California Chapter Conference, which included a morning trip on the Algalita science vessel and a day-long conference at the Pacific Sailing Yacht Club. What a great day!

Crazy for Caps

2009-05-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

Funny to think I got excited over and blogged about 4000 plastic bottle caps a little over a year ago.http://www.surfrider.org/blogger/2008_04_01_archive.asp . But we were definitely on to something.

A group here in NJ, Clean Ocean Action, recognized that and did something about it. They had a contest that involved hundreds of groups, schools, and families in collecting and recycling plastic bottle caps. In all, almost 2.5 million caps were collected and about 200,000 were on display at an event this weekend. Surfrider Foundation, Jersey Shore Chapter contributed 53,000 caps to the cause. And to think, Aveda, the salon/hair care company has hundreds and hundreds of groups collecting caps all around the region because they are otherwise not recycled. The caps will be melted down and recycled into new caps. They are definitely on to something.

This young man took one for the team and wore a penguin suit all day. But his message was one of thanks. Cool.

Surfrider Earth Day Clean Up on FOX morning News!

2009-04-28T12:17:00.000-07:00

Surfrider Foundation's West LA/Malibu Chapter teamed up with FOX news and FOX stars Annie Wersching of "24", Eliza Dushku of "Dollhouse" and Joely Fisher from "Til' Death" showed up to help. Watch Bob Decastro's video report here:

Judge Invalidates Water District Annexation of Gaviota Coast Lots

2009-04-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

From: Santa Barbara Chapter Surfrider Foundation
Date: April 14, 2009
Press contact: Mike Lunsford (805) 967-5828 and Marc Chytilo, (805) 682-0585 of the Gaviota Coast Conservancy
Ken Palley (805) 967-9938 and Ellison Folk(415) 269-6699, Santa Barbara Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

________________________________________________________________

A lawsuit filed by the Gaviota Coast Conservancy and Surfrider Foundation resulted today in a decision invalidating a 2008 action by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) annexing prime Gaviota Coast parcels into the Goleta Water District. Without water service, development of the lots is more challenging.

“This is a second significant ruling in two weeks for the Gaviota Coast” explained Gaviota Coast Conservancy President Mike Lunsford. “The laws and policies protecting the Gaviota Coast, mean very little if they are not followed by local decision makers. This decision restores reason and fair play in the permitting process, and puts Orange County developers on notice that this community will not stand by and allow them to play fast and loose with the Gaviota Coast.”

Ms. Ellison Folk, lead attorney for the legal team, stated “This decision required analysis of a complex legal and factual setting, but reached the core issues regarding whether the developer, GWD and LAFCO could rely on the incomplete 1998 annexation for a golf course to provide water service for a completely different residential project ten years later. The Court recognized that the new residential project needed a new application for annexation and could not rely on the ten year old incomplete golf course project.”

Attorney Marc Chytilo explained: “This case has a long and convoluted history.” The two environmental groups first challenged an attempt by the Goleta Water District to annex the parcels in 2007, since the District didn’t comply with CEQA by preparing an EIR. To avoid a losing lawsuit, GWD withdrew that project, then arranged to reactivate the 1998 golf course annexation, bypassing CEQA. But the 1998 annexation had never been finalized, as all parties had agreed at that time to merge 25 Naples antiquated lots as a required element of the project, but the merger never happened. The golf course project received full approval from the County and Coastal Commission, but then was stopped when red-legged frogs were discovered on the site. The developer sued the Coastal Commission, who entered into a tolling agreement that contemplated 10 houses on the 25 Naples lots, in addition to two other large agricultural lots with mansions. Only one of these lots had water service, so the developer had to apply to the GWD to annex the rest of the lots to get water service.

In 1998 the planned water service was to be almost exclusively reclaimed water for the golf course, and the developer paid GWD $4.5 million for the District to expand its reclaimed water facilities. When the golf course was stopped, the developer shifted and pursued the residential project that requires all potable water. The developer demanded that the GWD help them with the annexation, or else would demand return of the $4.5 million, even though the money had been spent for infrastructure to deliver reclaimed water for the golf course. In 2008, GWD convinced LAFCO to use the 1998 incomplete annexation as a means to get water for residential development.

Chytilo continued: “Surfrider and the Gaviota Coast Conservancy fought these efforts through a series of lawsuits, and today prevailed. The judge ruled that there had been no annexation, and a new application would have to be filed for Makar’s residential development.” Makar has a development application pending before Santa Barbara County to develop two massive, luxury residential compounds. They also own 25 antiquated “Naples” lots totaling 57 acres that are zoned agricultural. These lots are similar to the lots owned by another Orange County developer, Matt Osgood and known as Santa Barbara Ranch. But now they have no water and face growing community hostility to oversized mansions on the Gaviota Coast’s prime agricultural lands. With new board members on the Goleta Water District Board of Directors, at LAFCO and at the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, the Makar residential project faces an uncertain future.

Pollution Problems of the Tijuana Sloughs

2009-04-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

Tijuana Sloughs in Imperial Beach, San Diego is the stuff of legend - a big wave surf spot surfed since the early 1930's, the milieu of David Milch's offbeat HBO series, "John from Cincinnati" and Kem Nunn's "surf-noir" novel. Sadly, it is also extremely polluted. The new Shifting Baselines slide show below describes the challenges of this unique place.

“Shifting Baselines in the Tijuana Tide” is a new 5-minute video released on Earth Day, April 22, 2009, from the Shifting Baselines Ocean Media Project.

It addresses the ocean conservation problems from the highly polluted Tijuana River. The video (available in English and Spanish) is a co-production with California Sea Grant and University of Southern California Sea Grant, and Wildcoast. In addition, The Annenberg Foundation and The Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment and USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies provided partial funding and Surfrider Foundation is assisting with outreach and distribution.

Newport, Oregon Chapter Releases Report Card for Pulp Mill Permit

2009-03-30T13:31:00.000-07:00

The Newport Chapter of Surfrider Foundation recently released its “report card” for the Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) reconsideration of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) wastewater permit of the Georgia-Pacific Pulp Mill in Toledo. The state reissued the permit with two new special conditions which will no longer allow inappropriate waste streams like Marion County leachate to be processed at the facility and require an ocean monitoring study.

Surfrider gives the agency high marks for determining that landfill leachate from Marion County and other external waste streams are inappropriate for discharge off Nye Beach in Newport. Surfrider also commends DEQ for requiring an environmental survey of the ocean discharge, but bemoans the lack of specifics for the design of the study, and third party objectivity. However, Surfrider flunks the agency for flaws in its scientific assessment and modeling, and determining compliance with discharge criteria for turbidity and bacteria.

The science required on the ocean side of the discharge zone to determine the long-term impacts of the effluent plume on nearshore marine life and public health has been neglected”, said Newport Chapter’s Joe Haxel. “DEQ’s requirement for an environmental survey is a good opportunity to begin these ocean environment observations. This study needs to be well-designed and executed to provide sufficient evidence for the 2010 permit renewal process.”

Surfrider Foundation was one of four groups that successfully petitioned the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in 2006 to reconsider the terms of the permit, based on non-compliance with state and federal laws that protect water quality. In March of 2008, Surfrider’s Environmental Issues Team developed a report of science-based recommendations to address the permit’s deficiencies, and help bring the agency closer to compliance with the Clean Water Act. The purpose of the report was to be constructive, and provide DEQ with a roadmap for addressing the issues raised in the petition.

Some of the report’s recommendations focus on the need for enhanced monitoring of marine species and the nearshore environment in the vicinity of the mill’s ocean outfall. Other recommendations provide guidance and data resources for improving the assessments used to identify potential ecological and public health impacts.

“This is primarily about holding Oregon accountable for implementing laws that protect water quality. It’s about a better permit to protect our marine ecosystems and ensure public health for ocean users in Newport,” says Charlie Plybon Oregon Field Coordinator for Surfrider Foundation. DEQ has not convinced local Surfrider members that they are upholding water quality laws for this permit. “We’re disappointed in DEQ’s poor scientific determinations, but encouraged by the local process to address concerns collaboratively with Georgia Pacific. We have done a lot of research and allocated resources to continue working on ocean monitoring. We’re currently engaged with Georgia Pacific and hopeful we can be a resource for a collaborative and community approach to the ocean monitoring study DEQ has required in the reissue. The approach, evaluation and communication of the ocean monitoring study will be critical in resolving questions and concerns of local ocean users.”

Blue Vision Summit in Washington DC

2009-03-10T16:06:00.000-07:00

On March 9 -11, Surfrider Chapter members from DC, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, California, Texas, Oregon and elsewhere congregated in Washington DC for the Blue Vision Summit. The goals of the conference included strengthening the nationwide network of ocean activists and promoting passage of effective federal ocean legislation. On the third day of the Summit, conference participants met with their federal representatives to communicate the importance of national leadership on ocean issues, including passage of Oceans 21, reauthorization of the Coastal Zone Management Act, funding for the Federal BEACH Act, etc. Special kudos to the Capitol (DC) Surfrider Chapter which was an official sponsor of the Blue Vision Summit and hosted a terrific ‘Celebration of the Sea’ reception for conference attendees. In the coming months, stay tuned for more updates on federal legislation as the 111th Congress moves forward with addressing ocean issues under the new administration.

PALM BEACH COUNTY CHAPTER WINS MAJOR COURT BATTLE

2009-03-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

Palm Beach, FL –Administrative Law Judge Robert E. Meale ruled late yesterday that the Town of Palm Beach be denied a Joint Coastal Permit to nourish Reach 8. One year ago in March 2008, the Surfrider Foundation, Snook Foundation, and three individuals filed suit against the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for approving a Joint Coastal Permit for the Town of Palm Beach to dredge-and-fill Reach 8. The Town of Palm Beach intervened on behalf of the DEP, and the City of Lake Worth and Eastern Surfing Association intervened in opposition of the project. The trial lasted three weeks, ending in October of last year.

Reach 8 is one of eleven reaches of beach within the County of Palm Beach. The Town of Palm Beach nourished Reach 7 two years ago costing taxpayers tens of millions of dollars. Reach 7 caused substantial environmental harm to the local coastal resources and has already significantly eroded away.

The Town of Palm Beach was proposing more of the same in their attempt to dredge-and- fill Reach 8. Reach 8 extends 1.8 miles and includes beaches within the Town of Palm Beach and the City of Lake Worth. The Town of Palm Beach proposed dredging offshore and filling in 700,000 cubic yards of fill material on Reach 8 directly burying seven acres of nearshore hardbottom reef.

The City of Lake Worth maintains a public park within Reach 8 and opted out of the Joint Coastal Permit due to the projects’ potential to harm their environmental resources and local economy dependent on them.

“This is a tremendous win for Florida’s Beaches,” said Chapter Chair Greg Lyon. “To our knowledge, this is the first time that any court in the US has flatly rejected the permitting of an approved dredge-and-fill project due primarily to the potential negative environmental impacts.”

The five petitioners proved the dredge-and-fill project would destroy the beach and coastal environment by directly burying reefs, killing marine life, including endangered seaturtles, and overall destabilizing fishing, diving, surfing and other valuable recreational uses of the area.
“The Judge clearly grasped the significance of the geological and biological coastal systems in this area and their rarity. His ruling focused extensively on the overwhelming data from numerous experts that supported the denial of this permit,” said attorney Jane West, whose firm Collins & West, P.A. represented the five petitioners.

Rob Young, Director of the Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines at Western Carolina University and an expert witness in the case expressed admiration for the judge’s ruling. "Judge Meale took a very hard look at the numerical computer model used to predict where the nourishment sand would go, and he strongly criticized its use," Young said. "This same model, GENESIS, is used all over the country for the design of beach nourishment projects. The Judge’s ruling is a serious indictment of that practice."

“We look forward to working with our experts and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to re-examine its policies on beach management and realize these dredge and fill projects can be detrimental to the coastal environment they are alleged to be protecting,” said Ericka Davanzo, Surfrider's Regional Manager in Florida.

Judge Meale’s ruling is an order of recommendation to Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Michael Sole, who will now have 45 days to issue the final order.

Check out the Chapter Blogto see the case details!

