October 25, 2007

The Bear Valley Visitor Center was notified today, October 25 that the Estero Road and trail has been reopened along with Mount Vision Road. These areas may close again for a few days later in the year to complete work.

Note: Mount Vision Road does close in extreme fire danger so if the warm weather continues check at the Visitor center (415) 464-5100 x2 x1.

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October 23, 2007

The full moon rises Thursday, October 25 at 9:52 pm with some minus tides but the only one before dark in on Thursday; a -0.7 at 5:06 pm. This moon is typically referred to as the Hunters Moon as it is the full moon closest to last months Harvest Moon; it is said to give hunters a little extra light to get in that last animal before the winter. The park is allowing the temporary opening of Mt. Vision Road for the annual 'Piper On the Ridge' event this Saturday, October 27; it will remain closed the following week.

A group of freshwater or river otters have been regularly seen at Abbots Lagoon - they have a browner head than sea otters which appear much lighter grey in color. River otters have been expanding territory throughout Tomales Bay, the population is thought to have expanded out of Estero Americano and are now seen in the bay from Inverness, up Lagunitas/Papermill Creek towards Platform Bridge road. They do live in brackish water not necessarily completely fresh water.

The bay nuts are ripe; their lemon yellow coverings are now a deep purple-brown and they are dropping all over Kule Loklo and the Earthquake Trail. Peel off the purple coating and find the hard shelled nut inside.

High Fire Danger had been declared from Today through Friday, October 26th based on current weather information - due to high temperatures and expected winds; No fire permits will be issued. There is a small possibility the park will conduct a prescribed fire on Thursday off Limantour Road near the hostel if weather changes.

A dead 40 foot humpback whale is washed up on North Wildcat Beach; no plans to remove it, scavengers from sharks to vultures are on it. The young female, about 4 years old appears to have died from a collision with a ship.

Rainfall was 1" at Bear Valley with a 2" year to date; an auspicious beginning!

Continued closures are Mount Vision Road, Muddy Hollow, and Estero Road and Trail - new estimates for reopening are now November 3rd but we will keep you posted.

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October 9, 2007

The new moon rises this week on October 10th ushering in the beginning of the Orionid meteor shower period which peaks on Sunday, October 21st. They originate in the constellation called Orion the Hunter and called kolako among Nicasio Coast Miwok and maienko among Bodega Miwok, a female entity. It is seen to the south, southwest of Point Reyes. A good viewing year is predicted especially for early morning risers on Saturday, Sunday, Monday.

Flashes of fall color include flocks of red winged blackbirds at Bear Valley Visitor Center and long sprays of crimson madrone berries along Limantour Road. Coast live oak acorns have started to brown up and drop along with the tanbark oaks.

Sea floor mapping research begins this week along Tomales Point waters and in Drakes Bay. Researchers are continuing exploration for Cermeno's 16th century wreck of the San Augustin.

Permits have been issued for October 13th for a ceramic pit firing on North Beach and a memorial service on Tomales Point; no parking congestion is expected.

Ongoing Closures: Estero Road and Trail from Sir Francis Drake Highway; Mount Vision Road; Olema Marsh Trail; East side Levee Trail of Giacomini Wetlands. Closures include weekend days - the excavations for fish passages, frog ponds, etc. leave unsafe conditions.

Mark your calendars for the Seashore Association Open House on October 20 at Park Headquarters, Bldg. 70 celebrating the Giacomini Wetlands Restoration, after five years of studying and planning, 15 public meetings the work has begun! Over 90% of the deconstructed pole barn has been recycled piece by piece. Van tours of the site will be ongoing and refreshments will be served. The open house is 1:30 to 5:00 pm and reservations are requested at (415) 663-1155.

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October 5, 2007

Please join us on Thursday, October 11 at Noon in the Red Barn Classroom for this Fall's first lunch seminar. The talk is free and all are welcome.

Date: Thursday, October 11, 12:00 - 12:45
Topic: Studying and Teaching About Birds in Pt. Reyes and Mexico
Speaker: Adrian Gutierrez Perez, Park Flight intern, PRBO Education and Outreach Program

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October 5, 2007

Forwarded to Park Wavelengths subscribers as soon as it was received; we sincerely regret any inconvenience...

Dear Folks:

Well, you can try to plan as best you can, and then the contractor notes new safety issues-- despite emphasizing that you need 10 days notice to get the word out!

As of now, the Olema Marsh trail and parking area are closed through November 30, 2007.

The Levee Trail on the east side of Giacomini Marsh has already been closed and will be closed through November 30, 2007 due to concerns about public safety in an active construction zone.

If this could be posted on the construction website, I would greatly appreciate it.

Lorraine Parsons
Wetlands Ecologist
Giacomini Wetlands Restoration Project Manager
Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

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October 2, 2007

Forwarded to Park Wavelengths subscribers...It was just received at the park visitor center and we regret the short notice

Dear John:

The Olema Marsh trail and parking lot will be closed temporarily starting tomorrow. I am hoping that Chris can post this on the construction website.

Also, we anticipate that the levee trail in the Giacomini Ranch East Pasture will be closed temporarily starting as early as October 17th and possibly as late as the 19th. If you could post that to the website, as well, I would appreciate it. Also, let me know how to handle for Visitor Center.

Thanks,

Lorraine Parsons
Wetlands Ecologist
Giacomini Wetlands Restoration Project Manager
Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

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