City of Santa Cruz
In January 2023, a large storm with strong waves and extreme winds combined with high tides and caused extensive damage to the Santa Cruz area. 4,000 tons of riprap were displaced, and 120 feet of pathway were destroyed. In December 2023, another storm with large waves added to the damage.
Nature-based solutions limit shoreline erosion and flooding or overtopping from high coastal water levels and aim to preserve and enhance natural habitats. This study identified feasible nature-based solutions at various locations and offer recommendations for near and longer-term implementation. For the near-term recommendations, the project team developed concepts for three separate sites in the study area. Through engagement with the community, regulatory agencies, tribal partners, and evaluation criteria, the team is developed a 30% design for vegetated dunes at Main Beach.
Pathways Climate Institute led the community engagement by creating the community engagement strategy and conducting seven focus group meetings and three community meetings. As part of the feasibility study, Pathways developed the draft suite of evaluation criteria and helped refine them based on community-recommended criteria and feedback. Pathways assisted ESA in the feasibility and design to incorporate feedback from the focus groups and community workshops.