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Recursos
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What happened to Seacliff State Beach?During 2023, our coastal areas in Santa Cruz County experienced two extreme winter storms, one in January and one in December. These events generated significant storm swells around 35 feet in height and, timed with high tides, caused catastrophic damage to park facilities. The campground was destroyed, the pier was damaged beyond repair and eventually demolished, and about half the seawall was breached causing damage to infrastructure behind.
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What are the current conditions at Seacliff State Beach?Seacliff State Beach is currently open to the public for day-use. Picnic tables, shade ramadas, grills, beach parking, and the visitor center are all open. You may notice areas where the pedestrian promenade has been moved, and temporary barricades installed, to accommodate access around breaches in the seawall. State Park facilities are still vulnerable to coastal hazards. As winter storms affect the park, State Parks may temporarily close facilities to protect them and the public. Following storm events, State Parks will clean up in a cost-effective manner. This may mean waiting for longer periods of clear weather before maintenance occurs.
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When will camping return to Seacliff?There is currently no timeline for when camping may return to Seacliff. The damage to public-serving infrastructure, including the campground is extensive and has impacted the ability to provide the standard recreational opportunities visitors have experienced in the past. As we look to restore these services, careful consideration will be needed to determine how to provide a campground that is resilient to the reality and challenges presented by climate change. Planning for camping at Seacliff State Beach can only begin once the current study has completed and pathways for building resilience can be identified.
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Are donations being collected to help?Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, State Parks’ co-management partner, is fundraising to support the ongoing recovery of Seacliff State Beach. The Seacliff State Beach Resilience & Recovery Fund was established Jan. 13, 2023. Visit the Seacliff Recovery Fund webpage at the Friends website to support the fund.
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What happens now?Following the devastation, State Parks initiated a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Pathways analysis study. This study aims to do the following: Review local coastal processes Develop modeling to understand the affects climate change driven sea level rise will have on these natural coastal processes Identify measures to adapt and build resilience to these impacts. This information will help State Parks determine the next steps in the planning process as required by state policy.
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What does the study say?A key takeaway from the study is that most park facilities at Seacliff State Beach are vulnerable to coastal hazards and sea level rise. New Brighton State Beach, located nearby, by comparison is at much less risk.
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What does adaptation and resilience mean?Our coastline has always been changing. As our coastal parks are affected by climate change and sea level rise, we need to adapt our spaces to meet those changing conditions. To meet this need, our parks must be resilient to future conditions. This includes allowing for public open spaces to withstand the forces of extreme weather and impacts brought on by sea level rise, without significant loss to resource protection or public access.
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Is rebuilding the pier a part of the study?Yes, the study does include a technical memo about pier feasibility. The report will consider design and cost for a similar style of pier while meeting modern code and expected sea level rise conditions.
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Why did State Parks decide to remove the damaged pier?The severe storm and major wave event on Jan. 5, 2023, destroyed the oceanside half of the pier and severely damaged the landward half of the pier, including the deck structure. The landward half of the damaged pier continued to experience strong wave action between Jan. 6 and 20, 2023. Damage was extensive, with the remaining pier section in a state of imminent collapse. Given this analysis, the pier was deemed to be beyond repair and in need of removal.
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Had the pier been damaged in the past?Since its construction, the pier had been damaged several times. A storm event in 2017 caused significant damage to the pier. Subsequently, State Parks consulted with experts, including engineers, to address the damage and hazards which resulted in a partial closure of the pier for public access until funds would be allocated for repairs.
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Does the study include the S.S. Palo Alto?The study does not include the S.S. Palo Alto. The S.S. Palo Alto is a scenic feature of our coastline and serves for limited wildlife habitat.
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Is there any way members of the public can help?Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, State Parks’ co-management partner, is fundraising to support the ongoing recovery of Seacliff State Beach. The Seacliff State Beach Resilience & Recovery Fund has aided in repairs to two neighborhood access trails — Moosehead and Beach Gate — and paid for safety fencing, signage and support for cleanup crews to secure hazardous areas when the beach reopened to the public. Learn more at the Seacliff Recovery webpage on the Friends website.
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