Subject: Long Range Plan For Goleta Beach

I would like to submit my preferred option for Goleta Beach’s Long Range Plan; a version of Managed Retreat

This approach is similar to that postulated in Scenario 1, with the following recommendations:

· Remove the new revetment proposed at the northwest part of the park. Because I have read very widely (even beyond what has been provided to the working group), I am convinced that hard armoring (including revetments) at Goleta Beach, will result in loss of the beach. Moreover, revetments will cause erosion on beaches down coast as well. In articles that measure the actual effects of revetments, scientists repeatedly report that revetments do not damage stable beaches. However, revetments placed on eroding beaches cause the beach to narrow over time. Goleta Beach is a rapidly eroding beach. I do not want to risk losing the beach in either the near, or distant, future.

· Move the utilities under Highway 217. Since we will have to relocate utilities, it seems sensible to not risk having to move them twice.

· Move the restroom on the western side of the park, further north.

· Move the vault on the eastern side of the park further north.

· Remove ranger residences to create additional parking spaces and lessen the impact of managed retreat toward the western parking lot.

These ideas are summarized in the attached plan: Scenario VFO.

Submitted: