POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE

CALIFORNIA

One of America’s greatest coastlines, Point Reyes National Seashore encompasses more than 71,000 acres. Estuaries, windswept beaches, coastal grasslands, salt marshes, and coniferous forests create a haven of 80 miles of unspoiled and undeveloped coastline.

The National Seashore, established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, is located just an hour’s drive from San Francisco. Eight million people populate the San Francisco Bay Area, and the Seashore records more than 2.5 million visits annually. Abundant recreational opportunities include hiking trails, backcountry camping, and enjoyment of numerous beaches.

DID YOU KNOW

• Forty-five percent (490) of the avian species in North America have been seen here; eighteen percent (over 900) of the flowering plant species in California are found here; Point Reyes is also home to more than 65 species of mammals, 28 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 32 Federally listed threatened and endangered species.
• Point Reyes National Seashore has 147 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, 32,000 acres of designated wilderness, and over 80 miles of coastline.
• For more than 5,000 years, a rich human history has thrived at Point Reyes beginning with its first inhabitants, the Coast Miwok Indians. Over 120 known archeological sites exist in the Seashore and the museum collection is home to 498,000 artifacts and archives. The Lighthouse built in 1870 and the Lifeboat Station preserve a part of the Seashore’s colorful maritime history.
• Because of the great avian diversity, American Bird Conservancy named Point Reyes National Seashore as one of the 100 Globally Important Bird Areas.
• Population Action International describes Point Reyes as one of the 25 most biologically diverse but threatened areas in the world.

DON'T MISS ATTRACTIONS

• Hike the Tomales Point Trail and see herds of native tule elk roaming the peninsula. The trail also provides spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Tomales Bay.
• Visit the Point Reyes Lighthouse to view the 130-year old structure. During the migration of the Pacific gray whale (January - April) this promontory provides a spectacular viewing platform.
• View the northern elephant seal colony near Chimney Rock from November through April and see breeding and pupping behavior of this rare marine mammal. There are more than 1,600 animals in the colony at its peak.
• Hike along the San Andreas Fault Zone while on the Earthquake Trail and learn about the fascinating geologic processes that continue to define the landscape and influence our lives.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE PRIORITIES

An update to the General Management Plan (GMP) is currently under development for Point Reyes National Seashore. When complete, the plan will provide a vision for the park's future and will guide resource protection and management for the next 15 to 20 years. Hundreds of individuals, along with organized groups and state and local agencies, have already participated in the plan's development by attending meetings or submitting written comments. Additional public participation will be invited in 2005, when the draft GMP/EIS is slated for release to the public.

The Seashore staff partnered with the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary for renovation of the Bear Valley Visitor Center exhibits. Design and fabrication of exhibits totaled $150,000. The Seashore has rated 100% visitor satisfaction for the last two years based on the NPS Visitor Survey cards.

Point Reyes National Seashore completed a $1.4-million rehabilitation project to preserve the historic Point Reyes Light Station. The Point Reyes Light Station was constructed in 1870 but was retired from service in 1975, when the U.S. Coast Guard transferred ownership to the National Park Service. The site is a national treasure and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Ongoing efforts coupled with new ideas from a Greening Charrette will assist Point Reyes National Seashore in becoming an environmental leader for the National Park Service as well as the local community. Continued collaborative efforts between the park and the community will be further enhanced through this effort and will educate and motivate park staff, visitors, and the community to preserve their environment through personal commitment. Recent greening efforts include five photovoltaic solar systems, installation of a propane fueling station, receipt of two hybrid vehicles and five electric vehicles, and an educational poster on sustainable efforts throughout the community.

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LINKS:

Point Reyes National Seashore»

Partnering & Managing for Excellence Report»

Previously Featured Parks»