North Coast
Photo: Bureau of Land Management
The California North Coast region extends from windswept beaches in Del Norte County at the Oregon border, southward some 370 miles through Humboldt, Mendocino and Sonoma Counties, to the spectacular Marin headlands overlooking San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. The world’s tallest trees, the California coast’s largest river, and the longest undammed river in the State are all found in the north coast. Timber, agriculture and commercial fishing traditionally shaped the economy, but tourism has become increasingly important, as the region’s stunning natural beauty and abundant recreational opportunities draw visitors from around the world. Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Point Reyes National Seashore, the Lost Coast, Redwood National and State Parks, coastal paths in Mendocino and uncrowded beaches along the North and South Spits of Humboldt Bay are just a few of the North Coast highlights to be explored in California’s least-populated coastal region.
The five-county north coast region – including Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Sonoma and Marin Counties – is one of the least populated in California, with just under one million residents. American Indian tribes have made their home within this region for thousands of years and maintain a strong presence. Small cities straddle the two transportation corridors (Highway 1 along the coast and Highway 101 inland) and include Crescent City, Eureka, Ukiah, Fort Bragg, and Santa Rosa. Family farms, dairies, vineyards and rolling grasslands with grazing sheep and cattle characterize this area.
North Coast Project Priorities
The Conservancy’s North Coast Program recognizes the importance of this region, and supports projects in the area to preserve open space and working lands, protect and restore fish and wildlife habitat, provide new and improved opportunities for public access, and revitalize harbors and waterfronts. Major focus areas include:
- Protect Working Landscapes
- Protect, Restore and Enhance Fish and Wildlife Habitat
- Support Restoration of Waterfronts
- Complete the Coastal Trail
North Coast News
- Coastal Conservancy awards $2.4 million for Coastal Access, Restoration, and ProtectionOn January 21, 2021, the Board of the State Coastal Conservancy awarded nearly $2.4 million in grants to protects and restore the California coast and coastal watersheds, and increase public access to these resources. The grants included $130,000 to fill data gaps in the Conservation Lands Network through citizen science data collection events in severely […] (Read more on Coastal Conservancy awards...)
- RFP: Explore the Coast Grant Applications Due March 22, 2021The California State Coastal Conservancy (Conservancy) announces the availability of grants to public agencies, tribes and nonprofit organizations for programs that facilitate and enhance the public’s opportunities to explore California’s spectacular coast. The ocean, coast, and beaches have long been recognized and used as spaces of joy, relaxation, and healing for many Californians. The ability […] (Read more on RFP: Explore the...)
- Call for Applications to Serve on the California State Coastal Conservancy’s Explore the Coast Advisory Board***Application Due January 22, 2021*** Background California’s ocean, coast, and beaches have long been recognized and used as spaces of joy, relaxation, and healing. The State Coastal Conservancy’s Explore the Coast (ETC) grant program seeks to provide coastal experiences for people and communities who face challenges or barriers to accessing or enjoying the coast […] (Read more on Call for Applications...)
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