In August of 2014, the state legislature passed a resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the state’s “leadership and innovation in coastal planning and management” and declared the third Monday in February to be Safeguard Our Coast Day.

achievement of sound coastal conservation and development is dependent upon public understanding and support

The measure was spearheaded by State Senator Mark Leno and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). As Ann Notthoff of NRDC remarked “Our coast defines us Californians. We have the best coastal management system in the world. Thanks to that and strong public support, California’s coast is beautiful, our tourism economy is booming and the marine life that call it home have a healthy future. Constant pressures will always mean the coast and ocean are never ‘saved,’ but we are lucky to have a coastal program that gives us the tools to keep our coast as healthy as possible.“

California’s innovative model for protecting and enhancing our coast involves three state agencies that work together to Safeguard Our Coast: California Coastal Commission, San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, and State Coastal Conservancy. In addition to implementing their own laws, the three agencies implement the federal Coastal Zone Management Program.

All of these agencies depend on public support and involvement for their continuing mandates. The Coastal Act states that “achievement of sound coastal conservation and development is dependent upon public understanding and support; and that continuing planning and implementation of programs for coastal conservation and development should include the widest opportunity for public participation.”

Safeguard Our Coast Day is an opportunity for the public to reflect on and celebrate our extraordinary coastline. The Coastal Commission’s website offers opportunities for public involvement in beach cleanups and other activities. In addition, all three agencies have meetings in which members of the public are encouraged to participate: