Friends Of Harbor Beaches And Park Inc

FHBP's mission is “to promote, protect, and enhance the harbors, beaches, parks, trails, open spaces, natural preserves, and historic sites in Orange County.”

In 1997, ten Orange County environmental volunteers created Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks, also known as FHBP. Leaders from 10 different environmental organizations joined the board to organize a new consolidated approach that strengthened and coordinated the voice of parks, water, open space, and environmental education groups. The main event, which crystallized the concerns of FHBP board members, was the reorganization of County government in 1996-1997 in the wake of the loss of funds through state reallocations and the County bankruptcy. The vision to form a countywide parks and open space advocacy and support group now became a mandate.

In 2023, FHBP achieved:
- Enhanced the Green Vision Map, contributing to increased conservation funding and acquisitions in the area.
- Led a six-county coalition to endorse a Regional Advance Mitigation Program (RAMP) policy framework through the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).
- Actively participated in the SCAG SoCal Greenprint Technical Advisory Committee.
- Hosted eight bilingual (English and Spanish) 30x30 virtual presentations to support local organizations, non-profits, and tribes in their conservation endeavors.
- Strengthened engagement in social equity, environmental justice, and tribal communities, fostering collaborative efforts.
- Maintained a leadership role while serving on the Orange County Transportation Authority’s (OCTA) Environmental Oversight Committee (EOC).

In 2024, FHBP is committed to:
- Advocating for the adoption and effective implementation of the SCAG SoCal Greenprint.
- Collaborating with the OC Board of Supervisors to consider the adoption of a Native Tree Preservation Policy.
- Updating the Green Vision Map to reflect evolving conservation needs.
- Transforming the Green Vision Map with an improved user interface for enhanced accessibility.
- Sustaining leadership in coalitions and active participation in the OCTA EOC.
- Collaborating with the Safe Trails Coalition to advocate for balanced policies supporting recreational use and resource protection.
- Leading a six-county coalition to champion natural and farmland policies aligning with SCAG's Connect SoCal Plan.

Our primary funding needs center around four crucial projects:
1. **Advancing Conservation Policies in Orange County** – Prioritizing the adherence to existing and/or new conservation policies and emphasizing the responsible stewardship of natural lands, requiring $15,000.
2. **Implementing the Safe Trails Action Plan** – Collaborating with stakeholders, land managers, and trail users to establish safe trail systems that preserve intact habitats and ensure secure experiences for all, necessitating $50,000.
3. **Developing a Science-Based Protocol for SoCal Habitats** – Supporting the validation of conservation benefits in Southern California habitat lands, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, through the implementation of a scientific protocol, requiring $250,000.

Our work benefits all Orange County residents.

Through funding by individuals and grants over our 20+ year organizational lifespan, FHBP has built a unique, credible, and needed place in Orange County's political structure.  The basic and unique needs that we provide are:
- The well respected and up-to-date Green Vision Map along with complete parcel data,
- The 85+ member Green Vision Coalition of groups who support the Green Vision Map,
- Helping develop rational solutions to funding and other needs, and 
- Assisting with collaborations or negotiations with other agencies.

We have an extensive track record of success and creating innovative funding mechanisms that allow for conservation actions to be realized.