The North Coast Facilities and Management Plan’s Working Group worked together to develop a vision statement and set of goals for the North Coast. The vision and goals serve as a guiding framework for development of the North Coast Facilities and Management Plan and will help guide the process of identifying and prioritizing capital improvement projects in the North Coast. The vision and goals also help establish the identity of the North Coast to its agencies, organizations, and visitors.

Vision

The Santa Cruz North Coast is a recreation destination and natural resource treasure along the coastline of Santa Cruz County. The North Coast will be recognized as a unified region that is safe, accessible, and navigable by the public. Public agencies and their partners are committed to coordinating development, operations, and land management efforts at a regional level to support safe and equitable public access to open space, provide enjoyable recreation, protect natural and cultural resources throughout the North Coast, and foster an environment where public open space and facilities are compatible with adjacent, existing uses.

Goals

The Santa Cruz North Coast land management agencies and organizations will coordinate and collaborate to achieve the following shared goals for the North Coast:

REGIONAL PLANNING AND PARTNERSHIPS

Closely coordinate with various program and management partners and engage with stakeholders and neighbors to ensure a clear process for development, use, operations, and management of North Coast properties throughout the planning process and after implementation of the North Coast Facilities and Management Plan.

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

Restore and protect native vegetation for long-term survival, especially by managing and eradicating non-native plant species.

PLANT AND ANIMAL HABITAT CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION

Preserve sensitive habitat areas to protect biological resources by avoiding development in these areas, and work to restore habitats that have been heavily impacted.

HISTORIC, CULTURAL, AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

Protect and mitigate impacts to historic, cultural, and archaeological resources in consultation and collaboration with local tribes or other historical and cultural experts.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Closely coordinate with various program and management partners and engage with stakeholders and neighbors to ensure a clear process for development, use, operations, and management of North Coast properties throughout the planning process and after implementation of the North Coast Facilities and Management Plan.

PUBLIC ACCESS AND REGIONAL CONNECTIONS

Expand public access to coastal resources, while respecting the privacy of local stakeholders and landholders. This can be achieved by adding new access points, increasing parking capacity along Highway 1, expanding the regional trail network, and increasing alternative transportation options.

STEWARDSHIP, MAINTENANCE, AND FACILITIES

Improve the visitor experience and meet visitor demand to the North Coast by adequately providing and maintaining visitorserving facilities and amenities, clear wayfinding, and rich interpretive signage throughout the region.