City Of Manhattan Beach: Beach Dune Restoration Project

Press release from the City of Manhattan Beach:

01/20/2022 9:52 AM

In partnership with The Bay Foundation, City of Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors, and California State Coastal Conservancy

Press Release: The Bay Foundation and City of Manhattan Beach Partner on Dune Restoration Project for the Future of our Beaches (PDF) 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACTS:

JESSICA VINCENT, COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
jvincent@manhattanbeach.gov • (310) 802-5405

JULIE DU BROW, THE BAY FOUNDATION
jdubrow@santamonicabay.org • (310) 922-1301

THE BAY FOUNDATION AND CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH PARTNER ON DUNE RESTORATION PROJECT FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR BEACHES

THE BAY FOUNDATION AND CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH PARTNER ON DUNE RESTORATION PROJECT FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR BEACHES

Manhattan Beach, CA (January 20, 2022) - The Bay Foundation (TBF), in partnership with the City of Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors, and California State Coastal Conservancy, announces the Manhattan Beach Dune Restoration Project. This project aims to increase the resilience of over one-half mile of active shoreline against sea level rise and erosion by implementing nature-based protection measures that are both beautiful and cost-effective. Manhattan Beach is the first South Bay community to attempt to restore sandy coastal beach dunes, and the partners hope it will serve as a model for the region and engage the community through enhanced beach experiences, beauty, outreach, and education.

Manhattan Beach, CA (January 20, 2022)

“The City of Manhattan Beach is thrilled to be partnering with community groups, agencies, and scientists to make this project a reality,” stated Mayor Hildy Stern. “With the support of the California State Coastal Conservancy grant funding, we look forward to creating a more resilient and healthy coastline in the South Bay. This is also a great opportunity for residents to volunteer and participate in restoring our beach dunes.”

To that end, the community is invited to participate in the restoration process by volunteering during public events. This month’s events are January 21, 28, and 29; February events will soon be posted. To sign up to volunteer, please visit: www.santamonicabay.org/events/. Events will follow COVID-19 guidelines.

South Bay beaches are highly impacted by threats such as sea level rise, erosion, invasive species, and storm events. By restoring these coastal systems, the ability to combat these threats, preserve the beaches, and increase coastal resilience is improved. Resilient beaches protect infrastructure, recreational activities, and homes.

The Project will enhance 3.15 acres of existing back dunes along the Manhattan Beach shoreline from 23rd to 26th Street and 28th to 36th Street through the removal of invasive non-native plants and seeding native coastal plants. Some of the native plants include red sand verbena, sea scale, and beach evening primrose, which is the City’s official flower. The Bay Foundation, which has successfully implemented similar projects in Santa Monica and Malibu, will scientifically monitor the site over time, evaluating the change in dune topography and plant cover, among other metrics. The hope for the project is that it will ultimately be a self-sustaining beautiful native dune system that helps the coastline and beaches become more resilient to climate change impacts.

“We are so grateful to our partners, scientists, members of the community, and everyone who provided their time and input to the design process. We are honored to work with the City of Manhattan Beach in their efforts to address climate change,” states Karina Johnston, Science Director for The Bay Foundation. “We hope you will join us at one of our restoration events this month or in the future to help create a beautiful ribbon of life along our shore!”

This demonstration site will serve as a model for the region, showing that heavy recreational use of beaches and meaningful habitat restoration are compatible goals. It will show that low-cost, nature-based living shorelines can add protection from sea level rise and storms, provide the public with beauty and education, and provide benefits to nature, such as supporting native wildlife including invertebrates and shorebirds.

To learn more about the Manhattan Beach Dune Restoration Project, please visit The Bay Foundation (page includes FAQs) and the City of Manhattan Beach. For more information, please send an email to info@santamonicabay.org.

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This press release was produced by the City of Manhattan Beach. The views expressed here are the author’s own.