Council backs Surfrider Foundation’s dune-restoration proposal and asks staff to prepare local development plan

Surfrider Ventura County presented a community-led dune restoration and maintenance proposal for Hueneme Beach Park aimed at restoring roughly 2.5 acres of dune habitat between Chumash Creek and the Alaska 261 memorial.

Presenters described removing invasive ice plant and Bermuda grass, planting native species (beach primrose, morning glory, sand verbena, beach burr), installing sand fencing and symbolic post-and-cable barriers to protect restoration areas while maintaining public access, and monitoring progress with consultant support. Surfrider said it will fund the project through grants and donations and requested limited city support — free volunteer parking for 8–10 events in the first year, periodic dumpster service for invasive-plant removal, and coordination on permitting with the California Coastal Commission.

Council members asked about the extent of ice-plant removal and preservation of access; presenters confirmed they would focus on the delineated restoration area and use low-impact methods for invasive removal, and said planting is best done in fall but will follow Coastal Commission guidance. Staff said the project may require permits and a formal agreement and recommended bringing a local development plan back to the council for approval and Coastal Commission review.

The council voted unanimously to direct staff to proceed with preparing a local development plan for Coastal Commission review and to return with the necessary agreements and permitting details.