The National Park Service is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis. Based on guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, access to the park is as follows: Open: The park islands continue to be accessible for day visits by private boaters. Closed: The mainland and island visitor centers and campgrounds are closed until further notice. The park's transportation concessioner Islands Packers has temporarily cancelled boat service to the islands. Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island is closed to public access during pier construction. Pier construction began in November 2019 and is expected to take up to 14 months. While the listed areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased, and services may be limited. When recreating, please follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, and avoid crowding and high-risk outdoor activities. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health. Public Notices Santa Barbara Island Dock Closed; Landings Restricted to Adjacent Rocky LedgeSanta Barbara Island is open to public access. Landings at the island are restricted to the rocky ledge adjacent to the dock. In order to ensure a safe landing, boaters need to carefully assess the weather conditions, particularly the tide and swell heights, prior to landing in this area. The dock remains closed and is not expected to be repaired in the near future due to the severe nature of damage that occurred with successive storms the past two winters. The island trail system has been stabilized following severe damage from winter storms. Public Closures on Santa Rosa Island
Prevent Introduction of Non-Native Species 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:
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.
Federal Land Passes No Longer Available for Sale As of July 1, 2015, Channel Islands National Park will no longer sell federal lands passes. The federal lands passes, including versions for seniors, active military, and the disabled, cover entrance fees at national parks and other federal lands. There is no fee to enter Channel Islands National Park. All federal land passes can be obtained or purchased at parks that charge an entrance fee. Also, most passes can be purchased either online, by phone or by mail—more information is available at www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm.
Annual passes are also available at most REI locations and on Amazon's website.
Military passes must be obtained in person and are available locally at Los Padres National Forest headquarters in Ojai and Santa Barbara or Angeles National Forest headquarters in Arcadia. It is recommended you call ahead before you purchase your pass at these locations.
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Last updated: December 24, 2020