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Inlet Excavation Under Way at San Elijo Lagoon
Annual Maintenance to Improve Tidal Flow and Coastal Water Quality Occurs June 8-16 at Cardiff State Beach.
INLET EXCAVATION IS UNDER WAY AT SAN ELIJO LAGOON
June 8-16, 2016 Excess Sand Removal at Inlet To Improve Tidal Flow and Coastal Water Quality
Like giant beach toys, earthmovers will excavate the ocean’s connection in San Elijo Lagoon’s tidal channel starting Wednesday, June 8 through Thursday, June 16. There is more sand this year due to winter’s strong storm surges and high surf.
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WHO - San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy oversees the annual inlet excavation, conducted through the support of California Coastal Conservancy and County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health. A conservancy biologist is onsite to monitor habitat.
WHAT - Earthmovers at the mouth of San Elijo Lagoon will remove accumulated sediment in the tidal channel impeded by the Pacific Coast Highway bridge.
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WHEN - Wednesday, June 8 (no Saturday/Sunday) to Thursday, June 16, 2016
WHERE - Cardiff State Beach in Cardiff-by-the-Sea
WHY - The small opening, south of San Elijo State Beach Campground, is San Elijo Lagoon's only access to the Pacific Ocean. Left unattended, tidal circulation would be muted from a buildup of sand by high incoming tides and surf. Transportation corridors, since the 1880s, have partitioned the lagoon, altering fresh water and salt water flows. Excavation reduces sediment deposition, and improves water quality in this estuarine habitat that naturally filters upstream runoff.
NEW ACTION - Here's how you can help nature: On Saturday, June 18, the excess sand will be used to expand a 4-acre coastal dune site on the western border of San Elijo Lagoon. This work, to improve habitat for threatened and endangered bird species, will be conducted by up to 100 volunteers. Think of it as a workout in nature! Click here for more information and to sign up. Details will be emailed to registered volunteers.
San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy is the nonprofit land trust for San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve. Its mission is to protect and restore the resources of the lagoon, its watershed, and related ecosystems for the benefit of current and future generations.