Channel Islands National Park - Public Notices (U.S. National Park Service)

Please click on the links below for information on public notices. Additional information and other public closures can be found at Laws and Policies.

Prevent Introduction of Non-Native Species

Public Notice April 16, 2007: Public Use Restrictions to Prevent Introduction of Non-native Species and Use of Unauthorized Motorized Vehicles and Bicycles

Affected Areas: All Park Islands

Pursuant to the Authority of the Superintendent under the Code of Federal Regulations Title 36 section 1.5 (a)(1)&(2) and section 2.1(a)(2) the following public use restrictions are imposed on the aforementioned area, to prevent introduction of non-native species and use of unauthorized motorized vehicles and bicycles.

Therefore the following types of items shall not be transported or delivered to any island within Channel Islands National Park:

Pets or any animal
Service animals, except by permit from the superintendent
Live or Potted Plants
Soil
Cut Flowers
Firewood or any untreated, unfinished wood (including hiking sticks)
Corrugated boxes
Tools or equipment with attached soil
Motorized vehicles
Bicycles

Pursuant to CFR title 36 1.5 (c) - Determination - this restriction action is necessitated for the protection of the islands unique values, ecological systems and protection of breeding populations of marine mammals, endangered species of seabirds, eagles, islands foxes and other unique and rare species of flora and fauna inhabiting the Channel Islands National Park. Less restrictive measures would have the potential for introduction of non-native species that could adversely effect many species and/or endanger the islands ecosystems. Additionally the unauthorized vehicle and bicycle use would pose significant safety risks and adversely affect visitor experience and park values.

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Public Closures on Santa Rosa Island

Pier Closure
Due to heavy corrosion from the marine environment and deteriotration from storms and overall use, the Santa Rosa Island pier will be replaced during 2009. Expected completion date is December 2009. During this time landings in Bechers Bay will be via shore boat onto a sandy beach.

For visitors traveling via concessioner boats, landings will still be at Bechers Bay, however, exact location of the beach landing is determined by daily sea conditions. Distance to campground may vary from 1/4 to 1 mile. Items that are going ashore should be packed in a way to protect them from water and sea spray. Dry bags and dry boxes designed for kayaking and other watersports are recommended for packing cameras and other sensitive equipment. For more information on packing for beach landings, please visit Island Packers.

Hunt Management Area Closure
The National Park Service has an agreement in place that permits a commercial deer and elk hunting operations through the year 2011. During the spring and from August through December, hunting takes place throughout most of Santa Rosa Island. Public access is not allowed in the hunt management zone to ensure the safety of visitors.

Hiking is limited to the "PUBLIC ACCESS AREA," which includes the campground, Water Canyon beach, Torrey Pine forest, East Point road from the campground to East Point, and all areas north of East Point road. The Cherry Canyon trail from the Soledad/Main Road trailhead to the campground trailhead is open to unescorted hiking from 8 am to 5pm. After 5pm this area is closed for hunting operations. Access is temporarily restricted throughout the rest of the island.

Santa Rosa Public Closure Map Summer 2009 (PDF, 425 Kb)
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Wildlife Protection Area Closures

Skunk Point to East Point Closure March 1 to September 15
The coastline from and including Skunk Point to just before East Point is closed to landing and hiking from March 1 to September 15 to protect the nesting area for the threatened snowy plover. The coastline around Sandy Point is closed year-round to protect seal rookeries.
Backcountry Beach Camping Postponed Until August 15
Due to the continued presence of elephant seals on the beaches at Santa Rosa Island, the opening of beach camping has been postponed until August 15.

Over the last decade elephant seals and other marine mammal populations have dramatically increased causing the recolonizaton of historic breeding and haul-out sites by these marine mammal species. A significant portion of south facing beaches on Santa Rosa Island have been reclaimed for a large portion of the year.

The park staff is in the process of considering measures to modify the backcounty/beach camping opportunity to reduce potential conflicts with preservation of natural resources and this visitor use.

Providing these animals have for the most part cleared the beaches between South and East Point, beach camping will once again be allowed via permit.

Public Closures on Santa Barbara Island

Public Notice 4-21-09: Santa Barbara Island Campground and Trail Closures Through August 15th

Pursuant to the Authority of the Superintendent under the Code of Federal Regulations Title 36 section 1.5 (a)(1)&(2) and section 2.1(a)(2) the Santa Barbara Island campground and certain trails (see map on page 2) are closed to all public entry through August 15th.

Pursuant to CFR title 36 1.5 (c) - Determination - this temporary closures action is necessitated for the protection of a breeding population of California Brown Pelicans, a species listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The California Brown Pelicans have selected to breed immediately adjacent to the only trail that allows public access to the entire island. Less restrictive access to the closed areas during this time period would have the potential for adverse effect on breeding population of California Brown Pelicans.

Santa Barbara Public Notice and Map Summer 2009 (PDF)
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