California’s Central Coast Receives $70 Million for Climate Action

The California Marine Sanctuary Foundation has secured a $70 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to combat Climate change along the Central Coast. This funding will be shared among 21 partners, including local governments, academic institutions, and nonprofits.

Elkhorn Slough Reserve, a crucial coastal wetlands habitat, is a key focus for restoration efforts. Monique Fountain, Tidal Wetland Program Director, highlights the challenges posed by rising sea levels, which cause flooding and affect infrastructure like the Union Pacific Railroad.

“This particular marsh that we want to restore is between the railroad tracks and a county road that is already experiencing overtopping on high tides,” Fountain said. To enhance the health of this marsh, increased water flow is necessary, yet it risks exacerbating road flooding. Dave Feliz, manager of Elkhorn Slough Reserve, stresses the need for intervention to prevent persistent flooding and road closures. The plan involves raising roads and developing robust marshes to protect coastal infrastructure.

The initiative aims to enhance the area with trails and vegetation, making it more accessible and enjoyable for visitors in the coming years. By working collaboratively, the community can create a sustainable environment that balances ecological restoration with infrastructure protection.

Please sign this petition to hold big oil accountable for climate destruction!

Related Content:

• Innovative Floating Wetlands Cleanse Polluted Lakes Using Upcycled Trash
• Wetlands are the Guardians of Our Planet and Support Livelihoods Too
• Lawsuit Filed to Stop Bulldozing Project at Ballona Wetlands on the Los Angeles Coast
• These Streams and Wetlands Have Been Stripped of Their Protection From Pollution!

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!