Coastal Fund

WHO WE ARE: The Coastal Fund (CF) is a student initiative dedicated to the conservation of the UCSB coastline. Our student body recognizes that the coast is at the heart of our campus’ culture and character and must be protected. In response, each undergraduate student contributes $5.25 per quarter, and each graduate student $3.00 per quarter, into a fund that provides over $350,000 each year to protect and enhance our coastline. Since Fall of 1999, the Fund has allocated over $3 million to countless local projects or programs. MISSION: The Coastal Fund (CF) shall provide funds to preserve, protect, and enhance the terrestrial and marine habitats associated with the shoreline of the University of California, Santa Barbara through the following 5 principles: PRESERVATION: Biodiversity and the ecological integrity of the shoreline are essential and irreplaceable. The CF is committed to preserving and enhancing these aspects of the shoreline. EDUCATION: Environmental education is vital to the future health and well being of the UCSB community. The CF seeks to develop and utilize educational materials and opportunities that are fun, factual, proactive, and informative. ACCESS: The right to safe open and low impact access to the shoreline must be maintained with respect to sensitive habitat. CF supports the balance of Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA) and public access. RESEARCH: Projects that promote education through research are fundamental to our understanding of coastal resources and the natural processes and human influences that act upon them. CF encourages studies that further our understanding of the shoreline. RESTORATION: Understanding that past human activity has negatively affected the environment, CF understands that restoration of habitat is critical to maintain natural and healthy ecosystems.