South Coast

Photo: Nathan Rupert

The California South Coast region extends from Ventura County to the Mexican Border and includes the counties of Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego. It is known for its sandy beaches, surf-able waves, moderate climate, and large and diverse population. The region is defined by the coastal plains of several major rivers and is bounded by the Transverse Mountain Ranges that include the Santa Monica and Santa Susana Mountains. The south coast of California has extremely high levels of species diversity, many of which are unique to the region, and the greatest number of threatened and endangered species in the state.

The beaches of the south coast are world famous recreational destinations that attract millions of visitors annually and are a major contributor to both the economy and the quality of life in the region. Southern California beaches typically receive over a million visitors each year.

Southern California is also home to about 24 million people. The two largest cities on the west coast, Los Angeles and San Diego, are located in southern California. This proximity of dense urban development and sensitive natural areas creates a unique set of issues for the Conservancy to address in this region.

Santa Ana River Conservancy

In 2014, through Senate Bill 1390, the California state legislature created the Santa Ana River Conservancy Program within the Coastal Conservancy. The program addresses the resource and recreational goals of the Santa Ana River region including open space, trails, wildlife habitat, agricultural land protection, water quality protection, educational use, and public access.

The Coastal Conservancy has funded and managed hundreds of river and aquatic resource projects including trails planning and construction, interpretive facilities and programs, resource acquisition and restoration, and urban greening and waterfront development projects. Through the Santa Ana River Conservancy Program we will be able to bring the experience and expertise of our staff, partner agencies and consultants together to support a shared vision for the Santa Ana River.

Learn more about the Santa Ana River Conservancy Program here.

Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project

The Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project (WRP) was created in 1997 as a regional voice for the valuable yet diminishing coastal resources of Southern California. The Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project (WRP) consists of directors and staff of 18 public agencies coordinating with each other regarding the protection, restoration, and enhancement of California’s coastal wetlands and watersheds between Point Conception and the Mexican border. The WRP is chaired by the California Resources Agency and supported by the California State Coastal Conservancy. Through the WRP partnership, public agencies, scientists, and local communities work cooperatively to acquire and restore wetlands in coastal Southern California. The WRP provides a structure that allows agencies to discuss project design and approach, and coordinate funding opportunities, for the most efficient and effective expenditure of resources. By cultivating resilient wetlands on a landscape scale, the WRP aims to enhance the economic, environmental and recreational benefits of wetlands in Southern California.

Learn more about the Wetlands Recovery Project here.

South Coast Project Priorities

Expanding opportunities to access the coast and beaches, restoring coastal marshes, and providing parks and trails along rivers that connect to the coast are the key priorities for the South Coast Program. With the exception of Ventura County, the coastal areas LA, Orange and San Diego are extensively urban, so providing areas of respite for people and wildlife is critically important.

Coastal Access — The Coastal Conservancy works with local government agencies to develop the Coastal Trail, provide beach wheelchairs and restrooms, and restore coastal piers. We are working on regional trails like the Santa Clara River Parkway, the Los Angeles River Trail, and the Santa Ana River Trail, which will connect to the Coastal Trail and provide links to inland communities. We are also working on ways to provide low cost overnight lodging such as hostels and campgrounds.
Marshes — Much of the once vast complexes of coastal wetlands of Southern California have been destroyed. Through the Southern California Wetland Recovery Project (WRP), the Coastal Conservancy has been leading the effort to engage scientists and State and Federal agency representatives to identify priority restoration sites and approaches. The Regional Strategy Update will identify habitat goals for the region and is expected to be completed in 2017. The WRP covers the entire south coast region plus Santa Barbara County. Priority restoration projects include Ormond Beach, Ballona Wetlands, Los Cerritos in Long Beach, and the Tijuana River estuary.
Climate Change Resilience — Many communities in the South Coast Region are vulnerable to flooding caused by sea level rise and extreme weather events. The Conservancy supports nature-based climate resilience projects including tidal wetlands, beaches, sand dunes and oyster reefs that offer protection from storm surge and reduce shoreline erosion. Other projects we have undertaken to help address climate change impacts include developing parks in heavily urbanized areas. Parks offer multiple benefits as they provide respite from higher temperatures, capture and infiltrate storm water, and provide wildlife habitat.

South Coast Projects

Click on the links below to find out more about the Coastal Conservancy’s work.