Humboldt Chapter Wave Energy Forum

2009-02-27T11:04:00.000-08:00

On Feb 21, Surfrider's Humboldt Chapter hosted an informational public forum on wave energy development in response to community interest and concern over PG&E's proposed WaveConnect projects off northern California. Presenters included PG&E Representative Ian Caliendo, FERC's Jim Hastreiter, HT Harvey Ecologist Peter Nelson and Surfrider Foundation's Pete Stauffer. Humboldt State University Professor of Economics Steve Hackett joined the panel for a question-and-answer session following the presentations. Over 70 members of the community including elected officials, environmental professionals, surfers, and fishermen attended, as well as members of the Mendocino Chapter who trekked up in support. During the panel, Caliendo (PG&E) noted California's mandate that 20 percent of the state's energy come from renewable energy sources by 2010, and provided an overview of PG&E's pilot Wave Connect proposal which would be sited north or south of the Humboldt Bay harbor entrance (photo). Hastreiter (FERC) expressed confidence in FERC's role as lead agency, and reiterated that the preliminary permit granted to PG&E only allows the company to reserve the area and creates a timeline during which studies much be completed. Stakeholders will have many chances for input, he assured the audience. Nelson (HT Harvey) described potential ecological effects of development, and illustrated the importance of scale. Stauffer (Surfrider) provided an overview of Surfrider's Policy Statement on Alternative Ocean Energy, and acknowledged both potential benefits, as well as the need to proceed incrementally and cautiously. Since this was the newly reconstituted chapter's first forum, members were quite pleased with the event's success. A video of the forum is expected to be available soon.

Bike Riders for Surfrider

2009-02-24T10:51:00.000-08:00

Two men, two bikes, a couple of tents and a hell of a lot of coastline...Dave and Foulsh are two Surfrider supporters who have given up a summer of surf trips in the car, to ride their pushies around the coast of Oz. Dave from Sydney to Adelaide and Foulsh from Sydney to Perth.

Introducing David Barrett-Lennard and Ian Foulsham and their epic cycle ride along the Australian south coast which commenced on Sunday 1 February from Cronulla, Sydney.
The aim of the trip is to bring attention to, and raise funds, for Surfrider Foundation. The guys are stopping at a number of significant spots along the way,such as Bastion Point, Mallacoota), aiming to raise awareness of prominent coastal issues (for details of their epic journey, blog and to make donations click on the this
link: www.daveandfoulshadventures.com: Dave's employer has generously agree to match donations up to a total of $5,000 so if you have some spare cash to put toward Surfrider's activities this would be a great way to show your support to the boys and help Surfrider.

- Julia Chunn, General Manager, Surfrider Foundation Australia

Help The Surfrider Foundation Get a Better Understanding of YOUR Community and Surrounding Marine Areas.

2009-02-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

The Surfrider Foundation is currently working with a wide variety of individuals and organizations on the Marine Life Protection Act--or MLPA. The MLPA is a state law that requires establishing a "network" of marine protected areas along the California coastline. This law is currently being implemented in Southern California.

Much like our National Parks protect special places on land, these Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) offer heightened protection for marine life to thrive and people to enjoy. In short, MPAs protect special places for their "intrinsic value"--preserving ecological abundance for generations to come. MPAs around the globe have become popular attractions for people to enjoy nature's beauty and abundance.

Establishing MPAs can also help restore healthy fisheries. Studies show alarming declines in fish populations worldwide. Fishermen are now catching half of what they did in 1990 and the fish they do catch are 45 percent smaller. Some local fisheries may take 50-80 years to recover. MPAs allow marine life populations to increase and individual species to grow to full maturity--which increases the number of off-spring from protected areas. These larger populations may "spill over" the boundaries of MPAs and provide improved fishing in areas adjacent to MPAs.

The state of California adopted the MLPA in 1999 and created the opportunity for members of the public to participate in identifying special places worthy of heightened protection. Surfrider Foundation members represent a broad spectrum of people who enjoy time in the ocean surfers, fishers, divers, kayakers, sailors and others who just love the natural beauty of our coast and ocean.

Our collective knowledge from this experience can help design an effective network of MPAs. The Surfrider Foundation is gathering information and recommendations from local communities to help formulate a regional network of MPAs. Our goal is to balance our members' commitment to restoring and protecting our coast and ocean for generations, with our support of sustainable and accessible fishing opportunities.

Help establish successful Marine Protected Areas by completing this survey (all responses are anonymous) . To learn more about MLPA go to: www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa and http://www.caloceans.org/ Or email Stefanie at: Ssekich@surfrider.org

GO HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=jweijd4I8d5vtscSSwjSHw_3d_3d

Google Earth adds Oceans - Go Explore!

2009-02-03T13:50:00.000-08:00

The newest version of Google Earth, now available for download, has made a huge jump forward for ocean education and exploration by adding a multitude of fun, interesting and amazing data layers. The Earth is 70% covered with water, and with the addition of seafloor bathymetry in 3D you can now travel below the surface of the seas to see wondrous mountain ranges and canyons, much larger than anything on land.

Through collaborations with Oceanographer Sylvia Earle, the National Geographic Society, and many ocean researchers around the globe you can see photos and videos of amazing animals, shipwrecks, dive sites, natural structures and even surf spots.

Surfrider's CEO was at the unveiling recently, visit his blog to read all about that experience.

Here are a couple interesting videos provided by the folks at Google Earth to get you started

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ATw1f_qcEg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOG-iAiDiko

Surfrider Foundation Challenges Carlsbad Ocean Desalination Permit

2009-01-26T16:11:00.000-08:00

The contentious plan to build a massive ocean desalination on the Agua Hedionda Lagoon in Carlsbad, California has been challenged in court. Surfrider Foundation, as lead plaintiff, claims approval by the Coastal Commission to build the largest ocean desalination facility in the western hemisphere violates California law because it was not designed or located to avoid the unnecessary destruction of marine life.

Open water intakes, like that proposed in Carlsbad, have been shown to suck in and kill all stages of marine life, significantly impacting healthy marine ecological systems. The project is also extremely energy demanding: stretching our current electrical supplies and undermining California’s efforts to curb global warming. According to Joe Geever, Surfrider Foundation’s California Policy Coordinator, “Healthy marine life populations are already threatened by pollution and impacts from climate change. This project would constantly ‘fish’ the water surrounding the intake and require approximately 40% more electricity than pumping water all the way from the Sacramento Delta – our most energy demanding current source of water.”

Surfrider and other environmental organizations have supported ocean desalination research and pilot projects to reduce the enormous energy demand and to test intake systems that avoid marine life mortality. That research has already shown signs of success. Geever summarizes their support for research with their opposition to this particular project: “Whether or not you support the idea of ocean desalination, it has to be done responsibly and according to the law. Responsible desalination may be right around the corner, but this proposal isn’t even close.”

In the meantime, there is a growing consensus in the environmental community and research institutes that alternatives including expanded water conservation programs, wastewater recycling, and a host of rainwater retention practices can accommodate foreseeable freshwater demand. Importantly, these options have the added benefits of reducing water pollution, dramatically cutting back energy use, and restoring our coast and ocean habitat.

Surfrider Foundation’s attorney, Marco Gonzalez of Coast Law Group, is quick to point out, “Our client is not an overly litigious group. They’ve gone the extra mile to advance sustainable and environmentally responsible water supply alternatives. But they won’t stand by while the laws created to protect our coast and ocean are blatantly ignored by the agencies responsible to enforce them.”

Joint Ocean Commission Initiative (JOCI) Report to Local & State Leaders

2009-01-15T09:29:00.000-08:00

Jan 15, 2008 - A national report was released today to West Coast local and state elected officials with specific recommendations to better protect our oceans and coasts click here. Released by the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative (JOCI), a national bipartisan voice for ocean policy reform, the Report 'One Coast, One Future' identifies priority actions for elected officials to promote the health of coastal and ocean ecosystems, which our West Coast communities depend on. The reports recommendations address a number of priorities of Surfrider Foundation including: water quality; shoreline preservation; marine debris; nearshore science; stakeholder/ community participation; and ecosystem-based management.

Requested by 19 elected officials from California, Oregon and Washington State, the report provides a fantastic opportunity to engage key decision-makers in ocean and coastal stewardship. Please think about the local & state elected officials that you know that would be interested in this report – and then share with them through any means possible!

'Protecting our oceans and coasts starts at the local level,' said Leon E. Panetta, co-chair of the Joint Initiative and former White House Chief of Staff. 'We are pleased to see so much interest in finding solutions to the critical problems facing our oceans and coasts. The Joint Initiative has provided the input that will lead to meaningful ocean policy reform at the state and local level,' Panetta continued.

For more info on the initiative how to get involved with outreach to your community leaders please contact pstauffer@surfrider.org.

An Aussie reflection on surfing and marine conservation in Rincón, Puerto Rico

2009-01-09T11:25:00.000-08:00

Geoff Elliot, The Australian's Washington correspondent, describes the impact of surfing on Puerto Rico.

"As it happens, I've returned to Puerto Rico this month...I'm drawn to the place. And, sure, it may have changed, but the influx of tourist dollars hasn't been an entirely bad thing.

Surf tourism - along with the rise of the eco-tourism associated with the magnificent sea turtles, migrating humpbacks and shipwrecks in the area - is a testament to the area's beauty and power.

It has helped put Tres Palmas on the conservation list, making it Puerto Rico's first marine park, in an effort championed by the Surfrider Foundation.

Who would have thought surfers would unite to protect this treasure from any would-be pirates of the Caribbean?"

Read more...

Tres Palmas, Rincón, Puerto Rico
Photo: Steve Fitzpatrick

Dolphin Stampede!

2009-01-05T17:23:00.000-08:00

Check out this great video that was sent to us here at Surfrider. It was shot in the Sea of Cortez. Just amazing!

A beautiful morning at Seal Beach

2008-12-16T15:50:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful morning for Huntington/Seal Beach Chapter Treasurer, Tony Soriano, until he got to the shoreline at Seal Beach this morning.

"The only waves were waves of debris. This time there was a lot! of dead fish," Tony reports.

Pics taken December 16, 2008 at the San Gabriel Rivermouth in Seal Beach.

New York State's Clean Water Collaborative

2008-12-11T12:58:00.000-08:00

The New York State Clean Water Collaborative has released a resolution in support of more federal funding for clean and safe water infrastructure.

The Collaborative came together earlier this year to help tackle the looming water infrastructure crisis facing New York State and will focus on funding solutions for the state’s mounting waste water and drinking water infrastructure needs. Due to decreasing federal aid, New York communities will have to spend in excess of $50 billion over the next 20 years to make required upgrades to meet federal requirements.

States across the nation are facing similar challenges with their old and failing water infrastructure systems, as illustrated by Liquid Assets, a documentary featuring our own Jim Moriarty and Chad Nelsen

The NYS Clean Water Collaborative panel is co-chaired by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. – known for his work on environmental issues, particularly those dealing with clean water – and Ross Pepe, the Executive Director of the Construction Industry Council and Building Contractors Association. Additionally, the panel includes a wide array of representatives from environmental, business, labor, and state and local government.

The resolution follows:

Whereas, New York State’s vast water resources are vital to 18 million New Yorkers for drinking, swimming, fishing, farming, recreation and industrial production, and are home to national treasures such as Long Island’s beaches, New York City’s massive water supply, the Hudson River, and the Great Lakes;

Whereas, these critical resources are now in peril because many treatment systems are old and exceed their designed life; need enhancements to meet federal standards; or need to be upgraded in order to control stormwater, combined sewer and/or sanitary overflows;

Whereas, earlier investment in wastewater and drinking water infrastructure resulted in marked improvements in water quality and public health protection and this improvement would be put at serious risk without further investment;
Whereas, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s March 2008 report estimates that at least $36.2 billion is needed to fund New York State’s wastewater infrastructure over the next 20 years and the New York State Department of Health estimates that at least $38 billion is needed to fund New York State’s drinking water infrastructure needs over the same period;

Whereas, since 2004 the federal government has reduced funding for New York State’s vital wastewater infrastructure by 50%, while funding for drinking water infrastructure has been cut by 40%, shifting the burden of paying for this infrastructure onto local governments;

Whereas, New York State’s water quality monitoring data indicates that 68% of the waters sampled do not meet or are at risk of not meeting the fishable and swimmable goals of the federal Clean Water Act, often due to sewage, combined sewer overflows and/or urban and stormwater runoff;

Whereas, New York State’s urban communities are disproportionately impacted, as they are often adjacent to the most impaired waters and served by the oldest water infrastructure;

Whereas, it is estimated that between 30,000 and 47,500 jobs are created for each $1 billion of federal investment in infrastructure projects, providing an unparalleled opportunity for economic recovery and long-term growth in New York State communities;

Whereas, New York State has 412 wastewater projects and 497 drinking water projects that serve over 11 million citizens that have been reviewed, ranked and are ready-to-go as soon as more state revolving loan funding is available;

Whereas, investments in New York State’s infrastructure should be prudent and sustainable and support green infrastructure; and

Whereas, the cost of emergency repairs to wastewater and drinking water infrastructure is three to five times more than properly planned capital improvements;

Now therefore, the Clean Water Collaborative finds that:

A significant increase in federal funding is needed to address New York State’s and other state’s wastewater and drinking water infrastructure crisis. Federal funding for state revolving loan programs must be increased commensurately with existing need and should include the availability of grants; and

New York State should adopt a new, more viable program to sustain wastewater and drinking water infrastructure that provides for proper maintenance and reinvestment; supports water conservation, energy efficiency and the use of green infrastructure techniques; and promotes updated and innovative technologies.

