Park Wavelengths - September 2012

2012 Archives

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Thursday, September 13, 2012

Forwarded to Wavelengths: Prescribed Fire Next Week to Control Invasive Plant Near Bolinas

San Francisco Bay Area National Parks
Fire Management News

September 12, 2012

For Immediate Release
Contact: Jennifer Chapman, 415-464-5133

Prescribed Fire Next Week to Control Invasive Plant Near Bolinas

Golden Gate National Recreation Area plans to conduct the 7-acre Lagoon Prescribed Fire during the week of September 17, 2012, near the intersection of Bolinas-Fairfax Rd and Highway One, across from Bolinas Lagoon. Cooperators assisting the National Park Service will include Marin County Fire Department, Bolinas Fire Department, Stinson Beach Fire Department, and other local agencies. The prescribed fire is tentatively planned for Wednesday, September 19, but the date may change based on weather conditions.

The primary objective of this project is to manage a population of non-native French broom (Genista monspessulana) which has invaded areas of grassland and coastal scrub along the Highway One corridor between Olema and Stinson Beach as well as many other areas in Marin County. The area to be burned next week includes the largest unmanaged French broom infestation in the Bolinas area on GGNRA land. Prescribed fire kills French broom plants and reduces the seed bank.

The Lagoon Prescribed Fire project will also maintain areas of grassland which would otherwise develop into dense shrub and forest where a wildfire would be more difficult to control. This will contribute to ongoing efforts to create a strategic fuel break along Highway One where the potential for vehicle ignited wildfires is high. Other similar small areas are burned along the Highway One corridor approximately every other year.

No road closures are anticipated, however, there may be short traffic delays along Highway One while burning is in progress. Short term smoke impacts are expected. Smoke sensitive individuals are encouraged to take actions to avoid or minimize exposure to smoke. See www.airquality.org/smokeimpact/ for details.

To receive an email when the burn days are confirmed, contact the fire education office at 415-464-5133 or by email .

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Jennifer Chapman
Fire Communication and Education Specialist
S.F. Bay Area National Parks
415-464-5133 TEL / 415-663-8132 FAX

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Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Subject: Bear Valley Trail Closure Begins Sept. 17

Bear Valley Trail will be closed to visitors starting Monday, September 17 for up to three weeks, including weekends, for the replacement of a culvert, as well as restoration of a small section of highly eroded creek bank. This closure is required due to a partial failure of a culvert which has also allowed minor sedimentation into the creek. Additionally, the highly eroded creek bank repair is required to maintain current alignment and safety.

Hikers and equestrians may still use the first 0.2 miles of the trail between the Bear Valley Parking lot and the Mt. Wittenberg Trail and can ascend Mount Wittenberg Trail. Stop by Bear Valley Visitor Center for free maps and information.

The culvert replacement projects will provide enhanced fish passage and habitat for federally threatened steelhead trout. Creek banks will be replanted with native vegetation to provide additional habitat.

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Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Wavelengths CORRECTION! Oral Histories Begin Sept. 12

Corrections to the most recent Park Wavelengths Anniversary Events;

Park oral histories will be broadcast via KWMR Community Radio beginning Wednesday, September 12 at 11 am. These half hour presentations were recorded with local residents and over the next six weeks cover some of the lesser known aspects of area history:

September 12 - Helen Smith, retired school teacher recalls life during World War II

September 19 - Jim Toth and companions with stories of the Lifeboat Station

Upcoming presentations in October will be Boyd Stewart on ranching life and Gordon Ashby on the creation of the park

KWMR may be accessed via the web at www.kwmr.org or on the air at 90.5 FM Point Reyes and 89.9 Bolinas

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Friday, September 7, 2012

Park Wavelengths Anniversary Special!

September partnership celebrations for the park's 50th Anniversary include:

Tree Planting ceremony on September 8 beginning at 10 am in the Bear Valley Picnic Area. Refreshments to follow and a ranger walk on Limantour Beach from 1 to 2 pm

September 11 - Tuesday history mornings beginning at 11 am on West Marin radio KWMR 90.5 FM/89.9 FM and streaming on the web at kwmr.org. The first installment, Helen Smith, school teacher at Pierce Ranch, recounts her memories of Point Reyes in World War II; recollections from the Lifeboat Station on September 18.

Coastal Clean Up Day on September 15 - Kehoe Beach with Environmental Action Committee at 10 am and Drakes Beach with park staff at 10 am.

A naturalization ceremony welcoming new citizens is scheduled for Monday September 17 at the Bear Valley Picnic Area beginning at 11 am.

Ongoing Photo Exhibit of Point Reyes images from visitors all over the country at Toby's Feed Barn in Point Reyes Station.

Complete details may be obtained by using the park website or calling the Bear Valley Visitor center at 415-464-5100 x2 x5.

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