Ventana Chapter - Conservation Issues

Chapter Approves Trust Fund Grant for Coastal Habitat Restoration Project in Marina

January 2013

Marina Dunes photo by Steve Zmak

The Chapter has voted to grant the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District (MPRPD) $175,000 from the Marina Coastal Habitat Protection, Conservation, and Restoration Trust Fund to restore coastal habitat at the Marina Dunes Preserve adjacent to Marina State Beach.

The Chapter Marina Committee consists of Natalie Zayas, Scott Waltz, and Steve Zmak who work with the City of Marina (the trust fund administrator) on reviewing grant applications for the trust fund as well as coastal land use issues.

The Trust Fund was set-up as a result of 2 settlement agreements in 1986 with the City of Marina, and the first 2 hotel developers west of Highway 1 in Marina, and is funded by a daily $.35 Transient Occupancy Tax paid by the 2 hotels and accrued interest. The fund currently has about $320,000 and its use is restricted to application within Marina’s Coastal Zone.

This restoration project will be funded over 3 years, and will be a partnership with US Fish and Wildlife and CSUMB Return of the Natives as well as MPRPD and members of the community. The plan is focused on 2 management actions: sand stabilization and restoration of native habitat and endangered species such as the Western snowy plover and Smith’s blue butterfly. This will include removal of invasive exotic plants and protection of the dunes from human impacts. To round out the project, MPRPD will also be adding trails and ADA access to The Preserve and State Beach.

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