Passed by the Clean Water Collaborative on November 6th, 2008.

South Florida Chapter's Anti Litter Campaign

2008-12-08T13:44:00.000-08:00

The South Florida Chapter teamed up with the City Of Miami Beach on November 8th, 9th, 15th, and 16th to carry out an Anti Litter campaign initiated by Miami Beach City Commissioner Jerry Libbin. The Anti Litter Campaign was enacted in response to growing public pressure, instigated by Surfrider, to deal with massive amounts of litter polluting Miami's public beaches on an almost daily basis. The goal of the campaign was to raise awareness amongst beach goers about the issue and let them know that the City will soon be enforcing anti litter laws, which includes the distribution of citations to violators. The chapter had over 30 volunteers participate in the effort alongside City of Miami Beach Officials and other concerned, local citizens. The campaign was an example of a successful partnership between a non-profit organization (Surfrider) and a Governmental Organization (City of Miami Beach), both working together to protect the environment and the public from the effects of pollution. The campaign organizers include our current chairperson, Shane Close, and executive members Wyatt Porter-Brown, Robert Yunk, Karen Monteguado and Greg Gordon. Special thanks to all our wonderful and dedicated chapter volunteers: Karen Exelbert, Mario Gomez, Michael Laas, Robert Lyons, Luis Lozada, Josue Cruz, Mario Perdomo and many more.
Posted by T. Armstrong

Rincón Puerto Rico celebrates the 1968 World Surf Championship

2008-11-19T11:07:00.000-08:00

The Municipality of Rincón, in conjunction with Surfrider Foundation cordially invites you to the 40th aninversary celebration of the World Surfing Championship. This event will be held the 21st of November 2008 starting at 6:00 pm at Rincon's Lighthouse.

As part of the celebration, the world premiere video documentary "Salva Tres Palmas" (Saving Tres Palmas) will be shown by the director María José Calderón. "Salva Tres Palmas" narrates the history of the environmental victory which birthed Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, the first marine reserve on the mainland of Puerto Rico.

This event also includes music by the group"Mijo de la Palma," whose music scored the documentary.

Click here for more...

SURFRIDER CELEBRATES INCREASED PROTECTION FOR MONTEREY BAY SANCTUARY

2008-11-17T13:30:00.000-08:00

New Regulations Close Loopholes and Establishes Seasonal Fifth Zone For Personal Watercraft Use

After nearly a decade of work, the Surfrider Foundation is celebrating a twofold success that balances resource protection with recreational access in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS).

Through a joint management plan review process in which many stakeholders participated, the Surfrider Foundation and its chapters worked with the Sanctuary officials and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to close a loophole in the laws governing usage of motorized personal watercraft (MPWC) in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The original restrictions were established in 1992 and designed to provide enhanced resource protection for marine mammal and seabird concentrations, kelp forests, river mouths, estuaries, lagoons and all near shore areas that numerous studies have shows to be highly vulnerable to disturbance and injury from personal watercraft. However changes in watercraft technology and design resulted in a definition loophole that allowed newer three- and four-seat personal watercraft models to operate outside of the four established zones within the Sanctuary. By changing the definition and closing the loophole, MPWC will be relegated back to the four established zones, restoring the original intent of the law.

Additionally, NOAA has established a seasonal fifth MPWC zone at Mavericks. NOAA chose Mavericks as the seasonal fifth zone due to the break’s close proximity to an existing offshore MPWC zone. NOAA expects to minimize MPWC impacts to the local environment by restricting their use in this new zone, which borders the existing Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. The seasonal fifth zone would be open for tow-in surfing and MPWC usages from December through February during National Weather Service-issued high surf warnings.

The inclusion of an additional seasonal fifth MPWC zone at Mavericks for tow-in surfing balances recreational access with maximum protection for Sanctuary resources. The Surfrider Foundation and its local San Mateo County Chapter recognize the value of these objectives and view the seasonal zone as a solution that holds protection of a National Marine Sanctuary in highest regard while allowing recreational use of MPWC.

“From the start, our goal has been maximal protection for the National Marine Sanctuary,” says Edmundo Larenas, Chair of the Surfrider Foundation San Mateo County Chapter. “We are pleased that NOAA’s inclusive approach with all the stakeholders in working to define the governing regulations produced a result that will restore protection to the National Marine Sanctuary.”

While the new regulations seek to protect Sanctuary resources and recreational access, the Sanctuary and stakeholders will have to work together to address issues such as safety, enforcement and environmental protection.

“The addition of a fifth zone will not be without its challenges,” Larenas cautioned. “With the seasonal fifth zone in place, it is important for all stakeholders to continue working together to safeguard the environment around the established fifth zone.”

The new regulations are expected to go in effect February 2009.

Eight Pounds of Caps

2008-11-13T08:36:00.000-08:00

Just in case you were wondering, a plastic, supermarket-sized grocery bag holds about eight pounds of bottle caps. These were all picked up off the beaches of New Jersey, and they are all going to be recycled.

Estee Lauder, parent company of Aveda, is collecting the caps, melting them down, and turning them into new caps for their products. This is significant because caps are generally not recycled like the bottles they occupy. The reason? Caps are typically a different number plastic than the bottle – usually #5 or #2 for caps; #1 for bottles.

You can help, more here Kick the cap out of plastic!

Special thanks to Robert Fitzgerald at Estee Lauder, Clean Ocean Action in NJ and Surfrider Foundation activists Joe Mairo, Dave Storch, and Bill Rosenblatt.

SURFRIDER FOUNDATION WELCOMES THREE NEW MEMBERS TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2008-11-03T14:30:00.001-08:00

The Surfrider Foundation is pleased to announce three new additions to the Board of Directors: Sean Ahlum, Meg Caldwell and Tony Radaich. Each member brings to the team extensive expertise from various professional backgrounds and passion to protect the world’s oceans, waves and beaches.

Sean Ahlum joins current board members Steve Shipsey and Michelle Duval on representing Surfrider Foundation chapters and their issues at the Board table. Actively involved on a chapter level for over ten years, Ahlum has built up the Cape Fear Chapter from one with no funds, low volunteers and low community support into an organization with significant influence and a solid executive board. Ahlum, along with Cape Fear Chapter volunteers have successfully pushed local communities to improve sewage systems, increase and protect beach access and educate hundreds of students and citizens to be environmentally responsible members of the community.

Meg Caldwell brings an extensive background of environmental legal, administrative/board and NGO organizational experience to the Board of Directors. Highly-respected in environmental law, Caldwell spent the last three years serving on the California Coastal Commission and on the board for the California Coastal Conservancy. In addition, the State Secretary of Resources appointed her to the California Marine Life Protection Act Blue Ribbon Task Force for the central and north central coasts. Caldwell currently serves on the Third Phase Blue Ribbon Task Force for the south coast and continues to work in the environmental policy field emphasizing the environmental effects of local land use decisions, the use of science in environmental and marine resource policy development and implementation, and developing private and public incentives for natural resource conservation.

Tony Radaich joins the Surfrider Foundation Board of Directors with nearly 40-years experience in business and finance. Recently retired, Radaich served as an audit assurance partner at Arthur Anderson from 1969-2002 and then Ernst & Young until 2007. Radaich held an advisory position with the Surfrider Foundation over the last year, as he worked to generate an endowment program and serve as an ad hoc member on the Audit Committee where he aided in strengthening the organization’s record keeping and audit information. His expertise in business and finance will be critical in helping the Surfrider Foundation endure challenges in today’s unstable economy.

Sean Ahlum, Meg Caldwell and Tony Radaich fill currently vacant seats so will begin serving on the Board of Directors immediately.

Marine Reserve Planning Moves Forward in OR

2008-10-26T23:23:00.000-07:00

Surfrider Foundation chapters in Oregon are participating in the state’s marine reserve & marine protected area (MPA) process. The planning effort is being guided by nearshore action teams, comprised of coastal residents, ocean users, and other interested parties. On October 1st, the proposal period closed for recommending potential sites for designation in Oregon’s Territorial Sea.

Surfrider members participated in the development of five marine reserve proposals, including nominations off Florence, Lincoln City, Cannon Beach, Port Orford, and Pistol River. The proposed areas incorporate multiple habitat types (e.g., rocky reef, kelp canopy) and are intended to minimize impacts to ocean users. All proposals received by the state are now subject to several phases of evaluation based on ecological and socioeconomic criteria.

Marine protected areas (MPAs), including fully protected marine reserves, are part of an ecosystem-based approach to management, and have been used around the world to help protect and restore ocean ecosystems. MPAs function as a safe haven for marine life and provide places where the ocean can rebuild. Scientific research shows that MPAs typically boost the abundance, diversity, and size of marine species living within their borders.

To read Surfrider Foundation’s Policy Statement on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) please click here. To find out more about Oregon’s planning process, please click here. click here. Please join a coalition of ocean users participating and supporting these processes.

ASR removal in El Segundo, CA

2008-10-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

Removal of the artificial surfing reef that was constructed in El Segundo has begun.

The artificial surfing reef was built as mitigation for lost surfing resources when Chevron built a groin and added sand to the beach north of the El Segundo Refinery. Tom Pratte, a founding member of the Surfrider Foundation, convinced the Coastal Commission to include conditions in the permit for construction of the groin with associated beach fill to include monitoring and mitigation of the nearby surf if it was adversely impacted.

After 6 years of independent monitoring the California Coastal Commission determined that the surfing resources had been adversely impacted and they required Chevron to mitigate for the lost surfing. After years of negotiation between Chevron, the Coastal Commission and the Surfrider Foundation it was agreed that the mitigation would be through the construction of an artificial surfing reef.

The reef was constructed in 2000 and 2001. Surfing and nearshore coastal processes were monitored extensively for 2 years and then annually thereafter.

The experimental reef was permitted for a 10-year period ending in 2010. In addition to not improving the surf quality of the break, some of the geotextile bags that make up the artificial reef are beginning to deteriorate.

The Surfrider Foundation believes that the removal of this artificial reef is necessary to be consistent with our mission to protect the world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Because some of the bags are damaged and others are beginning to decompose we want to remove them before the synthetic materials that make up the reef bags are discharged into the marine environment.

While the artificial surf reef did nothing to improve the surf in El Segundo, the project highlighted the need for protection of existing surf breaks, and helped the California Coastal Commission recognize surfing breaks as natural recreational resources that are worthy of protection.

Here are some additional details about the artificial reef removal:

The removal process will begin on Tuesday, September 30 and finish Friday, October 17th.

The removal project is being directed by Coastal Frontiers Corporation, a Los Angeles-based coastal engineering firm with extensive experience in the installation and removal of geotextile containers from the marine environment

A professional dive crew from American Marine Corporation will conduct the underwater portion of the artificial reef removal process

Personnel from Morrissey Construction Company will bring the bags ashore and assure of their proper disposal

Click here to learn more.

Oregon Fall Beach Cleanup Big Success!

2008-09-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

Great job by all of our beach captains and volunteers for coming out for this year's SOLV Fall Beach Cleanup. Did you know that this twice a year event was the first ever statewide volunteer event for beach cleanups? The world’s first statewide volunteer beach cleanup was held on October 13, 1984, under the title “Plague of Plastics”...read more. For this year's event this past Saturday, over 40,000 pounds of garbage and nearly 4,000 volunteers showed up for the effort along the 360 miles of coastline in Oregon. Check out some of the highlights from the sites in Zone 7 on the central coast . Surfrider Foundation chapters and volunteers across Oregon stepped up this year captaining 8 sites from Cannon Beach to Florence. Great work team! Related articles: http://www.beachconnection.net/news/beachc092108_329.php

The Perfect SoCal Summer of 2008

2008-09-21T08:28:00.000-07:00

What a perfect summer it's been here in Southern California near Surfrider HQ. Frequently good surf, consistently delicious weather, decent beach water quality, warm ocean water, and almost no red tide to speak of -- it doesn't get any better than that!

posted by Mark Babski

Palm Beach County Chapter Kicks Off Trial Blog

2008-08-28T12:25:00.001-07:00

PALM BEACH August 25th- After three years of strenuous work to protect the historic surfing, diving and fishing areas near the Lake Worth Pier, the Palm Beach County Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation goes to court over the Department of Environmental Protection’s and Town of Palm Beach’s planned $15 million dredge-and-fill project. The trial starts Monday at 9am at the Town of Palm Beach, Emergency Operations Center, 355 South County Road, Palm Beach, Florida. The trial will go from August 25 through 29, September 2 through 6, and Sept 8 to 12, 2008.

