Cardiff State Beach in the City of Encinitas, CA has been identified as being extremely vulnerable to projected rates of sea level rise and coastal flooding.
The Cardiff Living Shoreline Project is one of the first of its kind in southern California, combining green and gray engineering to protect infrastructure, expand natural habitat, and provide public access. In the past, high tides and high surf have caused over 42 road closures along this low-elevation barrier spit fronting the San Elijo Lagoon on which Coast Highway 101 and numerous utility corridors are located. The city contracted Moffatt & Nichol to design and permit the project, which includes a vegetated dune system 60 feet in width and 2,900 feet in length. The physical condition of Cardiff State Beach has been, and will continue to be, dynamic in response to sea level, wave climate, and management efforts.
