CELCP | CELCP Projects
CELCP Projects
Between 2002 and 2006, the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP) has provided $177 million for 130 projects to protect and conserve coastal and estuarine lands. CELCP projects often accomplish many goals including protecting wetlands and other significant coastal habitats, reducing coastal water pollution, and providing the public with recreational access to the coast. The following are just a few examples of the types of projects CELCP has supported.
Protecting Wetlands and Other Coastal Habitats
Along the coast, wetlands have been converted since the time of colonization to allow for grazing, farming, and development. In the past, people were not aware of the importance of wetlands and their role in flood protection, pollutant removal, and ground water recharge. Wetlands and associated uplands also provide important habitat for fish and wildlife, particularly for foraging, nesting, and spawning. As wetland habitats become increasingly scarce, there is increased interest in restoring these lost or degraded wetland areas to their natural function.
With the assistance of CELCP, the State of California and Marin County acquired more than 2,300 acres within California's Sonoma Baylands, located at the northern end of San Pablo Bay. This area, which once functioned as a tidal marsh, was diked and drained for agricultural use. The area is now targeted for restoration and tidal flows will be returned to these historic wetlands. The public acquisition of this site will also enable the state to add 8,000 feet to the San Francisco Bay trail for public recreational access.
Reducing Coastal Water Pollution
Rapid and uncoordinated growth in our nation's coastal areas can create significant environmental stress on sensitive coastal habitats, forests, and farmland. The CELCP helps state and local governments protect significant local habitats and water quality.
For example, the Town of Hampton, New Hampshire, acquired a conservation easement on 98 acres of a 151-acre farm to protect shoreline habitat and wetlands along the Taylor River. This easement provides a buffer between agricultural activities and reduces polluted runoff to coastal waters. The town also acquired an easement on the remainder of the property through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm and Ranchland Protection Program, enabling the owners to continue farming the remaining 50 acres, and protecting the rural landscape and economy.
Providing Recreational Access to the Coast
Rapid and uncoordinated development of the coast can lead to very limited access to coastal resources. Scenic views and public access ways can disappear and traditional fishing spots can be difficult or impossible to access. The CELCP helps local communities provide public access to the coast.
For example, in Louisiana, the Saint Tammany Parish Government acquired a 106-acre property with one mile of shorefront along Bayou Liberty that had served for decades as a Boy Scout Camp. The camp had since closed and was targeted for a housing development. The parish acquired the property to maintain it as an open space and create a new public park for recreational activities, including nature trails, to ensure future generations will continue to have access to the coast.