Surfrider Co-Founder Advocated for Conservation in Designing Manresa Uplands State Park

History Lesson: Surfrider Co-Founder Advocated for Conservation in Designing Manresa Uplands State Park

"In 1978, I worked alongside California State Parks personnel to design Manresa Uplands State Park. As a dedicated surfer and local community member, I joined the Citizens Advisory Committee to ensure the surfing community had a strong voice in the planning process.

At the time, State Parks had missed a few critical aspects of the land's environmental value. During the review, I discovered two endemic plant species that were not included in the inventory, which could have easily been overlooked without our input. Initially, the plan was to cover 80 acres with pavement for RV parking, which would have significantly impacted the park’s natural beauty.

I pushed for a more thoughtful design, advocating for 40 acres dedicated to primitive camping. I recommended that cars be parked uphill, out of sight of the camping areas, so visitors could experience a more immersive and natural environment. The remaining 40 acres would be set aside as a native biota reserve, helping to preserve the park’s unique flora and fauna.

In the end, State Parks adopted our plan, and I’m proud to see Manresa Uplands today as a place that honors both recreational use and environmental conservation. This experience reinforced the importance of community involvement and how local voices can help shape public spaces for the better."

Dan Young, Surfrider Co-Founder

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