Save Miramar Beach

THE PROBLEM: MIRAMAR BEACH HAS ERODED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE PAST 40 YEARS

Historically, Miramar Beach boasted a much broader sandy beach than that which exists today.. See historical photos of the beach in 1970 vs the early 1980s. Today, the once-sandy shoreline has become obstructed by thousands of rocks that have washed up and/or flowed down from runoff channels. If this process remains unmitigated, much of the beach will likely be gone in 20 years. Public access adjacent to the access ramp is treacherous because the sand has been washed away, exposing rocks that create safety concerns for beachgoers, and making it virtually inaccessible at high tide. See photos of hazardous beach access.

SAND REPLENISHING PROJECTS ARE POSSIBLE BUT TAKE DECADES TO ACCOMPLISH

Long-term solutions involving re-sanding the beach have been effective in many California beach communities. Some counties fund regular dredging operations to replenish and maintain their beaches, but these efforts have taken many years to implement, necessitating feasibility and environmental studies, federal permits and significant funding. Over time, we hope to persuade Santa Barbara County officials to support ongoing sandy beach maintenance; however, this is a long-term venture that will not resolve the immediate problem.

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A SHORT-TERM SOLUTION: TRANSPORTING SEDIMENT FROM LOCAL DEBRIS BASINS 

During winter storms “debris basins” along Montecito’s creeks fill up with sand and small rocks. The county then must empty the basins immediately in order to prevent flooding. 

 

Over the past few years, debris basin sediment (muddy sand and small rocks) has been transported to the beaches of Carpinteria and Goleta. Both beaches expanded as a result, with Goleta Beach increasing by six acres. This method has been utilized successfully by other beach communities as well.

 

In the case of Miramar, Montecito’s excess sediment would be deposited on the beach via the public access ramp at the end of Eucalyptus Lane. (A permit would not be required since this would be done on an emergency basis). The mud will quickly wash out to sea while the sand will be distributed to the entire beach by the waves and currents.  See the before and after photos of the sediment nourishment in Goleta and Carpinteria.

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THE DOWNSIDE OF BEACH RE-NOURISHMENT

County Flood Control explains that this is a noisy, dirty and disruptive process. Trucks deliver sediment to the site over a twelve hour period each workday for about three weeks. The roads would be dirty, and the west end of the beach would be closed for several weeks. Soon, though, the mud will wash out to sea, the sand will remain, and Miramar beach will regain some or all of its sandy beach.

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FANS OF MIRAMAR BEACH NEED TO MAKE THEIR VOICES HEARD

Thanks to a state-funded grant, Santa Barbara County is currently evaluating long-term beach restoration projects in our region. At this time they are determining which beaches need active remediation. With the support of homeowners, residents, local businesses and recreational users, Miramar Beach can be added to this list. (See below for an illustration of where the sediment might be placed).