Surfrider proposes dune restoration in Seal Beach; council hears plan and enforcement question
Loading...
Summary
Surfrider Foundation’s North Orange County chapter asked the council to support a dune restoration for roughly 2.3 acres between 1st and 3rd streets, proposing symbolic fencing, native plantings, volunteer stewardship and noting permit and funding dependencies; police advised residents to report e‑bike or dune‑damage incidents to the non‑emergency line (562‑594‑7232).
Mikaela Coates, regional manager for the Surfrider Foundation’s North Orange County chapter, presented a coastal dune restoration plan to the Seal Beach City Council on Jan. 12, asking the city to remain engaged as the chapter seeks permits and funding.
Coates said the project would protect and restore about 2.3 acres of dunes between 1st and 3rd Street by installing symbolic fencing to discourage trampling, creating designated pedestrian access, removing invasive ice plant, manually planting native species, and staging volunteer restoration days. She described the dunes’ role in storm‑surge defense and as habitat for species such as the endangered California least tern and the threatened western snowy plover.
Coates said the chapter has begun securing funding for materials, tools and technical support — a restoration consulting firm would develop a restoration plan — and emphasized that implementation is contingent on permits and continued fundraising. She said the chapter will keep city staff informed and that local volunteers are ready to work on the project.
During Q&A council members asked whether e‑bikes posed a threat to dune vegetation. A police representative answered that residents should report dune damage or illegal e‑bike use to the nonemergency number: 562‑594‑7232.
Several public commenters, including Rio McCall and Stephanie Wade (Surfrider members), expressed support for dune restoration and emphasized benefits to shorebird habitat and coastal resilience. The council did not vote on an action item at the meeting; staff and Surfrider will continue permit and funding work and return to council with any items requiring formal approval.
