The Problem
A coastline under quiet pressure.
Encinitas beaches are narrowing. Cliffs are eroding. And the sand we've already invested in doesn't always end up where we need it most.
What's actually happening
Natural sand supply has been disrupted by upstream dams and hardened shorelines. Storms now hit cliffs and infrastructure more directly. Recreational beaches shrink. Surf changes.
Narrowing beaches
Less buffer between waves and bluffs.
Increasing erosion
Cliff retreat threatens homes and trails.
Disrupted sand supply
Rivers no longer feed the coast like they did.
Costly cycles
Replenishment without a long-term plan.
"We don't just have a sand shortage — we have a sand distribution problem."