Newsletter #3
Greetings to all our Friends of Topanga Point. We are between seasons now and that brings with it the usual lack of surf, but while we wait for that first WNW of the season, FOTP has been busy building alliances and making real progress.
Key points:
As described in our last newsletter, FOTP met with the lagoon restoration project agencies and raised questions about the lack of analysis of potential beach erosion and surf break impacts. The agencies agreed that studying such potential impacts is an important and necessary component of the restoration project.
Since our last newsletter, the agencies prepared a proposal for a consultant study of the issues we raised. We then met with the agencies to review the proposal, and an even more scientific surf study was added.
The proposed study would implement our request for expert modelling of impacts to the beach, point and surf resulting from moving the lifeguard building and helipad, creating a larger lagoon and longer bridge, and the potential for the creek mouth to migrate.
The agencies stated that they will draft a request for proposals to ultimately select a well-qualified, expert marine engineering firm to conduct the study; the agencies expect to obtain final funding approval for the study by April of next year.
FOTP has been invited to follow and provide input to this process, with the goal of ensuring a credible scientific basis for the agencies and public to evaluate project alternatives.
In sum, our interactions have been collaborative and positive, with the agencies acknowledging the importance of fully evaluating potential impacts with which we are concerned. In fact, they consider this entire surf study process to be ‘due diligence’ for the project and appreciate our raising these issues.
What’s next:
All of us at FOTP are optimistic moving forward, and we believe that the restoration goals of endangered species protection, habitat creation, and beach activity--especially surfing--can coexist throughout this complex project; that said, despite the best intentions of everyone involved, including us, there are no guarantees when it comes to the ocean and the weather.
In the coming months we have scheduled quarterly meetings to discuss progress, and will continue to represent our shared interests in Topanga beach. There will be opportunities for our members to get involved and contribute our anecdotal information, the history of surfing at Topanga, and participate in volunteer restoration opportunities. FOTP has become a voice for the beach community in this process so please continue to support us and spread the word. We are making a difference. Thanks for your support.
See you in the water,
Friends of Topanga Point
Carolyn
Aaron
Peter
Russ
Jay