Lake Worth Pier May Swell

This is the first time in US history that a beach fill project will be challenged in court. The Chapter is joined by the Snook Foundation and 3 individual local plaintiffs. The Snook Foundation is dedicated to protecting Florida’s Essential Fish Habitat. Tom Warnke, Terry Gibson and Danny Barrow are local watermen who grew up fishing, surfing and diving in this area. Mr. Warnke is the District Director of the Eastern Surfing Association’s Palm Beach County District, Mr. Gibson is Fishing Editor of Florida Sportsman Magazine, & Capt. Barrow is a longstanding fishing charter operator. In addition, the Eastern Surfing Association and the adjacent City of Lake Worth have joined as interveners in the case to support protecting these priceless environmental and recreational assets.

The intent of the Surfrider and Snook Foundation suit is to stop a project permit which threatens to destroy valuable and irreplaceable near-shore ecosystem and is not in the public’s interest. The project is expected to surround the Pier area with poor-quality, silty dredged material. Lake Worth's pier fishing, along with its world-renowned diving reefs in the northernmost area of the Caribbean's coral reef ecosystem, would be severely harmed, and at least six surfing peaks would be damaged.

Stay up to speed on the Trial by subscribing to the Trial Blog http://savelakeworth.blogspot.com/

West Coast Governors' Agreement on Ocean Health

2008-08-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

On July 29, 2008, the Governors of Washington, Oregon, and California released the finalized Action Plan for the West Coast Governors' Agreement on Ocean Health. The plan identifies specific collaborative actions between the three states to better manage the ocean and coastal resources along the entire west coast. The Action Plan addresses the following priority areas: a) clean waters and beaches; b) healthy ocean & coastal habitats; c) ecosystem-based management; d) offshore development; e) ocean literacy; f) ocean science; and g) sustainable economic development. The report is available online at http://westcoastoceans.gov/. This historic agreement provides an important opportunity for Surfrider Foundation chapters to advance our mission through leveraging our grassroots campaigns and projects with a major regional initiative. Stay tuned for more information as implementation efforts move forward!

Rise Above Plastics...at the top of the watershed

2008-07-17T14:55:00.000-07:00

Marine debris is a global problem of local concern...no matter where you are. Although the impacts of non-biodegradable litter are concentrated at the lower reaches of the watershed--which may lead people to believe it is a coastal problem--those of us who live further upstream have an important role to play in preventing the proliferation of everlasting refuse that plagues our waterways.

This is the message that was recently delivered to students at Truckee High School (located high in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California) by Ximena Waissbluth, marine debris educator extraordinaire. Check out the coverage she received by local rag Moonshine Ink.

http://www.moonshineink.com/article_detail.php?is=50&id=782

To learn more about plastic marine debris and how you can reduce your plastic footprint, visit:
http://www.seaofconsequences.blogspot.com/
-and-

http://www.riseaboveplastics.blogspot.com/

City of Lake Worth Approves 5-0 to Join the Palm Beach Chapter's Lawsuit

2008-07-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

A a major step towards a 3 year campaign against a dredge and fill project was won by all citizens who treasure our local beaches and marine environment last night. The City of Lake Worth took a 21st century stand to join to protect what people the people love about living and visiting Palm Beach County.

Joining the legal petition as an intervener against the Department of Environmental Protection and the Town of Palm Beach’s Reach 8 beach dredging permit, commmitted the City to saving and preserving the Lake Worth Public Beach, Pier, and reefs. This is the first time in US history that a dredge and fill project permit has been challenged.

About 100 hundred people who have dived, snorkeled, swam or walked these beaches for decades filled the City Commission chambers to let the City and the Towm of Palm Beach know they would not sit quietly and watch the loss of their public trust resources.

The City joins the ranks of other East Coast governments such as Long Beach, NY, Sconset(Nantucket), MA and Outer Banks, NC in making bold stands against antiquated, reckless, expensive and devestating projects and practices that continues to look to destroy recreation and habitats.

In addition, Eastern Surfing Association will be joining Surfrider, Snook Foundation and 3 individual plantiffs to protect the beach, surf and reefs.

The Court date is August 25.

Recent Stories

WPTV story & Video Clip

Palm Beach Post

Palm Beach Daily News

Georgia-Pacific Article in Oregonian

2008-07-08T10:10:00.000-07:00

photo: Nye Beach in Newport, OR

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1215226526277170.xml&coll=7

Newport residents petition DEQ about discharge from Georgia-Pacific plant

NEWPORT -- Three years after coastal residents took their worries to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality about the wastewater Georgia-Pacific pumps into the ocean, the agency soon might be ready to take action.

DEQ is focusing this summer on a petition filed in October 2006 asking it to reconsider the permit that allows the Toledo mill to discharge 11 million gallons of effluent daily.

"Things will probably start coming out this summer, and we're going to try to resolve the reconsideration by the fall," said Steve Schnurbusch, DEQ water quality compliance inspector and permit writer.

The petition is unusual, one of about five the agency has seen in five years, Schnurbusch said.

"It doesn't happen too often," he said. "We don't even get one a year, and this is the first time it happened with Georgia-Pacific."

For 50 years, the pulp and paper mill in Toledo has piped the wastewater generated from creating paper products into the ocean about 3,850 feet off of Nye Beach.

In 2005 when DEQ hosted public hearings on renewing the permit, some nearby residents lobbied hard to get permit standards tightened and to strengthen monitoring of the effluent. In July 2006, DEQ renewed the permit without change.

Three months later, several groups filed the petition for reconsideration and DEQ agreed.

Those behind the petition fear the effluent could harm people who surf, swim and boat on the ocean, and that it could be contributing to the dead zones -- areas so low in oxygen that marine life suffocates -- close by.

"As far as anyone understands, the discharge is not causing the dead zone," said Pete Stauffer, Oregon policy coordinator for the Surfrider Foundation, a nonprofit organization that advocates for better water quality, beach access and ocean health. "The concern is that in an area where you already have low oxygen, to be discharging wastewater that is also low in oxygen can compound the stress already on the environment."

This spring, after a January meeting with DEQ, Surfrider offered its own recommendations. They include requiring Georgia-Pacific to monitor water, sediments and organisms adjacent to the outfall pipe to ensure it is in compliance with the Clean Water Act, to assess how recreational uses in the area might be affected and to verify that the discharge in the mixing zone -- the area of ocean encompassing the pipe where water does not have to meet clean water standards -- is not going beyond the boundaries of the mixing zone.

"In the broadest sense, we want to see a permit that is consistent with state and federal law that protects water quality," Stauffer said.

The foundation is particularly concerned about heavy metals, such as lead; hydrocarbons, which are typically associated with the burning of garbage and resins; and other byproducts from the pulping process.

"The current permit relies on the ocean water to dilute the low-oxygen wastewater to healthy oxygen levels," Stauffer said. "That's why DEQ needs to make sure that seasonal hypoxia -- dead zones -- is incorporated into analyses that establish discharge limits."

Stauffer said his group is not claiming the mill is causing the dead zone, but wants to make sure that its wastewater is not making the problem worse.

Schnurbusch said the compounds released in the discharge tend to be low in toxicity and many of the chemicals used are recycled at the mill.

"People have this impression that a pulp mill is going to be discharging toxics at high levels and that is going to kill off the aquatic community," he said. "We are just not seeing that."

Nonetheless, a plume of dark water around the outfall pipe sometimes visible from the air and the bluffs near Nye Beach is doing little to reassure locals that the discharge is harmless.

"It's not toxic," said Franz Cosenza, technical manager of the mill. Rather, the discoloration is a result of the mill's conscientious water use and the presence of lignin, a natural polymer found in wood, he said.

"This Georgia-Pacific mill is a very water-efficient user," Cosenza said. "As a result, our volume of water relative to the tons produced of paper is very low. Because of the low volume and the presence of lignin, it's just less dilution for that lignin and gives it the darker appearance."

Cosenza said company officials won't know what effectchanges to the permit -- if there are any -- might have on the mill until they know what those changes might be.

"We've been looking at it to understand what the petition is all about," he said. "We are obviously in compliance with the permit as it is now."

Lori Tobias: 541-265-9394; loritobias@aol.com

©2008 Oregonian

International Surfing Day Sea Turtle Miracle!

2008-06-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

By Robert Nixon, South Padre Island Chapter

International Surfing Day began with a tremendous if not miraculous surprise this year. I got to Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island, TX around 7:15 in the morning and started lugging all the tents and tables to the beach. On the second trip I noticed 2 or 3 people looking down and poking at something about 20 feet away from me. I went over to them and, to my astonishment, saw 15 or twenty brand new hatched sea turtles scurrying for the water! I started to look around for the nest and almost stepped on another solo turtle that I thought was dead but as soon as I leaned down he hauled ass to the water!
I called our Chair, Stuart Diamond, and asked him to call Sea Turtle, Inc. About twenty minutes later, Texas Parks and Wildlife showed up and began looking for the nest. They found it right in front of the seawall at the first parking lot! They collected 50 or more eggs and carried them off to safety. They then released them later that day in a safer area.
This event was incredible for two reasons! The first being that the nest survived in Isla Blanca Park for the 40-60 days it took for the hatchlings to emerge. Anyone who has been there on a Saturday or Sunday knows that there are literally thousands and thousands of adults and children digging all about in the sand. The second reason this is amazing is how fortuitous it is for preserving Isla Blanca Park the way it is! With the documentation of a nest and the resulting implication that turtles come to nest there, it will make it very difficult for any large scale development to get permitted to come in and take over the park as has been attempted in the past.
Texas may get a bad rap for being a huge oil and gas state with no concern for environmental issues, but when it comes to sea turtles the state is on point! The Texas General Land Office is very reluctant to issue permits for construction and dune mitigation on beaches that are known turtle nesting areas and they require that all sand hauling and beach fill projects be suspended during the turtle nesting season!

Florida Ocean & Coastal Coalition Takes on Global Warming

2008-06-03T07:26:00.000-07:00

Florida could, and should, take specific steps immediately to deal with the anticipated – and the already occurring – damage that global climate change is causing to beaches and marine systems. The Florida Oceans & Coastal Coalition, a group of nationally and internationally recognized environmental organizations, urged for action in their new report “Preparing for a Sea Change in Florida: A Strategy to Cope with the Impacts of Global Warming on the State’s Coastal and Marine Systems.”

The coalition – whose scientists and experts are active in global warming issues in Florida and
around the globe – includes the Caribbean Conservation Corporation, Environmental Defense
Fund, Gulf Restoration Network, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Wildlife
Federation, Ocean Conservancy, Reef Relief, and The Surfrider Foundation.

Florida is in a unique position to set an example for the rest of the nation and world by
following the coalition’s comprehensive recommendations, include specific steps that may be taken to protect coastal and marine ecosystems against stresses associated with higher temperatures, ocean acidification, rising sea levels and extreme weather.

“Florida can and must be a leader not only in curbing the build up of CO2 and other greenhouse
gases in the atmosphere, but also in implementing smart, common-sense coastal and ocean
policies that will help preserve the state’s natural coastal and ocean heritage,” biologist Dr. Sylvia
A. Earle, a former chief scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
observes in the preface to the report.

To view the complete report, please go to www.flcoastalandocean.org/PreparingforaSeaChange

Check Recent Media

Capitol Report Interview
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-713100.mp3

TV Interview
http://www.tampabays10.com/news/specials/science/article.aspx?storyid=81407

St. Petersburg Times
http://blogs.tampabay.com/energy/2008/05/florida-get-rea.html

Bradenton Herald
http://www.bradenton.com/breakingnews/story/638946.html

Naples Daily New
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/may/28/environmental-coalition-urges-taking-global-warmin/

Daytona Beach News Journal
http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/Headlines/frtENV01HEAD02052908.htm

WCTV, Channel 6 site: http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/19318769.html#

WJXX Jacksonville http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/news-article.aspx?storyid=110134

Florida Today http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200880528041

Ft. Myers News-Press http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008805290364

WPTV West Palm Beach http://www.wptv.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=63d2ad46-e123-483a-88ff-fe1def07e99a&rss=762

Suncoast Chapter Takes Charge on Upham

2008-06-03T06:34:00.000-07:00

The Suncoast Chapter wants the (five) 5 Geotextile tube experimental project removed from Upham Beach – with a promise of no future permanent structures. So, after a year of unsuccessful negotiations with the County and being blamed without proof for the recent tube slashing, the Chapter decided to take their campaign to the next level. On Friday, May 9th, the chapter launched the Free Upham Beach Petition.

The Suncoast Chapter plans to rally support for their campaign by educating the public – one person at a time. Members will be seen patrolling neighbors in Pinellas County armed with pictures, copies of DEP records, and a position paper where 43 PhD’s from Western Carolina University have published a statement against the use of erosion control structures.

“I worked with USGS and USF St.Pete campus on the original erosions studies for Upham Beach placing a beach camera on the condo at the jetty to monitor the conditions overtime. The conclusions then were that nothing would correct the problem of erosion caused by man’s building and maintaining the pass/jetty. This is a known situation not only at Upham but at all beaches where we continue to alter natural processes”, Randy Johnson commented on the petition.

