Why does CA State Parks Want to Ban Diving???!!

[Noyo Jim]

As many of you may have heard, the California Department of State Parks and Recreation wrote a letter in support of "alternative 4" for the MLPA, including support for a marine reserve at Salt Point State Park that would close much of the park to all fishing and diving. Alternative 4 is the creation of the NRDC and other environmental groups.

Like the DFG, the Department of Parks & Rec is controlled by a Commission that sets policy guidance.

If the Dept. of State Parks & Rec is set on supporting marine reserves at many of the state-owned campgrounds on our coast, we are in deep doo-doo, especially in the northern region.

The State Parks & Recreation Commission meets on May 16th in Fort Bragg, 9:30 am, at the Town Hall on Main Street. This is our next opportunity to weigh in with decision makers and try to get the Parks Commission to give guidance to their own Department about this important shore angling and abalone dive site. We need to grill them about their policy on the MLPA and boycott their parks and foundation events if they are against fishing.

The agenda and details for the State Parks & Rec Commission can be found here:

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25054


If you can make it to the Parks Commission meeting in Fort Bragg on May 16th, at 9:30 am, give me a call at 707-357-3422 or email me at flatland@mcn.org.

Public comments can be made to: Louis Nastro, LNastro@parks.ca.gov, 916/653-0524, or to State Park and Recreation Commission, Box 942896, Sacramento, CA 94296-0001

We will be asking for time on a future Commission meeting agenda for a public discussion of State Parks & Recs policy on the MLPA. We will be asking them to reconsider the support Parks has given to closing much of Salt Point State Park. Given the financial difficulties of the state parks system, and the dependence of state parks on fishermen and divers, it's hard to understand why they want to kill the goose that lays the Golden Egg...

After the meeting, the North Coast Fishing Association will be hosting a free BBQ at at 5pm at the Telstar Charters dock in Noyo Harbor. The NCFA is a local RFA affiliate club active on wave energy projects and working on the MLPA process. RSVP 707-357-3422

[Kale]

Thanks for the info Jim. I can't make the meeting, but I sent an email.

[bigeyedave]

What is amazing to me is that on the DFG Salt Point Ocean Conditions Website the Park Service suggests diving in the exact area they are closing, and not diving in the south area of Fisk Mill Cove they are leaving open because it is dangerous. What is wrong with this picture. Please see the info below.


Welcome to the Salt Point State Park Ocean Conditions website. Current conditions at Salt Point are posted daily, usually by 9am, during abalone season (April through November, except July). The rest of the year postings may be intermittent due to lack of staff. Check the Date and Time of Report box to make sure conditions are current. Water visibility is taken at Gerstle Cove and the surf size reported is the largest surf you can expect to find in the park . Conditions are different at every dive spot and can change rapidly so there are no guarantees that what is reported is what you will find when you get here. The website is bare bones right now but will be improved with time. While in the park if you have any questions about the conditions or dive spots ask any of the lifeguards or rangers.

Abalone diving is a much more hazardous sport than most people realize. Many divers have drowned over the years, both novices and experienced divers, and the one thing they all had in common was that they did not ever think it would happen to them. The ocean can be mean and unforgiving, so be prudent when picking a dive spot. Watch the ocean for at least 10-15 minutes before getting suited up as sets of waves much larger than average can be arriving with long intervals of calm in between. Expect the conditions to be rougher in the water than how they look from high up on the bluffs. And ALWAYS remember that the first thing you should do if you think you might be getting in trouble is get rid of your weightbelt. On the majority of drownings and rescues the divers still had their weightbelt on simply because they forgot it was there.



