| In the mid-1960s, Pacific Shores Subdivision was carved from the coastal dunes and wetlands of Del Norte County, California. The site was never fully developed, although 27 miles of roads were built to access 1,500 half-acre lots which sit vacant today except for scattered homeless encampments. Coastal prairie, marshes, wetlands, and spruce forest provide habitat for diverse wildlife including black bear, porcupine, northern harrier, Oregon vesper sparrow, northern red-legged frog, and Oregon silverspot butterfly. Although half the parcels have been acquired by state agencies and local non-profits, frequent conflict and litigation between property rights advocates and conservation organizations prevented restoration. Congressionally mandated runway safety area improvements at Crescent City Airport provided an opportunity to build political support and provided a federal funding source for mitigation. Eleven acres of roads are currently in the process of being removed and wetland and dune re-established. This is the first meaningful effort to reduce habitat fragmentation in 50 years. Restoration has been made possible despite challenges because of recognition of opportunities presented by regional economic development, and with the resulting support of local elected officials and constituencies from the full political spectrum. |