Environmental policy shapes what is protected, what is permitted, how the public accesses the coast, and how communities prepare for future ecological change.

The California Coastal Act provides the central statewide framework for conserving coastal resources, protecting environmentally sensitive habitat,
preserving public access, and balancing environmental protection with the social and economic needs of California’s communities.

At the local level, Sonoma County’s Local Coastal Program guides land use and development within the coastal zone. It consists of the Local Coastal Plan,
the Coastal Zoning Ordinance, and administrative procedures used to implement coastal policies.

Sonoma Coast Alliance supports informed, constructive engagement with the policies affecting the coast.

Our role may include:

• Helping the public understand relevant environmental and land-use issues.
• Sharing accurate and accessible information.
• Elevating community and ecological perspectives.
• Supporting public participation in planning processes.
• Convening collaborators around shared priorities.
• Advocating for policies that strengthen stewardship, resilience, responsible access, and long-term conservation.