Great news! Sonoma County's cherished coastal areas will continue to be protected!
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved a comprehensive Local Coastal Program (LCP) update and site specific protection for vulnerable coastal areas have been retained! The journey to this victory was not without its challenges, though. At the last minute, just before adoption, County staff faced pressure from developers and recommended eliminating parcel-specific coastal protections for many of the County's remaining undeveloped areas, including Fort Ross, Timber Cove, Bodega Bay, and more.
However, thanks to the dedication of Surfrider's Sonoma Coast chapter and local activists, a campaign was launched to preserve these vital protections for the coast. These efforts paid off, and on July 17, 2023, the County Board of Supervisors voted to approve the LCP with all the site-specific plans intact.
The importance of this decision cannot be overstated. By maintaining site-specific policies, the long-term health, resilience, and accessibility of Sonoma County's coastline will be safeguarded. These policies are designed to protect sensitive and unique coastal resources in places like Timber Cove, Ocean Cove, Jenner, Stewarts Point, Bridgehaven, and Fort Ross. They play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and habitat, managing climate change impacts, enhancing public access and enjoyment, and safeguarding the cultural and historical significance of these areas. The County will now seek final certification from the California Coastal Commission.
This victory is a testament to the power of community action and grassroots advocacy. By standing together and raising our voices, we can protect our natural treasures for generations to come.
The journey is not over yet, though. Protecting the coast - and public access to it - has become more critical than ever, especially as the California coast faces increasing industrialization due to energy development projects. One such alarming project proposal has recently come to light—a massive energy development project proposed on the North Sonoma Coast. The applicant, a developer from Alabama, seeks to create a large-scale pump hydropower facility 1.5 miles northwest of Fort Ross. The proposed project involves the construction of a 24-acre saltwater reservoir nestled in the sensitive North Coast mountain range, capable of storing 5,600 acre-feet of saltwater.
The potential implications of this project warrant careful consideration. The development of a manmade perched saltwater lake presents certain risks to our ecosystems and groundwater. In the event of a leak or failure, there could be significant impacts, including the possibility of saltwater flooding our forests and aquifers, potentially disrupting the region's delicate environmental balance.
Furthermore, the project involves the construction of a substantial underground powerhouse, measuring 100 feet by 250 feet by 30 feet, buried 100 feet below ground level. A significant tunnel, measuring 100 feet by 30 feet, is planned to connect the reservoir to the powerhouse. Additionally, a 12,000-foot-long, 10-foot-diameter steel-lined conduit is intended to link the reservoir to the powerhouse, which could impact the coastal landscape. The delicate coastal bluffs, which are already facing the pressures of climate change and development, may be subject to further degradation. The LCP policies can play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of such developments on sensitive areas like Fort Ross and the surrounding coastal region.
In response to concerns about the need for local review of such a project, the Board of Supervisors added a policy that requires a vote of the electorate before such a project can be approved at Fort Ross.
By advocating for the preservation of these coastal protections and supporting initiatives that prioritize sustainable and environmentally responsible energy solutions, we can ensure that the Sonoma Coast remains a place of natural beauty and ecological significance for generations to come. It is essential to remain vigilant, stay informed about such development proposals, and continue to raise our voices to protect the unique and precious coastal landscapes that define Sonoma County.
Thank you to everyone who took part in this campaign, attended meetings, and made public comments. Your dedication has made a real difference and ensured that Sonoma's magnificent coast remains a treasure for all to enjoy. Let's keep up the momentum and continue advocating for the protection of our coastal areas. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the future of Sonoma County's coastline.