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Drawing Awareness to the Gaviota Coast
Pictured: Santa Barbara Surfrider Chairman, Sandy Lejeune and Dave Rastovich
Here's some startling facts that should inspire our surfing community and friends into action!
In just over two generations, 280 of the 300 miles of southern California’s once unspoiled coastline have been lost to development forever. Eek! Only 20 miles of coastline remain undeveloped and that stretch of coastline is the Gaviota Coast.
· These Mediterranean climate zones comprise just two percent of the earth’s surface, but contain 20 percent of the world’s plant species
· The Gaviota Coast has over 1400 plant and animal species, 24 of which are threatened or endangered
· The area contains unique reefs and tidal wetlands not found anywhere else in the United States
· The region produces one-third of Santa Barbara County’s tree fruit crops
· Lured by unparalleled beauty and recreational opportunities, the coast attracts over 1 million visitors annually
· Deemed “suitable for inclusion” in the U.S. National Park system for its unique biological, cultural resources (Gaviota Coast Feasibility Study, National Park Service 2003
- On May 13 2010, a prospective developer was forced into foreclosure on 1,035 acres known as Naples, located on the Gaviota Coast, by First Bank of Missouri.
The Threat is this:
The Gaviota Coast faces the threat of massive development.
· 2008: Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors approved 72 large-scale homes at “Naples”, a site recognized by State of CA as important coastal farmland
· Build-out at “Naples” opens the door to leapfrog development on neighboring parcels and leaves irreplaceable ecosystem vulnerable to developers who may not be able to even finish their projects and who are value-siphoning the area's natural majesty from all California residents, visitors and tourist industry business owners
· Intact ecosystems, watersheds, wildlife corridors, water quality – in the ocean and on the land – important coastal farmland, unique habitat, and Native American cultural sites will all be irreparably destroyed by development.
How You Can Help
· Join Surfrider as a Santa Barbara Chapter member. A portion of your membership fee benefits us and our Gaviota Coast preservation efforts. Santa Barbara Chapter membership info, here.
For more information visit savegaviota.blogspot.com
In just over two generations, 280 of the 300 miles of southern California’s once unspoiled coastline have been lost to development forever. Eek! Only 20 miles of coastline remain undeveloped and that stretch of coastline is the Gaviota Coast.
Check these awesome stats n' facts:
· The Gaviota Coast is one of only five Mediterranean-type ecosystems world-wide and is the only one in North America· These Mediterranean climate zones comprise just two percent of the earth’s surface, but contain 20 percent of the world’s plant species
· The Gaviota Coast has over 1400 plant and animal species, 24 of which are threatened or endangered
· The area contains unique reefs and tidal wetlands not found anywhere else in the United States
· The region produces one-third of Santa Barbara County’s tree fruit crops
· Lured by unparalleled beauty and recreational opportunities, the coast attracts over 1 million visitors annually
· Deemed “suitable for inclusion” in the U.S. National Park system for its unique biological, cultural resources (Gaviota Coast Feasibility Study, National Park Service 2003
- On May 13 2010, a prospective developer was forced into foreclosure on 1,035 acres known as Naples, located on the Gaviota Coast, by First Bank of Missouri.
The Threat is this:
The Gaviota Coast faces the threat of massive development.
· 2008: Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors approved 72 large-scale homes at “Naples”, a site recognized by State of CA as important coastal farmland
· Build-out at “Naples” opens the door to leapfrog development on neighboring parcels and leaves irreplaceable ecosystem vulnerable to developers who may not be able to even finish their projects and who are value-siphoning the area's natural majesty from all California residents, visitors and tourist industry business owners
· Intact ecosystems, watersheds, wildlife corridors, water quality – in the ocean and on the land – important coastal farmland, unique habitat, and Native American cultural sites will all be irreparably destroyed by development.
How You Can Help
· Join Surfrider as a Santa Barbara Chapter member. A portion of your membership fee benefits us and our Gaviota Coast preservation efforts. Santa Barbara Chapter membership info, here.
· Sign the “Preserve the Gaviota Coast” petition, available online at here. Ask friends and family to sign, too; paper copies available from santabarbara@surfrider.org · Tell the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors you favor preserving the Gaviota Coast, here.
For more information visit savegaviota.blogspot.com