Current Date :
Date & Time of Report : MAY 6, 2008 0900
Current Wind : Calm
Forecast Wind : NW 30 knots by this afternoon.
Pt. Arena Buoy : 8 feet @ 6 second interval
Bodega Bay Buoy : 8 feet@ 9 second interval
Current Surf : 3-4 feet
Surf forecast : increasing
Water Visibility : 4-5 feet
Low Tide : 6:46 am, -1.8 feet
Hi Tide : 2:02 pm, 4.7 feet
Low Tide : 6:29 pm, 2.4 feet
Hi Tide :
Comments : Fog this morning and light winds. National weather service hs issued a gale warning. Winds are expected to pick up when the fog clears and strong NW winds with assosiated wind swell are forecast for the rest of the week. Must be springtime. Winds are calmest in the morning and pick up as the land warms up so the calmest conditions will be found early in the day.

Always remember ocean conditions can change rapidly. Divers along the rugged Sonoma coast should study the ocean carefully before entering the water and always be aware of forecasted conditions. Make an emergency action plan in case something goes wrong during your dive. Know how to contact emergency services as cell phones do not work along most of the coast.

The most protected coves from the NW winds and waves are Fort Ross Cove at mile 33.00 and Timber Cove at mile 35.39. The north end of Fisk Mill Cove at mile 43.20 is also fairly protected unless the swell gets over 10'. Note : The parking lot signed "FIsk Mill Cove" at mile 42.63 is NOT the actual Fisk Mill Cove and is a much rougher area for diving. Many water rescues have occured in this area due to rip currents and surf.

Check out the new abalone regulations on the F&G website linked below.

If you have comments, good or bad, about the new abalone regulations the Fish and Game Commission would like to hear them. They are the entity responsible for making F&G laws and can be e-mailed at fgc@fgc.ca.gov



Current Buoy Conditions
NWS Ocean Forecast (most accurate for this coastline)
Tides (subtract 30 minutes for low tide, 50 minutes for high tide)
Fish & Game Regulations

[Kyle Parker]

I sent them an emial it sucks they keep closing more things down.

[bigeyedave]

Here is my letter.

To whom it may concern,
I would just like to object to the proposed closure of the northern portion of Salt Point State Park to consumtive use. I am a Santa Rosa resident and life long abalone diver and spearfisherman. The Stewarts Point SMR is in direct opposition to the recommendations on the Salt Point State Park Ocean Conditions web page which states:


Welcome to the Salt Point State Park Ocean Conditions website. Current conditions at Salt Point are posted daily, usually by 9am, during abalone season (April through November, except July). The rest of the year postings may be intermittent due to lack of staff. Check the Date and Time of Report box to make sure conditions are current. Water visibility is taken at Gerstle Cove and the surf size reported is the largest surf you can expect to find in the park . Conditions are different at every dive spot and can change rapidly so there are no guarantees that what is reported is what you will find when you get here. The website is bare bones right now but will be improved with time. While in the park if you have any questions about the conditions or dive spots ask any of the lifeguards or rangers.
Abalone diving is a much more hazardous sport than most people realize. Many divers have drowned over the years, both novices and experienced divers, and the one thing they all had in common was that they did not ever think it would happen to them. The ocean can be mean and unforgiving, so be prudent when picking a dive spot. Watch the ocean for at least 10-15 minutes before getting suited up as sets of waves much larger than average can be arriving with long intervals of calm in between. Expect the conditions to be rougher in the water than how they look from high up on the bluffs. And ALWAYS remember that the first thing you should do if you think you might be getting in trouble is get rid of your weightbelt. On the majority of drownings and rescues the divers still had their weightbelt on simply because they forgot it was there.
 
Always remember ocean conditions can change rapidly. Divers along the rugged Sonoma coast should study the ocean carefully before entering the water and always be aware of forecasted conditions. Make an emergency action plan in case something goes wrong during your dive. Know how to contact emergency services as cell phones do not work along most of the coast.
The most protected coves from the NW winds and waves are Fort Ross Cove at mile 33.00 and Timber Cove at mile 35.39. The north end of Fisk Mill Cove at mile 43.20 is also fairly protected unless the swell gets over 10'. Note : The parking lot signed "FIsk Mill Cove" at mile 42.63 is NOT the actual Fisk Mill Cove and is a much rougher area for diving. Many water rescues have occured in this area due to rip currents and surf.
Check out the new abalone regulations on the F&G website linked below.
If you have comments, good or bad, about the new abalone regulations the Fish and Game Commission would like to hear them. They are the entity responsible for making F&G laws and can be e-mailed at fgc@fgc.ca.gov
 
