Managed Retreat to Save the Beach in South Carlsbad
In addition to studying coastal erosion along three miles of Carlsbad Blvd. from Manzano Drive to La Costa Avenue, the City of Carlsbad is creating conceptual designs for a managed retreat project of a one-mile stretch within the study area that is already threatened by rising seas.
Surfrider’s San Diego Chapter is an active stakeholder in the planning process to ensure this project stays on track and reaches completion. Surfrider activists are liaising with city staff and residents, as well as advocating to the City Council, about the importance this project will play in saving a popular stretch of beach in South Carlsbad. Additionally, successful implementation of this project would set an inspiring precedent for pulling infrastrucutre back from the coast in order to save our beaches while protecting public infrastructure from damage. Managed retreat, wherever feasible, is the only surefire way to preserve our beaches as sea levels rise accelerates into the 21st century.