The following is a press release issued by the Redwood Coast Land Conservancy:
For those who are looking for a new place to hike, bird-watch, gaze at the sunset, see the changing seasons or just be one with nature in this beautiful piece of paradise we are privileged to call home, there is good news: Redwood Coast Land Conservancy has been hard at work with several exciting projects brewing, which will satisfy the seeker and wanderer in everyone.
The Redwood Coast Land Conservancy is excited to announce the unveiling of the Conservation Plan for Mill Bend Preserve, prepared by the environmental science and design consultant Prunuske Chatham, Inc with funding provided by the Calif. State Coastal Conservancy. The 113-acre Preserve straddles the lower Gualala River and estuary and extends into the hillside redwood forest at the gateway to Gualala, Mendocino, and Sonoma counties. The Conservation Plan describes the natural and cultural resources of the property and the practical framework for resource restoration and preservation, and appropriate public access to this unique place on the California coast.
The new Conservation Plan provides thorough and thoughtful guidance for long-term stewardship of the Preserve, including ways to protect sensitive species and improve their habitats, prevent the spread of pathogens and invasive species, facilitate climate change resilience, and manage wildfire hazards.
Public access improvements include approximately two miles of new trails, boardwalks across wetland and riparian areas, accessible restrooms, vehicle and bicycle parking plus picnic and viewing areas. The plan shows how the California Coastal Trail can be extended through the Preserve, from the existing Gualala Bluff Trail to the estuary and county line. Public access will also include extensive interpretive signs and other media to share the wealth of natural and cultural histories, restoration and conservation science, and community action at the Preserve.
“We are thankful to the many individuals and organizations that have contributed to the formation of this plan” says John Walton, President of Redwood Coast Land Conservancy.
The Redwood Coast Land Conservancy invites everyone and especially the local community to learn about the exciting future of Mill Bend Preserve. Stop by the interactive open house on September 17th, 2022 at the Gualala Arts Center. The event offers the choice of attending presentations at 1:15pm or 2:15pm plus plenty of time to talk with members of the planning team, view maps and exhibits and enjoy the beautiful Arts Center gardens. A guided walking tour of the restored River Rail Trail will be offered at the end of the open house.
“We are eager to share the Conservation Plan with the community and look forward to implementing the plan with you” says Dave Shpak, Mill Bend Conservation Project Manager.”
Please contact Redwood Coast Land Conservancy for any questions about the community open house https://www.rclc.org.
Now Matt these are the kind of groups that need supporting, not the article/ad you did on that Earth First Crew.
Good article on an important group above. Glad to see Public access will also include extensive interpretive signs and other media to share the wealth of natural and cultural histories, restoration and conservation science, and community action at the Preserve. If the public is not allowed access then they will not care so right move there!
If you like wildlife support them.