One further point of concern is a boundry that splits a cove, as in the"Integrated Pref. Atlernative" is very difficult to enforce and may lead to many unnecessary infractions due to weather and water conditions and will absolutely lead to more injuries and possibly deaths due to the dangerous nature of Southern Fisk Mill Cove vs. the Northern protected section. Please consider 2-XA as the proposal of choice.
Thank You,
David Sereni
Santa Rosa



NOTICE TO RECIPIENT: If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are prohibited from sharing, copying, or otherwise using or disclosing its contents. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and permanently delete this e-mail and any attachments without reading, forwarding or saving them. Thank you.

[Noyo Jim]

Great letters, gang. Keep 'em coming.

Free chicken BBQ after the meeting - can't beat that with a stick.

[Fis_Hunter]

Here is what I sent

Dear Louis Nastro


I have been diving for abalone fishing and spear fishing along the California coast since I was a child I have been a frequent user of the state parks system. I am now married and have children of my own who are just starting to be old enough to fish and dive for abalone as my family has done for generations. We utilize the state parks system many times each year. The shore fishing access along the California coast is very limited as with the implementation of the MLPA process large portions of the coast to spear fishing, fishing and diving for abalone. This will place greater pressure on the remaining access points some of which are less then safe for shore fishing and access. If the State parks close to spear fishing fishing and abalone diving this will place even more pressure on the limited number of remaining access points.

"The mission of the California Department of Parks and Recreation is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation."

By closing State Parks to spear fishing abalone diving and fishing The California Department of Parks and Recreation will be violating their mission statement by placing extreme stress from excessive fishing pressure on very limited areas which could cause unnecessary damage to the extraordinary diversity it is attempting to protect. In addition to damaging the environment the California department of parks and recreation will be limiting or eliminating the opportunities of thousands of Californians to have high-quality outdoor recreation experiences.

By closing state parks to Spear fishing, fishing and abalone diving The California Department of Parks and Recreation will be cutting off a large portion of their annual revenue which they can little afford to do. Many of the visitors to the state parks system come for the fishing and diving. The campgrounds are often filled during abalone season. Closure of the state parks to diving and fishing would have a large financial impact on the struggling state parks system. This does not take into account the loss of revenue which will be suffered by the towns and businesses in the local area.

While it at first sounds like a good idea to protect the environment by closing large areas of the state to fishing it will have the exact opposite affect. Please follow your mission statement "by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation." by studding the issue carefully and voting against the closure of State parks to Spear fishing, Fishing and Abalone Diving.

Sincerely

Myrel C. Willeford

[Noyo Jim]

The State Parks & Recreation Commission has changed the agenda for Friday May 16th.. instead of taking open public comment first thing in the morning as originally planned, they have moved the agenda to take comment at the end of the meeting.

I have a call in with Commission staff, to find out roughly when open public comment will happen. I put out the word that it would be taken at 9:30 am because that was what the old agenda said. Now it could be later in the day.

EDIT: just talked to staff, the meeting will be over by noon. Open public comment will be late morning.

Here is the updated agenda for the meeting

Agenda of the 5-16-08 Meeting


Revised Agenda of the Meeting

Immediate Past Chair Caryl Hart will call the meeting to order and preside over the election of Commission Chair and Vice Chair
1. Approval of minutes of the February 29th, 2008 meeting in Chatsworth
2. Chair’s Report
A. Proclamation recognizing Anza-Borrego Desert State Park as “sister park” to the Ikh Nartiin Chuluu Nature Reserve in Mongolia
B. Discussion & possible action to address vacancies on Commission committees
3. Approval of Special Redwood Groves - Save-the-Redwoods League & Sempervirens Fund
4. Director’s Report
5. Public Hearing
A. Consideration and action on the Department’s recommendation to classify and name the Point Cabrillo Light Station property as Point Cabrillo State Historic Park
6. Open Public Comment (on subjects other than the above agenda items)

7. Adjourn

[mcnavas]

Here's the reply I got from my letter sent 5/6/08:

Mr. Navas,

Louis Nastro asked that I respond to your e-mail regarding Salt Point and Fort Ross. I’ll try to address your concerns.

