Park Wavelengths - September 2014

2014 Archives

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Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Forwarded to Park Wavelengths Subscribers:

Date: Monday, September 29, 2014

Subject: Prescribed Fire Near Estero Trailhead at Sir Francis Drake Blvd. 09/30/2014

Prescribed Burns Planned for Estero Trailhead on Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Point Reyes National Seashore is planning a controlled burn near the Estero Trailhead on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard on Tuesday, September 30, from 10 am until 3 pm. This fire will be rescheduled if conditions are too dry, windy, or if the conditions will not provide good smoke dispersion.

This small, 7-acre fire is part of a larger strategy to help reduce and control invasive Scotch broom and maintain healthy grasslands near Drakes Estero.

No road or trail closures are anticipated while the burning is in progress. Short term smoke impacts are expected along the Inverness Ridge. Drivers should use extra caution if smoke is present. Smoke sensitive individuals are encouraged to take actions to avoid or minimize exposure to smoke.

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Saturday, September 20, 2014

Subject: Prescribed burns in Olema Valley Slated for Week of September 22

Park Wavelengths Subscribers: Weather permitting there may be prescribed fires this week.

September 16, 2014 News Release:
Prescribed Burns Planned for Olema Valley to Begin Next Week on September 22, 2014
Fire Management staff at Point Reyes National Seashore are planning up to four days of controlled burning along Highway One in the Olema Valley during the months of September and October.

Download Flyer: "2014 Fire Management Projects at Point Reyes - Olema Valley Prescribed Burns along Highway 1" (180 KB PDF)

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Wednesday, September 10, 2014

The full moon last Monday brings larger mid-day/afternoon high tides this week, ranging from 5.9 to 6 feet through Saturday. Plan early beach visits to avoid the high water. Autumn arrives on the calendar September 22, along with ripening acorns, as Coast Miwok and Pomo gather in the park to honor the blessings of this annual fall abundance.

The neon orange mat of fibers spreading through the Giacomini Wetlands is salt marsh dodder (Cuscuta salina). Its bright color contrasts with the quieter gray-green tones of the marsh. Also in bloom is coyote brush, with light-yellow fuzzy flowers on low-growing shrubs. In berry: smaller white berries appear on snowberry vines along Bear Valley Road.

Visitors have been bringing in images of sea hares from Tomales Bay. They have a unique waving movement while swimming. The name "sea hare" is due to two small antennae-like rhinophores reminiscent of rabbit ears located on their anterior end. They are plant eaters and take on their brownish-gray/spotted colors from the food they eat, similar to banana slugs on land!

New art on display at Bear Valley Visitor Center is from the Latino Photo Project. The exhibit displays park images through the eyes of local residents.

Autumn also brings the annual California Coastal Cleanup Day, slated for September 20 at Drakes Beach from 10 am to 2 pm. Check in with Ranger John Reeves for more information at 415-464-5203.

Construction is occurring this week on the road to the Lighthouse near the Chimney Rock turnoff. Watch for flaggers and heavy equipment as a cattle guard is installed.

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