Supporters are logging countless hours on this campaign – and they have only just begun. Over 400 electronic signatures have already been collected toward the chapter goal of 1,000 in under a month.

On,Saturday June 7th there will be a Free Upham Party & silent auction!

Ricky T's.
6110 Gulf Blvd
St. Pete Beach. Fl
Live Band! Full Bar! Great Staff!
Food and Fun!

Check Recent Media

http://www.surfersvillage.com/news.asp?Id_news=34341

http://www.wavewatch.com/Live-Surf-C...t&camcontrol=0

http://www.gulfster.com/

http://apps.facebook.com/petitions/view?pid=492869168

http://www.globalsurfnews.com/news.asp?Id_news=34341

http://www.socialactions.com/node/40392

http://paddle-fishing-forum.com/view...5e10d31b66f72d

http://www.swellinfo.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2015

http://www.famousquotessite.com/famo...644-upham.html

http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/blurbex/2008/05/21/beach-group-rails-against-erosion-controls/

Surfrider Foundation 2007 Scholarship Recipient

2008-06-02T16:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Surfrider Foundation-
As a recipient of the 2007 Surfrider Foundation Scholarship, I have been honored by your understanding
and support for my work investigating the transport of the pathogen Toxoplosma gondii to sea otter
populations in the Monterey Bay. I am very proud of this recognition because I have been a part of
Surfrider for more that a decade; Surfrider represents many of the issues that inspire me to continue
working in this field. No other award could have been more personally moving - thank you!
In some detail, I wanted to share with you how the scholarship has contributed to my growth this past
year The following is a summary of how I have applied the funds:

Summer session tuition ($1,100) - By finishing coursework during the summer of 2007 at UC
Santa Cruz, I have been able to accelerate the completion of my degree requirements and more
rapidly focus on my research activities. I am now hoping to finish my Ph D. by mid-2011,
whereas before I'd expected it to be during 2012.

"Surf rig" ($400) - Perhaps one of the most appropriate uses of my scholarship funds was to
rescue a sad 9'0" afflicted with an enormous air bubble on its deck from the used board rack at
a Capitola surf shop and give it a new life. With a few bolts and re-configured oceanographic
instruments, the board's underside is now a surface water sampling unit to be towed alongside a
small boat. Although more elaborate systems can be purchased and mounted on boats, these
are expensive and are not readily transferrable from one vessel to another - my version is
inexpensive, portable, and can be adapted to use the instruments I already have access to- This
permits me flexibility for sampling under variable conditions and questions in my research,

Complete tool set including a power drill, boat gear and computer accessories ($1,400) - I
wanted to invest part of my award in equipment that would continue to support my research in
the years to come- I purchased a good set of Craftsman tools for use in the field when I'm
working on oceanographic instruments and aboard small research vessels. My investment not
only ensures that I will have well-maintained tools available when needed but that I needn't
monopolize the limited resources shared among our lab group. In fact, I am able to share my
resources when needed! I've aiso put together some of my own boat gear (handheld VHF radio,
handheld GPS unit) and computer accessories (adapters, cables) for working with research
instruments

Digital camera with underwater housing ($1,000) - I similarly invested in a small digital camera
and an underwater housing to document my work in both still and video formats above and
below the ocean surface. This will be important as I begin to present my work more and more.

Books and software ($500) -As another investment, I added to my personal library a variety of
policy books that will supplement my studies and interest in becoming a more p politic allysophisticated
scientist". Much of this literature focuses on the management of public resources and I am eager to continue learning about this academic avenue so that I can be more effective in what I d o In addition, I purchased several reference books and statistical software for my laptop.

Ocean Sciences Conference 2008 ($300) - In March 2008, I attended the biennial meeting of the
American Society of Limnology and Oceanography and The Oceanographic Society in Orlando
(FL) where the theme was "From the Watershed to the Global Ocean". I presented a poster of my
preliminary oceanographic studies (conducted during Summer 2007) as a way to get professional
feedback from other experts. I am enclosing a printout of this poster for you as well Although
my registration, flight and accommodations were covered by another research grant, I used part
of my scholarship to pay for food and miscellaneous expenses during the week-long trip.

Dive insurance ($100) and SCUBA equipment maintenance ($200) -These expenses are not otherwise provided for but are required of all scientific research divers at 1JC Davis. My
regulator and buoyancy compensator received their annual inspection and servicing, and my dive
insurance was renewed.

I'd also like to update you on some of my research progress Some of my Summer 2007 work is
summarized in the poster printout I've enclosed, this mostly emphasizing my nearshore oceanographic
studies Along with the data I continue to collect, it will be merged with the work of other colleagues
who are evaluating watershed transport to build a model that predicts where sea otter exposure to
Joxoplasmo is the greatest This Spring, I have been conducting similar studies at another location, near
the San Lorenzo River mouth in Santa Cruz This coming winter, I will be part of an informal
collaboration with the US Geological Survey and other local academics aimed at more thoroughly
understanding the river's influence on the local coastline. I also plan to extend my studies into the
adjacent kelp forest ecosystems of this region.

Additionally, I have been testing the method for shore-based plume tracking that I'd proposed in my
application. The idea was that we could take temperature-salinity measurements along the shore as a
way to better understand where different water masses were coming from/moving towards and predict
where likely polluted waters were being transported in the ocean environment- Based on preliminary
results for the main beach in Santa Cruz, CA, I am very pleased to say that the method is clearly usable
- I have been able to track water from the San Lorenzo River as it moves alongshore with changing tides
and am beginning to see consistent patterns that appear to reflect those of the Santa Cruz County's
beach advisories- I plan to continue this work in addition to my other studies and will soon discuss
further possibilities with County Health officials. I also hope to eventually initiate a broader program
beginning with my local chapter in Santa Cruz.

Last, I'd like to note that I wrote a short article for the Santa Cruz Chapter's newsletter "The Ocean's
Roar" last fall concerning sea otters and Joxoplasmo - I have enclosed a copy of this.
Thank you again for your generous support - it has meant much to me and I'm certain that as an
activist, I will maintain a life-long relationship with the Surfrider Foundation. I hope that in the coming
years I will also be able to increasingly work with the organization as an academic and professional.

All The Best--
Lauren Garske
2007 Surfrider Scholarship Recipient

Georgia-Pacific Pipeline Issue Draws Crowd

2008-05-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

Read the full story by Steve Card of the News-Times by clicking below:

http://www.newportnewstimes.com/articles/2008/05/23/news/news04.txt

It was a packed house Monday evening as the Newport City Council held a public hearing to consider a new agreement with Georgia-Pacific for the use of city rights-of-way for G-P's treated effluent pipeline. Newport volunteer coordinator Beth Wiley and activist Katie Trautman fashion thier concerns. Thanks to all those who came out in support of our recommendations!

City of Malibu bans both regular and biodegradable bags

2008-05-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

The City of Malibu proved to be a leader in local ordinances by banning both regular and biodegradable bags in all retail stores at their City Council meeting last night (5/12/08).

Zuma Lagoon in Malibu - dotted with floating plastic bags - May 2008 - Photo by: N. Hastings

Ordinance 323 was passed unanimously by the Malibu City Council members after a presentation by the local Boys and Girls Club and Heal the Bay. West LA/Malibu Chapter Executive Member Andrea Boccaletti presented testimony on behalf of the Chapter describing the prevalence of plastic bags at the beach clean up in Zuma Beach last weekend. Angela Howe spoke on behalf of Surfrider to tell about our Rise Above Plastics campaign efforts and the need for local leadership on a municipal level, especially in Malibu where Surfrider began in 1984.

A lot of people questioned the reasoning behind banning biodegradable bags? Well, the conditions required for these bags to biodegrade - heat, pressure and bacteria - are not the same in the ocean as on land... and bottom line... biodegradable bags kill marine life.

This is an important win in the fight against plastics. Several members of the West LA/Malibu Chapter were on hand to support the plastic bag ban, and residents thanked Surfrider Foundation for our testimony.

For more information, see http://www.malibutimes.com/articles/2008/05/09/news/news3.txt

Once Upon a Tide

2008-05-09T15:44:00.000-07:00

A tale of a young girl who finds out about our world's dependence on the ocean, and the beauty and life we would forsake if we lost its bounty...

http://www.healthyoceans.org

"Working with award-winning filmmakers (Sea Studios Foundation) and animation studio (LAIKA/house) the Center for Health and the Global Environment at Harvard Medical School produced a 10-minute film that reconnects its audience to the importance of the marine environment for all life on Earth, including human life. Unlike conventional natural history documentaries, the film title Once Upon a Tide, is a fictional narrative that blends the moral and visual elements of a fairy tale to inspire us to recognize the importance of ocean conservation. This modern day fable is an innovative educational approach that will be shown in aquari-ums, museums, theaters and schools nationally and internationally. Film distribution includes educational ‘take-away’ guides for viewers."

Oregon Youth Volunteers Present to Newport City Council

2008-05-07T20:04:00.000-07:00

http://www.surfrider.org/centralcoastoregon/

This Monday, The Oregon Coast Aquarium’s Youth Volunteers, as part of their collaborative project with Newport Chapter of Surfrider Foundation, presented their winter project to Newport City Council on their findings and recommendations for Nye creek water quality issues. Through the creation of a youth volunteer group, Nye – Awareness, Research, Monitoring and Stewardship (ARMS), the Newport Chapter was aiming to get some better public messaging about the water quality issues facing Nye Beach and creek.

Renee Rensmeyer, youth volunteer coordinator, worked with local chapter members to mentor the Nye ARMS winter project. The kids, over the course of the winter project, helped increase monitoring and source ID efforts, tracked storm drain pollution and helped direct the city’s smoke and dye testing of the storm drain lines for sewage misconnections (helping to identify 5 sewer lines connected to the stormdrains…yuck!). Additionally the group did stewardship cleanups, mapping and finalized their project with a powerpoint presentation and ordinance recommendations for the Newport City Council.

Kelly Slater Partners with Eddie Vedder for Event to Support Trestles

2008-05-07T11:04:00.000-07:00

On April 19th Kelly Slater launched his new foundation with an evening event featuring an acoustic performance by Eddie Vedder. They raised over $350,000 dollars to benefit several environmental groups, including the Save Trestles Campaign. Read the full story at Surfline and check out the highlight reel below..

And be sure to send your letter to the Secretary of Commerce asking him to not overturn the Coastal Commission's denial of the Toll Road.

Florida Chapters Go Big in the 2008 Legislative Session

2008-05-02T10:07:00.000-07:00

When it rains, it pours! This 2008 Florida legislative session was a heavy one for the 10 chapter and 1 planning committee in Florida. This year it seemed the environment finally become a HOT TOPIC that everyone want to supportive of! The Florida chapter network was able achieve four out of the five proposed pieces of legislation they were either leading or supporting. These including the following efforts:

Clean Oceans Act - After a difficult 3 year campaign, the law will now require owners and operators of day-cruise gambling vessels to implement sewage and other wastewater pump-out systems at ports, or adopt closed-loop system technology. (Sponsor: Sen. Haridolopos/Rep. Mayfield)

South Florida Outfall Closures - The bill will prohibit construction of new ocean outfalls, expansion of ocean outfalls for specified purposes, and initiate specific requirements for domestic wastewater treatment & management for certain facilities & activities relating to ocean outfalls. The six South Florida outfalls, dumping over 300 million gallons of wastewater into the sea and squandering 100 billion gallons of freshwater every year, are now mandated to wastewater reuse by 2025. (Sponsors: Sen. Saunders/ Rep. Mayfield & Natural Resource Council)

Inlet Management - The bill redirects the state’s beach management efforts to truly address beach erosion caused by Florida’s inlets since about 80% of the problem starts here. It includes recommendations to mitigate the erosive impacts of the inlet, cost estimates necessary to take corrective measures, and recommendations regarding cost sharing among the beneficiaries of such inlet. (Sponsors: Sen. Jones / Rep. Mayfield)

Beach Water Quality Testing Funding - In a year of super heavy budget cuts across the board, efforts to minimize impacts to the water testing funding was only cut in half versus entirely, as proposed by the House. On a positive note, it has opened a new relationship with the Dept of Health and the opportunity to help with testing in areas that will be cut.

Beach Access Signage - Unfortunately this language was a little late out of the gate. The removal of illegal signage along the beachfront and the creation of a specific Part V within Chapter 161, just on beach access, will be pushed again next year. This should not be confused with the perpendicular definition language added last year.

The statewide member effort included attending Oceans Day, Action Alerts, making personal calls the sponsors or their local legislator, and holding media events.

Florida chapters would especially like to thank the bill sponsors and cosponsors, long time Clean Oceans supporter Rep. Tony Sasso, our hardworking-diehard Tallahassee Coordinator Doug Bell and TJ Marshall, FSU Professors Donna Christie & Robin Craig, and other coastal stakeholder groups that made this possible!

