3.6 Land and Water Use
(California Department of Parks and Recreation 1997). This estimate includes visitors to the south and
central sections of Cardiff State Beach (i.e., George's and Seaside). A popular surf break in the vicinity
of the proposed receiver beach is Cardiff Reef. George's was also formerly a popular surf break (located
southof Restaurant Row) but in recent years has lacked quality surf due to beach erosion and sandbar loss.
Restaurant Row, which includes restaurants, offices, and shops, exists approximately 500 feet south of the
San Elijo Lagoon inlet along the waterfront.
The north of the lagoon is San Elijo State Beach, which is a highly used recreational facility. This beach
includes approximately 42 acres with 7,190 feet of ocean frontage and is more developed than Cardiff
State Beach. Its facilities include a 171-unit campground with five comfort stations, an 86space day use
parking lot, a unit office, an entrance station, a concessions building, a lifeguard tower, an informal
campground center, and six beach access stairways. In addition to activities commonly encountered at
Cardiff State Beach, San Elijo State Beach is also a popular camping spot. San Elijo State Beach had
approximately 471,651 visitors in fiscal year 1997-1998 (California Department of Parks and Recreation
1999).
The San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve is adjacent to the site, just east of Coast Highway 101.
Recreation at the Reserve is primarily limited to passive uses such as hiking and bird watching.
Surfing is a popular water activity within the Cardiff area and generally occurs along the entire stretch of
Cardiff and San Elijo State Beaches, although it is most concentrated in a number ofareas, including Cardiff
Reef, Seaside Reef, Palisades, and Tabletops (Figure 3.6-1).
The waters off of Cardiff State Beach also support nonrecreational uses, including commercial fishing, kelp
harvesting, and behavioral studies of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncates). Commercial fishing
generally occurs in the same locations as recreational fishing.
Land Use Policies
All four Encinitas sites are located within the Coastal Zone as designated in the City of Encinitas General
Plan (1989). Any project within the Coastal Zone is subject to review by the City of Encinitas and the
CCC. Public beaches in the City of Encinitas are designated as Ecological Resource/Open Space/Parks
in the City's General Plan (1989). The Leucadia and Moonlight beach sites are also within the Coastal
Bluff Overlay zone.
Regional Beach Sand Project EIR/EA
Page 3.6-13
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