Trying to Save a Tree

Though the California State Parks have wanted to replace rip rap that protects the San Elijo Campgrounds and bluffs, there has been no permit approval for the replacement of rip rap from the California Coastal Commission.  These bluffs and the campgrounds are a significant part of the local visitor industry.  A local land manager told me that there has been about 50 feet or more of this bluff that has eroded in the past 25 years.  In this area, I would estimate that about five feet of bluff as eroded in the past 12 months.  Bluff protection is controversial.  Protecting bluffs can reduce sediment from migrating naturally to nearby (downstream) beaches.  Similarly, urban development in San Diego County--such as paving with roads, parking lots, or building pads--areas around creeks or making runoff routes otherwise impermeable, reduces soils mirgation toward the beach.  We need to have accessible, accurate information about the whole-system implication of our development and presevation decisions. We do not have that now.