Caps are the new Butts!

2008-04-30T11:42:00.000-07:00

They recycle plastic bottle caps in Japan, why can’t we do it here? This is a question I’ve been asking myself and the world. An answer came from an unlikely place. The makers of Aveda hair care have announced they will accept used caps at their salons, and the caps will be melted down and made into new caps.

Caps are the new Butts! Plastic bottle caps are quickly eclipsing cigarette butts as the number one item found on the world’s beaches. In New Jersey, Surfrider Foundation volunteers Dave Storch, Derek Riddle, & Joe Mairo saved all the caps found on recent beach sweeps run by Clean Ocean Action. Clean Ocean Action volunteers saved all the caps from their Sandy Hook sweeps, (the mother load) and in total over 4000 caps were collected in just 3 hours. Aveda parent company Estee Lauder has arranged to pick up the caps and have them recycled with the ones collected by their salons.

Clean Ocean Action's Anna Will and 4000 + bottle caps collected in NJ in 3 hours.

Newport Beach's “Ocean-Friendly” Garden wins Best Theme Presentation

2008-04-28T13:15:00.000-07:00

SURFRIDER TAKES TOP AWARD AT GARDEN SHOW
Theme: Protecting Beauty with Beauty

The Newport Beach Chapter's “Ocean-Friendly” garden won Best Theme Presentation at the Spring Gardening Show at South Coast Plaza this past weekend. Created by Douglas Kent, a local landscape designer and member of the Newport Beach chapter of Surfrider, the garden had a beach theme carried through with surf boards, beach towels, and perched sea birds, and was created to show that a garden can be both ocean-friendly and great looking.

The garden was designed to eliminate runoff from the property, the major impact to water quality. It did this using native plants with low water requirements and landscape features such as a vegetated swale, dry creek bed and retention basin to contain water within the garden instead of letting it flow to the street and then to the ocean and bay.

Tree of Life Nursery, Roger’s Garden, Ganahl Lumber and Larry’s Building Supplies contributed to the garden which also won second place in the “competition” division.

For more information, contact: Doug Kent -newair@mindspring.com

Long Beach Chapter honored with Environmental Steward Award

2008-04-24T10:10:00.000-07:00

Surfrider Foundation's Long Beach Chapter was honored this week by Long Beach City's Vice Mayor, Bonnie Lowenthal, in being chosen as an Environmental Steward as part of the City's observance of Earth Day, April 2008. Bonnie Lowenthal also represents the 1st City Council District in Long Beach. Ed Hendricks and Gordana Kajer were invited to accept the award on behalf of the Long Beach Chapter, for their efforts to raise awareness of water quality issues on the City's beaches.

Photo: Bonnie Lowenthal (center), Ed Hendricks (L, white jacket), and Gordana Kajer (R, black pants) along with other residents who were honored for their work on water quality issues and water conservation.

Primera limpieza en la playa Santa Teresita, Argentina

2008-04-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

Check out the first beach cleanup of our newest Surfrider Chapter in Argentina, Partido de la Costa.

"DECIDIMOS HACER ESTE TRABAJO, EN LO PERSONAL Y GRUPAL JUNTO A LOS OTROS MIEMBROS DE NUESTRO CAPITULO, HEMOS QUEDADO SORPRENDIDO POR LO RECOGIDO EN SOLO 100 METROS DE PLAYA. HOY RECIBI LOS DETALLES DE LA BASURA DISCRIMINADO POR TIPO Y CANTIDAD Y LA VERDAD QUE COMO DECIMOS ACA, ESTAMOS EN EL HORNO, ESA INFORMACION HOY LA VOY A PROYECTAR A 100 KM DE PLAYA QUE ES LO QUE MIDE NUESTRO PARTIDO DE LA COSTA, Y POR SUPUESTO LOS RESULTADOS TAMBIEN TE LOS VOY A ENVIAR.
HAY MUCHO POR HACER, ESTE ES SOLO EL COMIENZO, EN ESTOS DIAS SALE EN LOS MEDIOS DE DIFUSION REGIONALES Y TAMBIEN LO ENVIAREMOS A LOS NACIONALES PARA VER SI ENTRA ALGUNO."

Submitted by Ariel Gustavo Fiocco.

El BANO TAKES A STAND WITH THE SUNCOAST CHAPTER

2008-04-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Fifty Surfrider members, armed with signs, voices, and surfboards were ready to rally at the day-cruise gambling ship port to promote the “Pump Don’t Dump” Campaign to pass the Clean Oceans Act (SB 1094/HB 857). El Bano, an inflatable 20 feet tall toilet, was shipped in from Greenpeace Mexico for this event. Designed for elevating clean water issues, it stood its ground at Johns Pass, Madeira Beach, Florida, despite 15 knot winds trying to blow it down. Much of the planning was due to the chapter efforts of Carl, Jake, Julie, John, Michael. and Nicole.

The Clean Oceans Act, currently set to move to the Senate and House floor, focuses on the issue of day cruise gambling vessels leaving Florida ports and dumping the contents of their waste tanks out in open water off our coasts. Millions of gallons of sewage come from these ships annual across the state. The proposed solution is for ports to add in a either a “closed loop onboard system” or set up a port pumping system.

The slogan on the back lid reads playas limpias ahora - Cleaner Beaches Now. Exactly fitting to Surfrider’s Clean Oceans Act mission.

Check out the complete slideshow.

Success @ the Florida 3rd Annual Black Tie & Baggie

2008-04-16T04:46:00.000-07:00

First Coast Surfrider held their 3rd Annual Black Tie & Baggies fundraiser on April 12th at The Atlantic Bar & Club in Jacksonville Beach, FL. Sponsored by Paco's Mexican Grill, the night featured a silent auction, raffle, book signing, live music from Sky Pilot and a fashion show with women's clothing from local boutiques, Rosie True and Jaffi's. Additional event sponsors included The Surf Sanctuary in Nicaragua, Sunrise Surf Shop, Damon Williams, MySurfari.com, SYK Surf Shop, World Gym, Lee's Ice Cream, Ragtime, Gene's Seafood, Arbonne, Bully's, Bali Cargo Co., Half Moon Bay Trading Co., Where Ya Bean and Fig Tree Clothing.

The event raised more than $5,000 for the chapter and had approximately 200 attendees, figures that more than tripled the previous year's results! Funds raised will close the outstanding legal bill from First Coast Surfrider's groundbreaking win over St Johns County for beach access. There will also be money left over to support chapter campaigns including: a storm water outfall water testing program, sand dune ordinance, beach erosion in St Johns County and educational outreach opportunities.

Thanks to George Arco and Danny Barley for photography. They did a terrific job documenting the fun!

Check out the complete part slideshow.

CAPE FEAR CHAPTER $33 CAMPAIGN FOR ACCESS 33

2008-04-03T07:41:00.000-07:00

Wrightsville Beach Access 33 has been permanently saved!

The Town of Wrightsville Beach, Murchison/Gornto family, and the Cape Fear Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation worked out an agreement that provides a permanent easement at the one of the Town's main beach access locations. Residents and visitors have used this access for over 40 years.

As part of the agreement, the Cape Fear Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation committed to contributing $15,000 to the purchase of the access. In order to accomplish this the chapter is asking for $33 for 33 to help chip away at the large financial commitment toward maintaining this public beach access. Contributions can be sent directly via paypal.
(just type in capefearchapter@surfrider.org to email box)

For more information and media links check out http://www.access33.org/

Surfrider Releases Report on Pulp Mill Permit

2008-04-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

Newport, Oregon - The Surfrider Foundation today submitted a report to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) with formal recommendations for strengthening the wastewater permit of the Georgia Pacific Pulp and Paper Mill in Toledo. The report is intended to support DEQs ongoing reconsideration of the Georgia Pacific permit, and bring the agency closer to compliance with state and federal laws that protect water quality. Some of the reports recommendations focus on the need for enhanced monitoring of marine species and the nearshore environment near the mills ocean outfall. Other recommendations provide guidance and data resources for improving scientific analyses used to evaluate potential ecological and public health impacts. The primary outfall of the mill is located 3,800 feet off Nye Beach and the facility releases an average of 11 million gallons a day of treated wastewater in the vicinity of important recreational areas and fishing grounds (see photo with plume). Back in September 2006, Surfrider and four other organizations formally petitioned DEQ to reconsider the terms of the NPDES wastewater permit of the Georgia Pacific mill. DEQ accepted the Petition on October 18th, 2006 and has been working to complete the reconsideration since then. Sufriders Environmental Issues Team has recently met with DEQ staff on this issue and is committed to providing constructive input to support the reconsideration process. Thanks to all who've helped pull this together - Kristen, Liz, Charlie, Melinda, Pete, Roger, Joe, JD, Mark, Greg, and many others! You rock!! To read the full report, please click here:
Surfrider_ScienceBasedRecommendations_GP_Mill_NPDES_Final.doc

Clean Water Classic: May 16-18 - Register Today!

2008-03-26T21:36:00.000-07:00

Registration is now open for the 2008 Clean Water Classic to be held in Westport, WA on May 16-18! The Clean Water Classic is Surfrider's annual surfing contest that raises crucial funds for our chapters in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. Weekend will feature great surfing, ocean education, silent auction, live music, raffle, and collection of some of the coolest folks in the Pacific Northwest. Openings remain in all divisions including Pro-Am, Mens, Womens, Masters, Juniors, Keiki, and Stand-Up Paddle. Every surfer that enters receives free Surfrider membership! We are doing online registration this year, so please sign up at event website: http://www.cleanwaterclassic.com/. Also, volunteers are desperately needed to help us staff event. Please contact your chapter's volunteer coordinator to sign up! Thanks to Global Surf Industries, the Islander Hotel and the rest of our sponsors. See ya there! (photo: Pro-Am winners from 2006: Peter Devries (R) and 2007: Noah Cohen (L)

France's Environment Minister Participates in Surfrider Foundation Global Beach Clean Up

2008-03-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

Plages: nettoyage de printemps

The first news stories are coming in from Surfrider Foundation Europe regarding this weekend's global Oceans Initiatives. Check out the French TV news story regarding the participation of the French Environment Minister (Jean Louis Borloo), the Domestic Affairs Minister Michèle Alliot Marie and world famous soccerplayer/surfer/ Surfrider Foundation sponsor Bixente Lizarazuas as they cleaned up a beach in Biarritz, France.

Over 323 clean-ups have taken place already over the weekend (20 more will take place later this month and in April) in 14 countries.

Submitted by Audrey Gaston, Surfrider Foundation Europe

Surfrider Tamarindo hosts Endless Summer Event

2008-03-25T16:50:00.000-07:00

The Tamarindo Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation held a charity
fund-raiser last night at the spectacular new venue Bar One in Playa
Tamarindo...and it was a huge success. Over 200 guest were in
attendance to watch the original Endless Summer with Robert August
providing live commentary, stories and laughs. The place was at
capacity with kids, adults, families having fun and coming together as a
community for a great cause. Thanks to Pasa Tiempo Hotel and Restaurant
for donating over 30 delicious pizzas. The event raised over $3000 and
will be put to good use in the Tamarindo area to help keep our beaches
and waters clean and safe. Big thanks to Robert, Sarah and the entire
Endless Fun team for helping us make this event an evening to remember.
Pura Vida!!

Submitted by Brian Bratton, Co-Chair Surfrider Foundation Tamarindo Chapter Org. Cmte.

Photography by:
Sean Davis Photography
Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica
506.816.0168
seandavisphotographic.com

SURFRIDER INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN BRAZIL THIS OCTOBER

2008-03-24T17:53:00.001-07:00

Dear Surfrider Foundation Chapters, Affiliates and Volunteers:

SAVE THE DATE!!! The Surfrider Foundation International Conference* will be held October 23-26, 2008 in Rio de Janeiro and Buzios, Brasil. Hosted by Surfrider Foundation Brasil, the tentative schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, October 22 – Arrival and check in
Thursday, October 23 – Field trip of Surfrider Foundation Brasil projects, Rio de Janeiro
Friday, October 24 – International Water Quality Seminar, Rio de Janeiro
Saturday, October 25 – Surfrider Conference, Buzios
Sunday, October 26 – Surfrider Conference, Buzios
Monday, October 27 –Beginning of International Program Meetings (International Chapters and Affiliates only)
* Departure of Guests or stay and enjoy Brasil!
Tuesday, October 28 – International Program Meetings (cont.)
Wednesday, October 29 – International Chapter and Affiliates Departure

The International Conference will provide the following opportunities for Surfrider Foundation Chapters, Affiliates and Volunteers:
• Meet face-to-face with global colleagues
• Hear about projects and campaigns
• Learn directly from other Chapters and Affiliates about best practices
• Apply a global pool of knowledge to your own programs and campaigns
• Understand the different issues being addressed by the Surfrider Foundation network
• Strengthen Surfrider Foundation’s global network through the development of direct relationships
• Help grow Surfrider Foundation into a truly global organization

Later this year we will send out a call for submissions for presentations from Surfrider Foundation Chapters and Affiliates to share with their colleagues during the Conference. Start thinking now about sharing your Chapter’s successes with others in the global Surfrider Foundation network.
We are hoping to make arrangements to help defray the costs of attending this important event, however, Chapters wishing to send representatives should be prepared to pay the full costs for travel and lodging if it becomes necessary. Raising these funds to send representatives from your Chapter to the International Conference could be a goal for your Chapter to tackle this summer. If your Chapter is considering sending representatives to the International Conference, please evaluate the benefits of attending and what impacts it might have on your Chapter financially.
As a reminder, in 2008, Surfrider Foundation will still be conducting Chapter Conferences in the Pacific Northwest, California, Florida and the East Coast so budget accordingly.