California State Parks has a long history in planning and establishing underwater parks and reserves offshore of coastal State Park units, beginning with the creation of Point Lobos Marine Reserve in 1960. In 1970, State Parks established underwater parks at both Salt Point State Park and Fort Ross State Historic Park. The purpose was to provide special recognition and protection to the rich marine environments, cultural values, and to provide opportunities for a variety of recreational uses, including fishing, skin and SCUBA diving, kayaking, photography, and other uses.

In 1999, the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) called for reexamination and redesign of California’s system of special marine protected areas, including those established earlier by State Parks. Marine reserves are considered an essential element of the California’s MLPA program because of their ability to rebuild depleted fisheries, provide sanctuary for fish and other marine life, conserve biological diversity, and enhance recreational and educational opportunities. The act requires the California Department of Fish and Game to prepare, and the Fish and Game Commission to adopt, a master plan to guide and implement this new network of marine protected areas. The draft master plan for the North Central Coast Study Region (Point Arena to Año Nuevo) is currently under consideration. Last year a 50-person stakeholder group was formed to evaluate the marine resources in this study region and to create proposals for marine protected areas. The stakeholders included a broad cross-section of people with special interest and knowledge of marine resources and their use, including representatives from recreational and commercial fishing organizations, marine conservation groups, State Parks, and individuals from coastal communities. Last month the stakeholders submitted three sets of proposals to a Blue Ribbon Task Force appointed by the head of the Resources Agency.

One of the proposals includes a recommendation for both a marine reserve and marine park offshore of Salt Point State Park. This proposal was supported by State Parks to help assure the long-term protection of marine resource values in the Salt Point area for the enjoyment and inspiration of present and future generations. The marine reserve would provide full protection to all living marine life, while maintaining non-consumptive uses by the public. At Salt Point State Park, the proposed reserve would include the area between Horseshoe Cove and the northern portion of Fisk Mill Cove. Immediately to the south, a proposed marine park would include much of the same area as the original underwater park established in 1970. No change in marine protection or fishing regulation is proposed offshore of Fort Ross State Historic Park.

Under this proposal, 80 percent of the combined shoreline of Salt Point State Park and Fort Ross State Historic Park would remain open to recreational fishing, including abalone, and the entire area would remain open to non-consumptive recreational activities such as skin and SCUBA diving, kayaking and underwater photography. Commercial fishing would be allowed offshore of Fort Ross State Historic Park, but not along Salt Point State Park.

Having both a marine reserve and a marine park offshore of Salt Point will help ensure that fish and other marine life populations are restored and remain healthy. Healthy, productive populations in the reserve are expected to benefit recreational fishing elsewhere through dispersal of larvae and mature individuals. The proposal provides a balance between recreational consumptive use and resource stewardship while at the same time enhancing non-consumptive recreational and educational opportunities.

Last month the Blue Ribbon Task Force evaluated the three sets of proposals submitted by the stakeholder group and created a fourth, their preferred proposal, which also includes a marine reserve and marine park at Salt Point. The Task Force is expected to submit the four proposals to the Fish and Game Commission for their consideration within a month or two.

To learn more about the California’s MLPA planning effort you can go to the MLPA web page at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa. You will find information on why the MLPA was enacted, what has been done to date, where the proposals for the North Central Study Region will go next, and how you can become involved in the review and public comment process.

I apologize for my long response, but I didn’t know just how much you knew about the MLPA, the decision-making process, and the timelines.

