Study Area: The City of Carpinteria (City), which was incorporated in 1965, is located on the Santa Barbara County Coast some 80 miles upcoast of Los Angeles, 15 miles upcoast of Ventura, and 12 miles downcoast of Santa Barbara. Carpinteria covers some 3 square-miles, with a 1,735 miles shoreline situated along the Santa Barbara Channel. With a population of about 15,949, the City is the centerpiece of the 13 square-miles Carpinteria Valley. Population growth rates have slowed in Santa Barbara County since 1990. The population growth in the City of Carpinteria (City) averaged 1.1% per year from 1994 to 1999, when it was estimated to be 14,950. The Valley, with a population of more than 19,000, features a mild climate, scenic environment and proximity to major urban centers.
Carpinteria is home to a popular surfing area, Rincon Point, and two well-used swimming beaches – Carpinteria City Beach and Carpinteria State Beach. The 1,500 feet long City Beach is narrow, covering an area of approximately 52,625 square-yards. City officials have estimated the total annual beach visitation at more than 550,000 – some 250,000 during the summer season and more than 300,000 during the remainder of the year. The coastal setting and favorable climate of the beaches along the Santa Barbara Channel have influenced the development of the shoreline areas of Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Since the early 1930s, population has steadily increased in the Santa Barbara--Ventura/Oxnard metroplex to the point today where the area has become considerably urbanized. Purpose: Section 103, River and Harbor Act of 1962 (PL 87-874), as amended, amends PL 727, an act approved August 13, 1946 which authorized Federal participation in the cost of protecting the shores of publicly owned property from hurricane and storm damage. Under the Section 103 Continuing Authority Program, conduct an initial appraisal to reduce the potential for storm damages caused by wave attack and coastal flooding and investigate alternatives to restore the ecosystem of coastal dune habitat to support a diversity of plant, invertebrate, shorebird, waterfowl, and wildlife species. Summary: An initial appraisal report has been completed and approved in January 2004 and updated in June 2004. An additional $15,000 is required to complete the PMP and execute the FCSA. The Carpinteria Sand Dunes study is currently not slated to receive CAP funding in FY06 to continue with the project efforts. It is estimated the cost to construct the dune restoration project will not be in excess of $350,000. After consulting with Economics, the project may not be economically justified since there is only one structure behind sand dune. This study may be included in the Carpinteria Creek restoration plan. Background Information:
The Chumash Indians lived within the Santa Barbara County area for more than centuries. They were building wooden boats to launch their boats in the water utilizing the gentle slope of the beach. The Carpinteria area was first discovered by the Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in the mid’s 1500. However, Gaspar de Portola and Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo were credited for naming it “La Carpinteria” which means carpentry or carpenter shop. In 1848, Mexico signed a treaty to the United States and territory became a State in 1850. The County of Ventura was originally included within the Santa Barbara County until 1873 when the legislature separated the area into Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. In 1910 the City of Carpinteria (City) was affected by the population explosion. The proximity of the City of Carpinteria to the City of Santa Barbara made the City’s population increased tremendously. The City also attracts tourists and wealthy residents from other part of the state.
 1920’s Photograph
By 1920’s Carpinteria State Beach Park in particular was popular, even when tents were the only camping option shown in the picture above.
 1920’s Photograph
As shown in the 1920’s photograph, the vegetated coastal dunes were a natural feature in the study area. The iceplant that is prevalent on the beach is carpobrotus edulis also known as hottentot . By late 1920’s, the dune system has been degrading. In this degraded condition, the site has limited habitat value with respect to plant species diversity, habitat connectivity, and maintenance of characteristic plant species. The photographs above are from the City of Carpinteria (City) and the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History. In the late 1990’s, the State Beach crews piled up sand but had inadequate funds to vegetate the dunes with native plants. The dunes were fenced to allow plants to establish. Many of the plants are weedy species.
 2002 Photograph Aerial photograph from the 2002 California Coastal Records Project shown in the picture above, depicts the reduction in the overall area of coastal dunes in the study area caused bydevelopment that includes parking lots, picnic structures and other recreational facilities.  October 2003 fall conditions
 October 2003 fall conditions
FAQs: N/A Maps:
 Location Map:
 Stakeholders/Study Participants: City of Carpinteria is the local sponsor. California State Parks is the landowner. California State Parks and the City of Carpinteria are supportive of the project. The study area is located within the 23rd Congressional District (D-Lois Capps) of California. News Releases: N/A News Articles: N/A Related Links:
Carpinteria Shoreline FS Study
Carpinteria Creek (Section 206) Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration (Coming Soon!) Technical Documents/Presentations: N/A Points of Contact(s): Se-Yao Hsu, Project Manager
U.S. Army Corps of Engineer,
Los Angeles District
915 Wilshire Boulevard, (CESPL-PM-C)
Los Angeles, California 90017
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(213) 452-4016 Alex Hernandez, Study Manager/Planner
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Los Angeles District
915 Wilshire Boulevard, (CESPL-PD-C)
Los Angeles, California 90017
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(213) 452-3835 – fax (213) 452-4204 Jay Field, Public Affairs Specialist
U.S. Army Crops of Engineers
Los Angeles District
915 Wilshire Boulevard, (CESPL-PA)
Los Angeles, California 90017
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(213) 452-3920 – fax (213) 452-4209
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