Where there's a will there's a wave. As Earth Day wraps up, California joins Puerto Rico by announcing plans to build reefs - but for very different reasons.

In 1994, an oil barge spilled 750,000 gallons of heavy oil, damaging the beaches and lagoons that surround the reef coast in San Juan, capital of Puerto Rico. Fund trustees announced they will spend $10 million to restore sea life and sea grass, as well as build a nature reserve. More than 40 species of rare plants and animals call San Juan home.

Meanwhile, in California, engineers plan to build a new reef in Ventura County in hopes of reviving the famous waves that once reigned supreme along the southern California coast. Ironically, oil also played a part in destroying this reef - it died when Mobil Exploration and Producing U.S. Inc. pulled out of the area and tore down its pier. Many claim the pier created the reef and killer waves in the site known as Oil Piers.

Besides creating waves in the area, project managers building the reef say the reef will protect low-lying neighborhoods from erosion. The creation of waves at Oil Piers will dissipate the water's force before they can damage surrounding areas. Sounds like good news all around.

So whether you have your hopes pegged on seeing sea turtles during your outdoor adventure in Puerto Rico or you're a surf bum looking to catch a wave in Ventura County you've got something to celebrate on this post-Earth Day 2007.

James W. Coates,
National Park Expert