Dave Schaub
Natural Resource Program Manager
Natural Resources Division
California State Parks
(916) 653-9374
1416 9th Street, Sacramento,
dscha@parks.ca.gov



Mr. Nastro,
Based on the information learned about your upcoming meeting, I'd like to be heard on this issue. Facts at: http://spearboard.com/showthread.php?t=62622

I writing you to voice my opposition to your May 16th meeting regarding MPLA's and closing fishing and diving in our states parks system.
I've been diving the north coast and spearfishing there since 1988 and feel that closing ANY PUBLIC ACCESS to divers and fisherman is taking our parks system and state a step backwards. Park fee revenues will drop, local business will suffer and fisherman from all over the state will not be able to experience the joys of our state parks in California if they are closed to diving and fishing.

I am 100% opposed to any further public fishing or diving access closures and any additional MPLA's in California and would like my voice and vote heard at your May 16th meeting via this email.

Best regards,

Mark Navas
L.A. Fathomiers Underwater Hunting Club-Recorder
Pacific Explorers Dive Club-Member

[Noyo Jim]

Here's the letter I submitted to the Parks Commission meeting yesterday:

Louis Nastro, Executive Director
California State Park and Recreation Commission
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento CA 94296

RE: Request for agenda time for a future meeting to discuss the Marine Life Protection Act and the roles of the State Parks Commission and Department.

Dear Mr. Nastro,

The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) is a national 501(c)(4) non-profit grassroots political action organization whose mission is to safeguard the rights of salt water anglers, protect marine, boat, and tackle industry jobs, and insure the long-term sustainability of our nation’s marine fisheries.

The Marine Life Protection Act was passed in 1999 and mandated the design of an integrated network of marine protected areas in the coastal and estuarine waters of the state. The Act granted the State Parks and Recreation Commission authority to approve, with the Fish and Game Commission, regulations for recreational fishing in proposed State Marine Parks.

Recent discussions have led us to believe there is a lot of confusion about the roles of the Department of Parks and Recreation and this Commission with respect to the implementation of the MLPA. The Department has played an odd role in the current regional phase of the MLPA process: as a regional stakeholder, as a statewide regulatory agency and as an enforcement branch of the government.

In reference to the April 10, 2008 letter to the MLPA Blue Ribbon Task Force, Deputy Director of Operations Theodore Jackson submitted recommendations that are unfavorable to our members and recreational anglers and divers who visit the state parks system.

Mr. Jackson's letter mentions his department's "major role in protecting California's extraordinary marine environments" and its mission to "provide for appropriate recreational opportunities" (emphasis added). As members of the public we are here to ask what these appropriate activities might be with respect to the implementation of the MLPA. We are confused by Mr. Jackson's reference to "our background and responsibility in marine management" because we have never been given the opportunity to provide input on this, nor knew anything about it. The Fish & Game Commission regulates marine area management under state law.

The Department proposed a large marine reserve blocking fishing and diving access to a large part of the Salt Point State Park. Our members have expressed a keen interest in maintaining this public access. State Parks has ignored the Department of Fish and Game's "Feasibility Analysis" when they endorsed Alternative 4 in the north-central coastal region of the MLPA.

We are concerned that rather than "cooperating" as stakeholders in the MLPA process, the Department has sidestepped the regional stakeholder group and pronounced that certain marine reserves be designed solely with State Parks' interests in mind, rather than a region-wide, ecosystem approach. These recommendations were delivered at the end of the regional stakeholder meeting process rather than at the beginning, and there is a strong sense among our fishing representatives on that panel that the Department of Parks and Recreation negotiated in bad faith.

We formally request that time be made on the agenda of a future Commission meeting to have a briefing and public discussion of the Department's MLPA policies, plans and the role of the Commission in the MLPA process. Every angler and diver will be directly affected by these decisions. As the phased implementation of the MLPA throughout other regions proceeds, the public needs to understand the role of this Commission and the Department of Parks and Recreation up front.

California's recreational anglers and divers have been strong supporters of the State Parks System and many of us depend on parks for our public access to marine resources. We hope we will not be sidelined as spectators of the Department's actions, but partners in preserving California's natural heritage.


