Surfrider Foundation: MAKING WAVES

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We're documenting coastal resources	Beachscape, a Surfrider Program MAKING WAVES, April/May 1999

Who knows your beach better than a local does?

This is the philosophy that is driving the Surfrider Foundation's newest program Beachscape. Many of our members visit their local beaches on a daily basis and observe trends in swell direction, local weather and its effect on the beach, shifting sands and, maybe most importantly to them, how all of these factors effect their favorite surf break. They might not realize it, but these Surfrider members are what we like to call "surfer scientists". Their diligent study of their surroundings makes them an expert on the beach. Beachscape wants to tap into this precious local knowledge and put it to use to defend our beaches.
     Beachscape is being developed to empower our chapters with information about their coastline. Beachscape is a community-based coastal mapping program that employs chapter volunteers to map our beaches for features such as coastal armoring, storm drain outfalls, beach access ways, erosion hotspots and beach characteristics. We are building upon the original survey that was distributed to the chapters in early 1998. Once mapped this information will be entered into a Geographic Information System (GIS) to be used by the chapters and compiled in an annual "state of the beach" publication. Over this spring and summer we will be fine tuning the program and preparing to launch it nationally.
     The Ventura Chapter has been helpful in assisting the National office to develop the mapping protocols. Kevin Buddhu of the Ventura Chapter and several students in Camarillo High School's Aquarian League (Tara Tittlemier, Jessica Mitchell, Vishal Patel and Josh Kohmeier) helped kick off the mapping efforts in Ventura County. This effort will help refine our mapping techniques for the future.
     Look for the Beachscape web site coming soon at: http://www.surfrider.org/beachscape

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Surfrider Foundation USA:
122 S. El Camino Real #67
San Clemente, CA 92672
tel. (949) 492-8170
fax (949) 492-8142

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