THE VENTURA CHAPTER

We recognize that all things are connected and everything we do impacts our coastline. To this end, for the past two decades we have been working on integrated solutions to the problems that face our ocean, waves, and beaches.  To achieve these ends we are leading the following campaigns:

  Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration Project

Ocean Friendly Gardens (OFG)

Rise Above Plastics (RAP)

Surfer's Point Managed Retreat

Steam Team

Visit the campaign descriptions below to learn more about our efforts

Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration Project

WHY?  

The Matilija Dam is obsolete. Instead of storing water it is filled with sediments that would normally replenish beaches. In addition the endangered Southern Steelhead trout has been unable to access historic prime breeding areas for over 50 years.

The Campaign:

 The Matilija Coalition serves as the community’s primary advocate for the Ventura River by focusing on a public outreach campaign to gain local, state, and national support for the multi-agency removal effort.  Our strategy is to build the Coalition by linking government, science, and the community through a diversity of programs and activities, including our participation in the current Feasibility Study.

The Matilija Coalition

To achieve dam removal, an alliance was formed of community groups, businesses, and individuals committed to the environmental restoration of the Ventura River watershed.

For more information:   

- Matilija Coalition Website

- venturariver.org

- Dam Solutions:  poster(29MB)

Ocean Friendly Gardens (OFG)

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WHY?

The largest source of water pollution cannot be traced to any one point — it’s all of us. Pollutants “run off” our streets, neighborhoods and landscapes, wastefully and needlessly fouling our coastal waterways and ocean.

The Campaign:  Surfrider's OFG campaign brings classes, workshops and neighborhood walks to the community to help teach individuals the principles of OFG in order to reduce runoff and conserve water where we live. 

For more information:

  Ventura OFG webpage

Solving Urban Runoff: poster

Sanjon Rd: poster

Rise Above Plastics (RAP)

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click image to find out  how long it takes litter to breakdown

WHY?

Plastics do not biodegrade.  Virtually every piece of plastic ever made still exists in some shape or form.  Plastic waste is accumulating at an exponential rate as is the environmental harm it causes.  It doesn't have to be this way.  We have the technology to  re-purpose plastic waste and reduce the need to make more.  Despite this, plastic recycling and reduction is not happening fast enough.  We believe we can make a difference.

The campaign

Reduce the impact of plastics in the marine environment by educating and raising awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution and by presenting alternatives.  We are advocating locally for a reduction of single-use plastics and the recycling of all plastics.

Follow our RAP campaign on:            

For more information:

blogspot link

Surfer's Point Managed Retreat

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WHY?

Coastal areas provide natural buffer zones that protect from erosion. Permanent structures built in these areas are vulnerable to destruction from natural forces, as is the case at Surfer's Point. The bike path was built too close to the ocean in 1989 and was destroyed within 3 years during winter storms. Beaches need room to grow and subside and armoring the coast makes the problem worse.

The Campaign

 Working with local and state government agencies, we have established a plan to relocate damaged infrastructure to reestablish the natural erosion buffer zone, dune and intertidal habitat, and mitigate existing water quality impacts.

For more information:

surferspoint.org

Stream Team

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Help with water testing on the Ventura River the first Saturday of the month.  All are welcome.  Click on the link below to find out how to volunteer.

 For more information: Stream Team Webpage

Media and Information from the Ventura Chapter