Ventana is currently working on many conservation projects. Three Resilient Habitats projects are highlighted here. Learn more –>
The Marina Habitat Conservation Fund
(Updated 6/7/11) This fund resulted from a past Ventana Chapter lawsuit. The settlement included provisions that a portion of beach resorts’ transit occupancy taxes (TOT) would accrue in a fund co managed by the Ventana Chapter and the City of Marina to fund restoration projects in the coastal zone in Marina. Previous projects have included weed eradication, containment of non native trees, planting of native coastal species and biological surveys of vernal ponds. Currently the fund has $350,000 and the Marina Committee is reviewing suitable projects for funding. Learn more –>
Contact Steve Zmak at at the Marina Conservation Committee at chapter@ventana.sierraclub.org
Monterey Bay Shores Resort
Proposed site of the Monterey Bay Shore Resort
(Updated 6/7/11) A 360,000 square foot mixed use 341-unit complex proposed for 39 acres in rare coastal dune habitat in Sand City on the Monterey Peninsula. Negative impacts are expected to include disruption of habitat for Western Snowy Plover, Smith’s blue butterfly and sensitive native dune plants. Also, according to Regional Sediment Management Plan for Southern Monterey Bay released in 2008 the proposed building site is in a hazard zone. In addition to historical erosion rates, erosion is expected to increase due to sea level rise. Ventana Chapter has retained attorneys and experts for years to block this project and the California Coastal Commission unanimously denied it in 2009. The developer is still pursuing the project and this issue will come again before the CCC in the future. Learn more –>
Contact Rita Dalessio with the Conservation Committee at chapter@ventana.sierraclub.org
Carmel River
(Updated 6/7/11) The Ventana Chapter has retained an attorney, hydrologist and other experts for nearly 15 years to halt diversions from the Carmel River on the Monterey Peninsula in Monterey County. Prolonged over drafting of the river had driven steelhead populations to near extirpation and seriously endangered California red legged frog habitat. Although a state cease and desist order (CDO) from the State Water Resources Control Board was issued in 1995, it took years of litigation (including an ESA lawsuit), hearings and pressure from the Attorney General’s office to finally reach a PUC ruling in March 2011. The commission unanimously approved a moratorium on new and expanded water connections as required by the CDO to cut pumping from the Carmel River. The Chapter is continuing to work with colleagues including the Carmel River Steelhead Association to restore steelhead populations and review alternatives for a sustainable water supply. Learn More –>
Contact Rita Dalessio with the Conservation Committee at chapter@ventana.sierraclub.org
For donations and inquiries, please contact California Coast Resilient Habitats Campaign Organizer Megan Norris at Megan.Norris@sierraclub.org or (916) 557-1100x106 at the Sierra Club California 801 K Street, Suite 2700 Sacramento, CA 95814
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