Forward from Surfrider Foundation - San Mateo Chapter:

You are invited to attend one of the upcoming public workshops for the
Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Initiative in the North Central
Coast of CA, which stretches from Pigeon Point in San Mateo County to
Alder Creek in Mendocino County . This is a very important
opportunity, as the workshops are designed both to educate attendees
about marine protected areas, the Initiative, and the current status
of the process in your area (which is taking place right now!), as
well as provide an opportunity for comment on the four draft proposals
of marine protected areas (MPAs) for the North Central Coast. The
meeting agenda is attached. Please RSVP (see below).

California Marine Life Protection Act Initiative
North Central Coast Study Region Public Workshops
February 4-6, 2008 (6:00-9:00 p.m.)

February 4, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Sheraton Sonoma County
745 Baywood Drive
Petaluma , CA 94954

February 5, 6:00 - 9:00p.m.
Gualala Arts Center
46501 Gualala Road
Gualala , CA 95455

February 6, 6:00 - 9:00p.m.
Best Western LighthouseHotel
105 Rockaway Beach Avenue
Pacifica , CA 94044

For more information, please visit the following sites:
-MLPA Initiative North Central Coast : http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/
-Upcoming meetings: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/pdfs/agenda_012308a1.pdf
-MLPA Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/faqs.asp
-Draft MPA proposals, descriptions and maps:
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/nccrsg-dprops.asp
-The latest information from the Science Advisory Team (SAT):
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/meeting_012308.asp
Speaking up for Marine Protected Areas


Background:

Our oceans are in trouble. Overfishing, pollution, and global warming
threaten one of our greatest natural treasures. Fortunately, there is
good news for California . Our state is leading the nation by creating
a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) -- underwater state parks
that partially or fully protect ocean life and habitat so it can
recover and thrive. Much like we protected special places on land a
century ago, MPAs will protect our "underwater Yosemites" for future
generations. (To learn more about how MPAs work, visit
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/science1.asp)


Why your participation matters:

Right now California is in the process of creating Marine Protected
Areas along our coast through the MLPA Initiative. But the size and
strength of these refuges are under debate. The state will only choose
a good plan if they hear that the public supports it. That's why
decision makers need to hear from you: that you care about protecting
the ocean and protecting our future.
Why Surfrider Foundation is involved:
Surfrider Foundation put together a strategic plan in '07 to help
guide Surfrider activities through 2010. The goals identified to guide
our activities are:
- Stop human interruption of natural beach processes
- Improve coastal water quality
- Ensure healthy coastal ocean ecosystems*
- Protect waves
- Secure universal, low-impact beach access
- Motivate a global movement of care for the coasts
- Attain our vision through chapter-based activism
Establishing marine protected areas along our coast is integral to
ensuring healthy coastal ocean ecosystems. As such, Surfrider
Foundation is supportive of the MLPA Initiative process and the
creation of marine protected areas.

How do I participate?
Speaking up for Marine Protected Areas is easier than you might think.
First, choose the meeting you would like to attend ( RSVP to
scorbin@... – rides may be available!). The workshop itself
will provide you with much of the information you will need to make
public comments, which will be taken at the end of the workshop. For
more information on the draft arrays and scientific analysis done
prior to the meeting, please visit the links listed above (esp. the
last two). A list of general talking points has been attached, but
please take this opportunity to make comments on your local "special
places" as well.

THANKS!

Your friends at the San Mateo County Chapter of Surfrider Foundation