The natural resources of the Nipomo Dunes and Wetlands

The purpose of this report is to document the natural resources of a portion of that remaining habitat, a small 18-square mile section of coast in southern San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara counties, that is considered the largest and most beautiful coastal dune-lagoon complex in California.Initially, this report was to deal solely with the wetland ecosystems of the Santa Maria River. It became obvious, however, that the Santa Maria is but a small part of a unique assemblage of sand dunes and wetlands that stretches north from the river to the City of Pismo Beach. Through time, the biological entities of this entire region have become closely interrelated. To exclude the dunes and speak only to the wetlands, would not adequately document the resources of an extremely complex and diverse section of coast. It was therefore resolved to include within the report the natural resources of over 12,000 acres that will be referred to as the Nipomo Dunes and Wetlands.This report is one of a series dealing with critical coastal wetlands. In addition to documenting the natural resources of a unique coastal ecosystem, it also identifies the use those resources receive and the problems affecting them. Also included are recommendations for the conservation of these resources. In its entirety the report is intendedas a guide for planners, administrators and all those concerned with the future of the California coast, and specifically the Nipomo area.This report has been prepared under contract to and fully funded by the Office of Biological Services of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The goals and purpose of this federal office are to review the impact on fish and wildlife resources of land, mineral and water development practices, such as /offshore oil and gas exploration, development andproduction; construction of inshore pipeline canals and refineries; power plant construction/operation and urban development. This report, and five other southern California reports covering Agua Hedionda (San Diego County), Anaheim Bay-Huntington Harbor (Orange County), Mugu Lagoon (Ventura County), Carpinteria Marsh (Santa Barbara County) andthe Northern Santa Barbara County Coastal Wetlands, are scheduled to be part of the Department's "Coastal Wetland Series" (see inside front cover).

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Smith, Kent A., Speth, John W., Browning, Bruce M.
Format:	monograph biblioteca
Language:	English
Published:	California Department of Fish and Game 1976
Subjects:	Conservation, Pollution, Biology, Environment, Nipomo Dunes, California, natural resources, pollution, conservation,
Online Access:	http://hdl.handle.net/1834/18457
Tags:	Add Tag No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!