Capistrano Beach Nature-Based Shoreline Adaptation Project

The Capistrano-Doheny Beach Nature-Based Shoreline Adaptation Project (herein referred to as “PROJECT”) is located alongshore of Capistrano Beach and Doheny State Beach, seaward of the coastal trail at the southeast end of Doheny State Beach and the northwest end of Capistrano Beach, all within the City of Dana Point. Doheny State Beach holds the distinction of being California’s first state beach. Donated by oil tycoon, Edward L. Doheny, for public use in 1931, it was officially renamed as Doheny State Beach in 1963. The beach is one of California’s most popular state beaches, attracting almost one million visitors per year. The southern end of the state beach features parking near the shoreline.

In 1973, the County of Orange (herein referred to as “COUNTY”) secured a grant through the Land & Water Conservation Fund to acquire 8.5 acres of Capistrano Beach. Then in 1979, Orange County Harbors, Beaches and Parks District, obtained fee simple ownership of the estate. Following this, a General Development Plan was adopted in 1980, paving the way for the construction of a 140-car parking lot, beach entrance, native landscaping, passenger loading area, restrooms, showers, benches, fire rings, two lifeguard towers, and a bicycle storage area.

For many years, these beaches have been subjected to shoreline erosion, resulting in damage to various amenities, and increasing their vulnerability to further erosion, flooding, and inundation. Wave action has undermined the bike path and pavement at Doheny State Beach, leading to the loss of viable parking spaces and exposing some cobble foundations. The southern edge of Doheny State Beach has been particularly affected, with severe erosion compromising the parking lot and turnaround area. Similarly, the north reach of Capistrano Beach has experienced significant erosion, resulting in the loss of amenities including a basketball court and restroom building. While efforts such as the installation of rip-rap and sand-filled geotextile units have provided protection to the backshore, and the sand nourishment projects by OC Parks have temporarily mitigated erosion and enhanced recreational beach areas, the beach continues to face erosion challenges.

The purpose of the PROJECT is to mitigate ongoing shoreline erosion by implementing a sustainable, nature-based solution designed to enhance coastal resiliency and support the ongoing preservation of coastal areas. This involves the construction of a buried cobble berm system with vegetated sand dunes, located seaward of the coastal trail and extending up to 1,500 feet in total length across both Doheny State Beach and Capistrano Beach. The PROJECT begins approximately 650 feet northwest of the southeast boundary of Doheny State Beach (Lat 33.456959, Long -117.671586) and extends another 650 feet into the northwest half of Capistrano Beach (33.455021, -117.668321).

This PROJECT aims to achieve the following goals:

1. Reduce Coastal Erosion: Stabilize the shoreline and reduce wave energy that contributes to coastal erosion.
2. Protect Critical Infrastructure: Safeguard essential infrastructure from the impacts of shoreline erosion.
3. Preserve Recreational and Economic Value: Maintain safe, accessible spaces for public use while supporting local tourism and related businesses.
4. Serve as a Scalable Model: Provide a model for similar projects along Orange County shores and other vulnerable coastal areas in California.