Pratte’s Reef

* Pratte’s Reef is a pioneering effort to restore “surfable” waves near an area that has been deemed degraded. This project, named after coastal environmental legend Tom Pratte, is a bold step toward understanding the engineering dynamics of breaking waves and their value. It is also a working study of coastal erosion. A Nov. 28 letter reached some incorrect conclusions. The $300,000 dedicated for phase one of the project was used entirely for design, construction and monitoring. Almost all of the designer’s time and effort was donated.

With the addition of a $200,000 grant from the California Coastal Conservancy, we expect to increase the reef’s size by about 80% in the spring, which will affect performance. The reef’s design is dependent on winter storms, seasonal swell direction and the formation of a “tombolo” sand filling in the lee of the reef. It may take some time to see results.

CHRISTOPHER J. EVANS

Exec. Dir., Surfrider Foundation

San Clemente