Pacific Park News #34 on Pt Reyes Nat. Seashore

[connie B Berto <cberto@juno.com>]

To Ridecampers and all who have ridden at PRNS:   as I've mentioned
before, the scoping sessions for the revision of the 1980 General
Management Plan of PRNS is underway.   This is the latest from the
National Parks and Conservation Association email newsletter.   Please
note their attitude toward horses in this 70,000 acre (32,000 in
designated wilderness) park.  And note (this made my blood boil) the
arrogant depiction of ranching as "a cultural resource".   These 13
ranches have provided LIVINGS for FAMILIES for several generations and
housing for their employees and food and fiber for the whole Bay Area;
they take excellent care of their land; at least one ranch, the Straus
Ranch, has been nationally recognized because of their leadership in
totally organic dairying and milk production.   The so-called pollution
of the waters of Tomales Bay has been traced to septic systems from the
many campsites and the few small towns ringing the bay, as much as being
cause by agricultural runoff.  Besides, there are two commercial oyster
farms on TB and  some dern fine oysters come from there!   
     Please note the cutoff date of November 30.    Please send an email
using your own words to describe the need for continued horse access and
improved horse camps.   If you have been there, please say so.  Thanks
much,  Connie Berto, AERC Trails Chair  

--------- Begin forwarded message ----------
From: owner-npca-ppan@lists.npca.org
To: npca-ppan@lists.npca.org
Subject: Pacific Park News #34
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1999 20:36:55 -0500

Point Reyes Needs to Hear from You! 
Comments Due by November 30

     Point Reyes National Seashore was created in 1964 to
protect a spectacular 71,000-acre mosaic landscape of
estuaries, windswept beaches, coastal scrub, coastal
grasslands, salt marshes and majestic coniferous forests. 
The park is a critical sanctuary for native species in the
rapidly growing Bay area, where seven million humans live
within an hour's drive.  The park harbors incredible
diversity: 45% of the bird species in North America have
been recorded at the seashore, as well as nearly 20% of the
flowering plants in California and 23 species of threatened
and endangered plants and animals.  This park is also rich
in cultural resources, chronicling a history of thousands of
years of Native American settlement, and a more recent
history of maritime exploration and dairy ranching.  There
are nearly 100 known native village sites, 300 designated
historic structures and over 80 archeological sites.
     There is now an exciting opportunity for the public to
determine the future of Point Reyes.  The park is asking
anyone interested to let it know what issues and concerns
they need to consider as they plan for the park's next 20
years (see suggestions below).  They will take that
information and use it to develop a management plan.  To
submit comments at this stage, and/or get on the mailing
list for updates on the park's planning issues, contact
ann_nelson@nps.gov or write Point Reyes National Seashore,
Point Reyes Station, CA  94956.  Comments must be received
by November 30, 1999.
     When writing comments, we suggest making the following
points:

*The park is trying to plan the seashore's future in a way
that is responsive to the rapid growth the Bay area's nine-
county region.  As the region's population increases, so
will pressure for increased access and development.  Ask
that the park:
     -Not respond by building new facilities for cars, such
as parking lots and roads.  Instead, park management should
expand the current shuttle system to reduce the need for
cars and enhance access to the park by public
transportation.
     -Maintain the status quo of mountain bike and horse
use, and study impacts to park resources to determine
whether currently permitted levels of such uses are
compatible with park resource protection.
     -Continue to acquire sensitive lands within the park
and on the eastern side of Tomales Bay.

*The seashore's legislation provides protection for ranching
as a cultural resource.  However, with 13 operating ranches,
there are potential conflicts between natural and cultural
resource management.  For example, runoff from ranching has
harmed salmon and steelhead runs and the water quality in
Tomales Bay.  Ask that park management study the impacts of
ranching to the seashore's natural values, including water
quality, flora and fauna.  Use that information to identify
and eliminate agricultural use that undermines protection of
sensitive natural resources.

*Finally, ask that park management craft alternatives that
provides the highest level of protection for the 32,000
acres of park wilderness.

     Thank you for making a difference in Point Reyes
National Seashore's future.  We will keep you posted as the
planning process continues.

--------- End forwarded message ----------

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