International Conference details are still being finalized, but we wanted to get the word out so you can consider this opportunity and save the date! Please let us know if you are interested in receiving more information by replying to Lia@surfrider.org or emailing Vickie McMurchie at vmcmurchie@surfrider.org.

Aloha,

Lia Colabello
Global Relations Director
Surfrider Foundation

*The International Conference is a yearly event that has historically only included Surfrider Foundation Affiliate Leaders. This year we are opening up the event to include Chapters from around the world and hope you will be able to join us.

If you can’t make it this year, we will be gathering again in 2009 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Surfrider Foundation. A Global Summit is being planned; date and location still to be determined.

Surfing por una justa causa

2008-03-17T11:37:00.000-07:00

Durante el verano de 2008 niños de bajos recursos de una de las zonas más afectadas y castigadas por la pobreza y la exclusión en Mar del Plata, tuvieron la posibilidad de acercarse al surfing gracias a “LA ESCUELA DE LA NUEVA OLA”. El proyecto estuvo desarrollado por CEAS junto con la Escuela Mar del Plata Day School, Quiksilver y Surfrider Foundation.

El emprendimiento estuvo destinado a la formación de surfistas y enseñanza de contenidos medioambientales a niños y jóvenes con pocas oportunidades sociales. Los destinatarios del proyecto fueron 25 niños y niñas de entre 8 y 13 años del Barrio las Dalias, donde el Grupo de Hábitat de la Universidad de Mar del Plata, el Grupo Sur y el CEAS, realizaron tareas de mejoramiento de viviendas, nivelación educativa, promoción de salud, animación social y recreativa y provisión de alimentos a comedores.

La práctica deportiva de surf estuvo a cargo de profesores especializados con la supervisión de reconocidos profesionales, y se generaron actividades que conllevaron a la prevención del uso de drogas y formación de conciencia como cuidadores del medio ambiente, en especial de las playas de la ciudad y por sobre todo, se les dio la oportunidad de pasar un verano inolvidable.

La actividad de los niños se realizó todos los días de verano desde las 9:00 hasta las 14:00 y comprendió el traslado de los chicos desde su casa hasta la playa Sun Rider (zona Camet), donde participaron de las actividades de aprendizaje de surf, con el posterior baño y almuerzo en el CEAS para luego retornar a sus casas.

Una vez por semana y cuando las condiciones del clima impidieron la práctica de surf, se desarrolló una actividad didáctica llamada playalogía, que constó de 4 módulos de formación ecológica relacionada con el conocimiento y el cuidado de las playas. El mismo fue desarrollado por la Fundación Surfrider de EE.UU. y se utilizó en más de 500 escuelas de surf a lo largo y a lo ancho del planeta.

En el largo plazo el objetivo es formar escuelas de surf y playalogía en los diferentes sectores de la ciudad.
En nuestro próximo Quik News te presentaremos a uno de los chicos de la “ESCUELA DE LA NUEVA OLA” que tiene un gran futuro por delante como surfista.

El surfing conoce de causas justas, y Quiksilver Argentina apoya estas iniciativas que apuntan a una infancia mejor para aquellos niños que no tienen tantas oportunidades.

Fuente: Quik News
En Olas Magazine
Submitted by Surfrider Foundation Argentina

PALM BEACH COUNTY CHAPTER FILES SUIT TO SAVE WAVE

2008-03-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

On March 13, 2008, the Surfrider Foundation, the Snook Foundation and three individuals filed a Petition for Formal Administrative Hearing against the issuance of the FL DEP permit authorizing a 1.3 mile beach dredge and fill. The intent of the Surfrider challenge is to block the project which threatens to destroy valuable and irreplaceable near-shore ecosystem that provide unique recreational and economic resources. This habitat is essential to the survival of threatened and endangered species of sea turtles and coral and provides essential habitat as a fisheries nursery.
In spite of the FL DEP stable beach determination, the Town of Palm Beach is trying to move forward and bury 7 acres of hardbottom/coral habitat. In exchange the Town has agreed to build 8 acres of “mitigation reef” to compensate for the burial, at a cost of approximately 8 million dollars.

The Lake Worth City Council had voted unanimously the year before not to participate in this unnecessary and environmentally destructive project. While the Lake Worth public beach is excluded from the project area, the amount of fill proprosed would still kill the public's ability to surf, dive and fish.

Recent news media:

Project Delay

Fighting Beach-widening

Protest by Surfrider Foundation

Reef Challenge

Additional Media Clip

SURFRIDER'S GLOBAL OCEANS INITIATIVES IS NEXT WEEK!

2008-03-14T18:15:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately the beach doesn't clean itself.

OCEANS INITIATIVES CLEANUPS TO BE HELD MARCH 22
South Orange and San Diego County Chapters join forces with Surfrider Foundation's global network to increase public awareness about ocean pollution.

For the 13th year in a row, volunteers will be gathering at beaches throughout North America, South America, Europe, Australia, Japan and North Africa during the weekend of March 21-23, 2008 to demonstrate their appreciation and respect for the ocean by cleaning up their local beaches. Last year over 10,000 people showed up to clean 218 different locations. This year over 290 sites have been registered already.

The Surfrider Foundation South Orange County Chapter will hold their beach clean up on March 22, starting at 9am at Doheny Beach. The Surfrider Foundation San Diego Chapter will hold theirs on the same date and time at Coronado Beach (at the end of Isabella Avenue). Check out the Oceans Initiatives website for a complete list of global locations.

"Our members and supporters are passionate about their beaches," said Rick Erkeneff, Chair of Surfrider Foundation South Orange County Chapter. "By joining other Surfrider members around the world in cleaning up our beaches, we are sending a clear message about the need to protect and preserve our coast and ocean."

About the Oceans Initiatives
Created and managed by Surfrider Foundation Europe, the Oceans Initiatives is an opportunity for activists and volunteers to organize locally to help make a global impact. For additional information, please visit: www.initiativesoceanes.org.

About the Surfrider Foundation
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 80 chapters worldwide. For more information on the Surfrider Foundation go to www.surfrider.org.

Message in a Bottle

2008-03-06T18:13:00.000-08:00

New York State's bottle deposit law has only covered beer and soda bottles for the last 25 years. Bottles of water, juices, teas, etc. are not worth 5 cents upon their return so they are the majority of bottles that litter.

The NYC Chapter collected bags and bags of non-deposit bottles on NY beaches in one short afternoon. They brought these non-deposit bottles; mostly plastic, to the state capitol in Albany for a press event with the Central Long Island Chapter, the Eastern Long Island Chapter, the New Rochelle High School Environmental Club, and the American Littoral Society, State Senators, Assembly Members, and a representative from the Governor's office.

They presented their "Message in A Bottle" to pass the Bigger Better Bottle Bill in a fantastic press event. Photos here News articles here and here.

Special thanks to Chris Wade the driving force behind this, to Laura Haight of NY PIRG for help with logistics and press, Adam Wiener for driving people and bottles to Albany, AJ Abrams, and P. Claire Pertalion too.

Super cool 3 minute You Tube Video by J Scott Klossner as well.

Take Action if you live in NY.

Wave-Riding Tragedy: For Many of Us, the Best Wave Days Have the Worst Water Pollution

2008-02-29T09:04:00.000-08:00

It's a tragic fact that all-too-frequently the BEST, MOST ATTRACTIVE SURF is accompanied by HIGHLY POLLUTED COASTAL WATERS. How can that be?

Well, the same windy, over-the-ocean storms that generate the waves often reach our shores and dump substaintial rain in the coastal watershed, and that rain picks up not only polluted runoff from the surface of our land, but can also mix with sewage coming from spills and leaks in our inadequately maintained sewage system before flowing into our near shore waters. Who or what's to blame? For the most dangerous type of water pollution -- sewage -- we can blame our local, state, and federal governments for not investing enough money in sewage infrastructure. For polluted runoff, we can blame many, from developers to property owners to government on every level that approve development that paves over large portions of our coastal watersheds and for the most part refuse to take polluted runoff into proper consideration when designing systems for dealing with rainfall once it hits the ground.

Oh, and who's to blame for the 2 young bodyboarders (in the photo above) who are unknowingly risking their own health while enjoying the good waves 18 hours after recent rain storms? Perhaps we can put a little blame on the well-meaning, local county government that nevertheless refuses to post water pollution warning signs on the beach when the water pollution is worst after rain storms. The same county government will, strangely enough, post warning signs during lesser pollution events during dry weather, creating the public impression that the lack of beach warning signs on a beach means safe ocean water quality, even after a significant rainfall. Which begs the question: if the county doesn't post beach warning signs after rainfall, but does post signs for lesser pollution events, would it be better never to post any warning signs at all?

Posted by Mark Babski, down the street from Surfrider Foundation headquarters in San Clemente, CA.

Trestles Toll Road REJECTED by CA Coastal Commission

2008-02-07T23:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a great day for the coast!! The California Coastal Commission voted 8-2 to reject the planned 241 Toll Road and to protect Trestles and San Onofre State Beach. Thousands turned out for this historic meeting in Del Mar, making it clear to the commissioners that the destruction of state parks and coastal resources is unacceptable.

The record-breaking crowd was comprised of a diverse cross-section of beach users including surfers, students, families, seniors, fishermen as well as a large number of Native American tribal representatives. Also on hand was a massive contingent from the surf industry, including various manufacturers, shapers, media representatives and pro athletes.

Photo: Branimir Kvartuk

“Our supporters have logged countless volunteer hours on this campaign over the last several years,” said Moriarty. “Last night’s decision was an incredible affirmation for their efforts, and a testament to the power of grassroots activism.”

Many of you sent letters to the Commission and to the Governor asking that this road be blocked. Many of you told the Commission on YouTube to protect our state park and beach. And many of you showed up to the meeting prepared to demonstrate to the commission and the world that our parks and coasts are not to be destroyed.

Of course Surfrider Foundation didn't do this alone. We want to thank our partners with the Sierra Club, CA State Parks Foundation, Natural Resources Defense Council, Endangered Habitats League, Sea and Sage Audubon Society, Defenders of Wildlife, WildCoast and countless others.

While this decision is likely not the death knell for the toll road we would like, there will be a major uphill battle for them to overcome. We will be there at every step to trip them up and we will need your continuing support. If you haven't, please consider joining Surfrider Foundation and getting involved in your local chapter.

Thank you for protecting the coast.

Suncoast Chapter Creates "Pete" to Stop Stadium Expansion

2008-02-06T06:20:00.000-08:00

The Suncoast Chapter has joined the ranks of a number of community activists, non-profit and environmental organizations, and concerned citiziens opposed to the dredging and filling of the Tampa Bay. The coalition of organizations is called POWW (Preserve Our Wallets and Our Waterfront) . They are rallying to oppose the proposed site, as well as the proposal itself, of the new Tampa Bay Ray’s Stadium for the reasons of tax subsidy, dredging and filling in Tampa Bay, and the overall environmental and city infrastructure impacts. To create enough room for the stadium, the Rays say they need to dredge and fill about six-tenths of an acre of Tampa Bay.

Its about two big Es - Environment and Economics. PETE is the symbol that the chapter has chosen to represent THEIR voice in opposition. Chapter Activists Julie Pappas and Chris Shield are actually making the 6-foot PETE out of wire and duck tape. A warm-water spring that attracts manatees is near the proposed dredge-and-fill area, so Pappas says Pete is a perfect symbol for their cause.

TampaBay Channel 10 Interview

News Article Link

More information on POWW

Fox Channel Breaking News

Largest Florida Beach Access Protest in History

2008-02-04T07:29:00.000-08:00

It has been more than 18 months since private developers and government officials illegally closed the Haulover Inlet/Bal Harbour public beach a ccess, one of the nicest beaches in Dade County, shutting out tourists, surfers, fishermen and others who prize this unique area.

