The Gaviota Coast
The Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County,
California, lies between Coal Oil Point in Goleta and Point
Sal near Lompoc, and includes the coastal watersheds from the
top of the ridge to the ocean.
A unique and imperiled area
The coastal Mediterranean ecosystems of the world are among
the world's most threatened environments. The Gaviota Coast
is the largest intact remnant of such an environment in the
United States.
 The Southern California Coastal
Province (Pt. Conception to Mexico) contains the highest density
of imperiled species of anywhere in the U.S.
While
the Gaviota Coast represents only 15% of the 300-mile Southern
California coastline, it contains about 50% of its remaining
rural coastline. Even though most of the Southern California
coastal areas have been dramatically altered and biologically
degraded by expanding human occupation, the Gaviota Coast retains
a high degree of biodiversity. This is true because of three
key factors: natural and agricultural landscapes still prevail,
the area is a transition zone between two distinct ecoregions,
and the Santa Ynez Mountains serve as an effective wildlife
migration corridor from large interior wildlands.
The
marine ecosystem of the Santa Barbara Channel is also a mixing
zone between the northern and southern marine biota, due to
dominant current patterns. The current patterns in the Channel
connect the mainland watersheds with the offshore marine ecosystem,
including the Channel Islands and the Marine Sanctuary.
The
Gaviota Coast supported the highest density of coastal Native
Americans in California. Important archeological resources
remain relatively undisturbed on the Gaviota Coast.
Agriculture
on the Gaviota Coast dates back to the beginning of western
settlement. Several families have been in agriculture for generations.
From here, see a map of the
Project Area, take a photo tour, and learn about the rich
resources of the area.
 
|
