Ensuring that a broad spectrum of coastal recreational users are meaningfully engaged in coastal planning and project development can play a critical role in improving project outcomes and benefits. Beyond merely stakeholders, recreational users are economic drivers, sources of valuable knowledge and insight, and long-term stewards of coastal resources. Protecting and enhancing the conditions that support recreational activities on and near the water, such as surfing, paddling, swimming, and fishing, can preserve local economic benefits. Conversely, unintended impacts to recreational resources can diminish both community value and project returns. Recreational users also possess unique experiential knowledge of coastal processes, site conditions, and resource use patterns that can inform project design, identify potential conflicts, and reveal opportunities for added community benefits. Early engagement can build stakeholder support, reduce project risks, and improve implementation success. Through case studies, this presentation will illustrate the mutual benefits of recreational user engagement. Attendees will also explore ideas for identifying potential recreational uses and user groups in their project or planning area.