Since the Surfrider Foundation uncovered these shady dealings in June 2006, Bal Harbour Village has consistently refused to return beach access and parking to the general public. (An “alternate” access point – offered only recently and grudgingly by the Village – has no parking and requires fishermen & surfers to carry equipment through a dangerous mconstruction site to reach the beach.)

This past saturday, in the largest protest in Florida history, 200 Surfrider Foundation South Florida Chapter members and beachgoers lined up on both side of the Haulover Bridge and demanded that Bal Harbour surrender their ill-gotten gains to FDOT and be denied oversight authority of the area.

Of course MONSTER props to new Chapter Chairman Shane Close who spearheaded this whole effort, less than a month into his new duties! Shane’s “Local’s Wanted” ad campaign was a rallying point to make this Ground Hog Day protest a smashing success.

Chapter Protest Video by Rob Lyon

Protest Photos by Lou, Oscar & Shrimpcreole

Check out the Chapter Site with all the relevent press info

Miami Herald Article

Channel 7 News Article

Channel 7 Video of Bal Harbour Protest

Surfrider Japan submits 30,000 petitions to federal government to stop nuclear reprocessing plant

2008-01-29T10:16:00.000-08:00

Surfrider Foundation Japan submitted 30,000 petitions opposing the full operation of Rokkasho Nuclear Waste Reprocessing Plant on Monday, Jan. 28th. Click here for a detailed explanation on Rokkasho and why we are protesting.

Over 30,000 written and 400 online petitions were submitted to the federal government in a formal ceremony.

Prior to the submission of the petition, Surfrider organized a huge event with a few other NGOs to raise awareness about Rokkasho. More than 2000 people showed up!

Surfrider will continue with the petition so please sign it if you haven't already done so.

Check out our movie about Rokkasho on YouTube!

Submitted by Asako Oya

City of Newport, Oregon Partners with Surfrider on Water Quality

2008-01-23T13:14:00.000-08:00

Answers sought for Nye Beach water quality problems: City partners with Surfrider Foundation to find solution By Steve Card of the News-Times:

http://www.newportnewstimes.com/articles/2008/01/18/news/news03.txt

Cleaning the Waters at Nye Beach: http://www.newportnewstimes.com/articles/2008/01/23/opinion/opinion01.txt

A signpost located near the beach entrance at Newport's Nye Beach turnaround holds warning signs used to advise beach goers whenever health advisories are in effect. The city, working in partnership with Surfrider Foundation, is trying to pinpoint the source of the high bacteria levels showing up in storm water samples. On an all-too-frequent basis, health advisories have been posted on Newport's Nye Beach due to higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in the ocean waters at that location. To determine why the bacteria levels are consistently high, and to find a solution to the problem, city officials have teamed up with the Surfrider Foundation, a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of oceans and beaches.Charlie Plybon, Oregon field coordinator for Surfrider, said they sample water quality at locations up and down the coast, and they were regularly getting high bacteria readings at Nye Creek in Newport. Eventually, the Oregon Department of Humans Services, too, began taking water samples at Nye Beach as part of its beach monitoring program, and this has led to the frequent health advisories being issued for that area.Realizing this is a problem that needs to be dealt with, the city has struggled to determine the cause. The fact that there is a sewer pump station nearby, and that the city discharges treated wastewater offshore from Nye Beach, led to speculation by some members of the public the city was fouling its own beach. But both Surfrider and the city have done extensive water testing in the area, leading them to conclude the source of contamination is not from the sanitary sewer system or the outfall from the treatment plant. In fact, when water samples were taken upstream from the sewer pump station, bacteria levels remained high. “I think one of the biggest achievements we've made with the City of Newport, from a Surfrider standpoint, was we both recognized there's an issue with the water coming out of the pipe at Nye Creek (at the seawall),” Plybon said. “The bacteria levels we were measuring were not coming from the wastewater treatment plant and the outfall of that. It was in the storm water line.”How that pollution is entering the storm drainage system is not yet known, but Plybon said there are two possible sources. Heavy rains can wash animal waste - both wild and domestic - into the storm sewer, which contributes to high bacterial levels. The other source would be from human waste. “At the levels that Surfrider is finding, we're not comfortable attributing all of this to background bacteria levels (from animal waste) in storm water,” he said.To track down the source of the pollution, the city is attempting to isolate areas of high bacterial levels through a stepped-up water-testing program. In addition to testing at the seawall, “we are also testing Nye Creek and its tributary arms, and we're going up into the storm drain systems ... trying to chase this problem down,” said City Engineer Lee Ritzman. Ritzman said he agrees with Plybon's assessment that not all of the bacteria is being generated by animal waste. If it were, then the bacteria level would be high after a heavy rain and would eventually drop back off. But that is not the case. “We think we're finding something that is consistently high,” he said.Ritzman said there is a possibility that somewhere within the Nye Beach drainage basin, there could be household sewage going directly into the storm drain. Back in the 1970s, the city had one sewer system to collect both storm water and household sewage. When these were separated into two systems, a household could have been missed, “or somebody has a septic system that's hooked into the storm drain.” He added it would only take one residence dumping sewage into the storm drain to get the elevated bacteria count being seen in the water samples.Once the city isolates a “hot” zone, where bacteria levels in storm water are high, then they can try to find the specific source of the problem. “Charlie's group has offered to provide some help when it becomes appropriate, where we would go in and do dye testing of sewer systems,” said Ritzman. “We can open a manhole (in the sanitary sewer) flush some florescent dye down the toilet, and then make sure that it shows up in the manhole.” If they don't see the dye, then they'll do further investigation to see if that particular residence is a source of the problem. “It's like trying to prove a negative, in some cases,” said Ritzman. “We find the positives and eliminate them.”Another option being considered by the city is DNA testing on the water samples collected. A basic test can determine whether or not there is human waste present. But the city may want to take it a step further, Ritzman said. More extensive DNA testing can tell them what percentage of the bacteria is coming from human or animal waste. It can also determine what type of bird or animal waste it is - such as seagull, raccoon or dog. “We can't draw a lot of conclusions,” he said, “but we would hope that it would give us a general idea.” Determining what type of waste is contributing to the problem will help determine a remedy, he said.Even if it does turn out that animal waste is not the primary cause of the high bacteria levels, Plybon would like to see that issue addressed as a long-term goal. “There's a lot of wildlife and domestic animals (in this area). They may not be the ‘hot' source that's creating this really, really high bacteria, but they are a contributor. And every little accumulating piece basically exacerbates the problem.” He would like to see some long-term planning with a goal toward cleaner storm water. “There's things that we can implement now that will help us long term,” he said. “You could make it city code for everybody to pick up their pet waste. They do that in Corvallis and in Portland.”Firestone said while there isn't an ordinance pertaining to that yet, “it's coming up for a city council work session. The intent is to ask the council to adopt a dog waste ordinance.”O'Neal believes that often people simply don't make the connection between pet waste and water quality.There is yet another issue that results in the contamination of Nye Beach, and that is when the city experiences a sewer spill at its pump station. That happens occasionally, and when it does, the city posts an advisory at the beach. Plybon said it is unfortunate when those incidents occur, but people should not try to link it to the other water quality problems because they are two separate issues. “Unfortunately there are other events (sewer spills). They do happen, and those things should be treated separately and not become part of this problem.”As far as the on-going water-quality problem, Plybon said, “I feel optimistic they're going to find this (source of contamination), that we're going to solve this issue.”City Manager Allen O'Neal said the problem has been very frustrating for the city. “There are some people who have made comments in public ... almost with the suggestion that we as staff think it's OK, or that we are perpetrating it.“There's obviously a lot of frustration over this,” continued O'Neal. “We, too, are frustrated, but we are approaching this in a methodical and a scientific way, and our partnership with Surfrider improves our opportunity for determining the cause.”Plybon said the ultimate goal of both the city and Surfrider “is we don't want these advisories in Nye Beach anymore. From a health perspective, it's bad. From a business perspective, it's bad.”Newport isn't alone in its struggle to overcome this type of problem, added Plybon. “From a coastal perspective, up and down the state of Oregon, there's a lot of areas that are challenged in this way. To Newport's credit, I don't know of any other municipality along the coast that is testing in this fashion. I think the city deserves some credit for that.”Steve Card is assistant editor for the News-Times. He can be reached at 265-8571 ext. 224, or stevecard@newportnewstimes.com.

Treasure Coast Chapter Opposes Wind Turbines Along Public Beaches

2008-01-17T06:34:00.000-08:00

The Treasure Coast Chapter is actively engaged in ensuring that "green" energy is placed properly within St. Lucie County. Currently, Florida Light and Power proposals to the County only look that placing them on public beaches that were bought for the purposes of beach enjoyment. It seems not too long ago the Central Long Island Chapter faced a similiar issue of wind farms along Jones Beach waterfront. They were successful at defeating that initiative.

The picture above shows the proposed locations. The three southern turbines are being placed at Walton Rocks which is a Special Places surfbreak for the chapter. Unfortunately what FPL is not talking about is the amount of enviromental damage that would have to be done to the area just to even get the huge turbines into the park.

The key here is that the chapter is supportive of green energy alternatives; however, not at the expense of public lands dedicated and used for recreation and conservation. The current proposals only looked at putting on the beaches and not other private lands that could just as productive. To allow such infrastuture on an erosionive barrier island is not only not prudent from sustainability viewpoint, but even more importantly in the short term it could set a precendent for other companies to continue to alter the coastline, potentially impacting beach accesses.

Check out:

Article: http://tcpalm.com/news/2008/jan/17/surfers-oppose-wind-turbines-along-st-lucie/

Video of local SF members: http://multimedia.tcpalm.com/video/?vid=2155&c=22

Sidenote: Also check out the recent Sebastian Inlet Pro (Former Board of Director Mitch Varnes runs) http://multimedia.tcpalm.com/video/?vid=2127&c=22

Adaptive Management Key to Wave Energy Project Success

2008-01-10T20:07:00.000-08:00

Oregon Chapter of Surfrider continues to be involved in a settlement process with federal and state agencies, conservation groups and Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) to agree on a precautionary approach to wave energy in Reedsport. Negotiations have developed a draft settlement agreement that includes an adaptive management strategy. This strategy includes several study plans that OPT has agreed to conduct to identify any potential adverse effects from the first and second phases of the wave energy project. The company hopes to install one buoy and then ten buoys before a potential build-out to 200 buoys. Adaptive Management ensures that parties reassess implementation of the project at each phase to avoid or minimize degradation to aquatic resources. Initial phases will include studies on aquatic species such as marine mammals, sharks, fish, plankton, and migratory birds. OPT will also study effects of wave energy buoys on recreation, public safety, crabbing, fishing, and cultural resources. Surfrider intends to remain engaged throughout the process to help ensure that adverse effects are addressed appropriately and efficiently.

Miami-Dade Chapter Kicks Off 2008 with a Dune Restoration Project

2008-01-07T04:49:00.000-08:00

The Miami-Dade Surfrider chapter has been working the Department of Environmental Protection and local city government to continually perform dune restoration projects along the ocean coastline. This type of outreach has received great positive feedback by the community.

Check out their lastest video on the event:
http://www.veoh.com/videos/v22509687Ss5Xa4h

To learn more about what the chapter is engaged in go to:
http://www.surfrider.org/southflorida

Access Victory - Florence, Oregon

2007-12-21T18:00:00.000-08:00

Florence, Oregon - Local Surfrider activists have won a victory for public access. The Lane County commissioners, responding to considerable pressure, rescinded the $3 day use fee they had imposed simply for taking in the view at Harbor Vista County Park, known popularly among locals as Chicken Point. For many, frequenting the point is a daily morning ritual, and the view allows surfers, fishermen, and other ocean users to check conditions at the jetties and Siuslaw River Bar. Area residents and Surfrider activists responded swiftly by gathering over 250 signatures on a petition to eliminate the fee, as well as providing crucial public testimony to the Lane County Board of Commissioners. West Lane Commissioner Bill Fleenor championed the cause and quickly instructed park staff to remove the user fee sign from the viewing area. Big Ups and Massive Respect to all those who signed the petition, and helped gather signatures. Many thanks to Gus for leading the charge, and Mark, John, Scott, Seth and Charlie for giving public testimony to the board, and cheers to our friends at The Sportsman and Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition CoastWatch program for all their help in this campaign victory!

Stop wasting water...

2007-12-18T14:55:00.000-08:00

The City of Long Beach just made headlines in the LA Times for this and other provocative water conservation spots on YouTube.

City of Long Beach Water Conservation Program

Kudos to them it is working - they have reduced their water consumption between 5-8%.

Cool Activist Pic!

2007-12-18T14:41:00.000-08:00

Check out this cool pic just sent in to the Surfrider Foundation.

"Our son was in a competitive surf competition on Saturday in Carlsbad. While my wife focused the camera on him, a few of the worlds best surfers joined in. Not sure if you could use this shot, but we thought it was amazing and unusual,"

—Peter & Nancy Berk