Sincerely,



Jim Martin
West Coast Regional Director
The Recreational Fishing Alliance



Cc: Ruth Coleman, Director of State Parks and Recreation
Cc: Donald Koch, Director of Fish & Game
Cc: Richard Rogers, President of the Fish & Game Commission

[Kale]

Nice letter Jim, thanks for putting the time in. I was surprised to actually get a response after sending my letter. It didn't say much but I took it as a good sign that someone is reading them and willing to have dialouge.
Thanks again for all your work and for keeping lazy guys like myself informed.
Send those letters guys!!!

[grant]

They want to shut down fishing becuase they are a bunch of tree hugging _ _ _ _ _. Nough said,

[Noyo Jim]

Special Meeting via Teleconference - 6-12-09
PUBLIC NOTICE and AGENDA – SPECIAL MEETING
CALIFORNIA STATE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the State Park and Recreation Commission, pursuant to authority contained in Sections 530, 539, 540, et al of the Public Resources Code, Section 11120 et seq. in general and specifically Section 11123 of the Government Code, and pursuant to law, will conduct a teleconference meeting on Friday, June 12, 2009 beginning at 10:00 a.m. The teleconference location will be the California State Parks Russian River District Office, 25381 Steelhead Boulevard, Duncans Mills, California 95430. The meeting facility is wheelchair accessible.

NOTICE IS GIVEN that this meeting will be a special meeting to discuss legislation as permitted by Government Code section 11125.4(a)(2). The meeting will include a closed session to discuss pending litigation as permitted by Government Code Section 11126(e)(1) & Section 11126(e)(2)(C)(i).

NOTICE IS GIVEN that this meeting will be conducted via teleconference as permitted by Government Code Section 11123. Participants and members of the Commission will also be attending from the following teleconference locations:

Resources Building, State of California
1416 9th Street, 14th Floor Redwood Training Room
Sacramento, California 95814

Ken Edwards Center
1527 Fourth Street
Santa Monica, California 90401

California State Parks Foundation
50 Francisco Street, Suite 110
San Francisco, California 94133

John Kautz Farms
5490 East Bear Creek Road
Lodi, California 95240

Crystal Cove State Park Office (in the Los Trancos parking lot across from the historic district)
6902 East Coast Highway
Newport Coast, California 92657

Agenda items will include a discussion of the proposed state budget, as well as discussion of possible actions to be taken by the Commission in response to the budget proposals.

NOTICE IS GIVEN that any person may file a statement by writing to the address above or by presenting oral or written statements at any teleconference location at 10:30 a.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. Inquiries or requests for information should be directed to Louis Nastro, LNastro@parks.ca.gov, 916/653-0524. The State Park and Recreation Commission does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities.

AGENDA

1. Update on the state budget proposal currently being considered by the legislature. Possible impacts of the proposed budget will be addressed by Director Ruth Coleman and Department of Parks and Recreation staff, as well as California State Parks partner organizations.

Ask them why they are supporting closing off diver access at the Salt Point State Park!

2. Commission discussion of the budget proposals and possible impacts. Determination of the Commission’s role in addressing consequences of the proposed budget, identification of strategies and possible actions to be taken by the Commission.

Ask the staff why State Parks has gone and pissed off divers!

3. Public comment.
4. Closed Session* to discuss pending litigation as permitted by Government Code Section 11126(e)(1) & (e)(2)(C)(i). Pending Litigation: Budget Proposals. Conference with legal counsel to confer with and receive advice regarding pending litigation when discussion in open session would prejudice the position of the Commission.
5. Public account of reportable items, if any, from closed session.

Notice of meetings of the State Park and Recreation Commission and copies of this agenda
are available on the Internet at www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=936

*Please note that each teleconference location will be cleared during the closed session. At the conclusion of the closed session the Commission will reconvene in open session to provide an account of any reportable events as required. Those who are interested may re-enter at that time.