Tag Archives: Independent Coast Observer

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Imagine by Jeanne Jackson and Peter Baye

Imagine. As Dr. Edmunds, owner of Gualala Redwoods Inc., contemplates the offers on his vast holdings of land, we imagine what the Mendonoma Coast could be like if he chooses the bid submitted by The Conservation Fund on behalf of the eight members of the Conservation Coalition.

We envision Gualala Point Regional Park extended up river to include the floodplain reaches of the Gualala River currently owned by GRI. Like Big River, the haul roads would make outstanding public trails for easy hiking and bike access, and spur trails to the river would extend access to dozens of natural gravel bars and swimming holes. The whole riparian forest could be allowed to grow and mature, eventually to majestic old-growth structure. The river views will amaze visitors, along with the spectacular groves of mature redwood and bay trees.

Gualala River in February by Harmony Susalla

Fishing, currently catch and release, for Steelhead can be excellent in the lower river reaches when flooded deep in winter and spring. Imagine easy access to these prized spots.

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If Dr. Edmunds chooses the Conservation Coalition bid, river beaches will be in the public domain. Many gravel bars traditionally used by locals, such as Switchville and the Hot Spot, will be available for water play and swimming for ourselves, and our dogs too.

Children in the Gualala River by Mary Sue Ittner

The GRI lands are a bird paradise. There are regular residents, like many species of herons, great egrets, common mergansers, sandpipers, and so very much more. Last year two bald eagles were seen flying over the Gualala River. Imagine if they nested in these lands.

Adult Bald Eagle at the Gualala River by Richard Kuehn

Imagine being able to hike in the GRI lands. You could have a wildlife sighting that will last a lifetime. A black bear might amble through, or you might see an elusive mountain lion. Closer to the river it’s possible to spot one of our native snakes, frogs, turtles, or river otters.

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In this redwood forest of the lower river floodplain, there are sedge marshes that help replenish and purify groundwater, and provide steelhead with rich food supplies.  There are native forest wildflowers, including trilliums, calypso orchids, rein-orchids, wild ginger, and rare wetland plants such as the fringed corn lily. Traditional Pomo medicinal and food plants grow at forest edges and openings.

Fringed Corn Lily Blossom with Karen and Nan by Jeanne Jackson (Medium)

If the Conservation Coalition wins the bid, the land will be able to heal and recover from past forestry practices and gravel mining by shifting to a more sustainable, lower intensity harvesting and extraction.

Rob Elder at the McCabe Tree by Jacquelynn Baas (Medium)

We would rejoice at the chance to protect our water resources, both for The Sea Ranch and Gualala. In keeping land use low in these lands, there will be less demand for groundwater, and stream diversions. The groundwater recharge areas would be protected, and the wetlands would do their job of purifying waters.

The full Gualala River by Jeanne Jackson (Medium)

We embrace a visitor-based nature economy. Showcasing the natural beauty of our environment is the best way of ensuring its protection. The acquisition of these lands would further enhance our experiences with the natural world around us.

Imagine.

Photos: The Gualala River in February by Harmony Susalla, Catch and release fishing for Steelhead by Bill Mathews, Children playing in the Gualala River by Mary Sue Ittner, Bald Eagle in the Gualala River by Richard Kuehn,  Western Pond Turtle by Peter Baye, Fringed Corn Lily by Jeanne Jackson, Rob Elder at the McCabe Tree by Jackie Baas, The full Gualala River by Jeanne Jackson.

This was published in the Independent Coast Observer 3/5/15, but without the photos. I so hope Dr. Edmunds will choose the Conservation Fund, thus leaving a lasting, wonderful legacy on the Mendonoma Coast.

In all the years I've been doing my Mendonoma Sightings nature column in the Independent Coast Observer, I have never received a photo of a Bobcat kitten...until now! Mark Simkins and Kitty Wolfe had two Bobcat kittens visit their Manchester property recently.

Bobcat kitten exploring by Mark Simkins Bobcat Kittens roam by Mark Simkins Bobcat Kitten by Mark Simkins Bobcat Kitten has big feet by Mark Simkins

The young Bobcats already have the same marking on the back of their ears and on their bobbed tail as their parent have. Take a look at the paws - just like a puppy, you can tell by their feet that they will get bigger.

Thanks to Mark for allowing me to share his wonderful photos with you here. To see Mark's photo of an adult Bobcat "meditating," here is the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2013/10/05/a-beautiful-photo-of-a-meditating-bobcat-by-mark-simkins/

Two Bald Eagles have been making  numerous appearances at the Gualala River. They've been seen perched together on two logs and flying over the river. Ken Bailey photographed them this past week. In the first photo, one of the Bald Eagles takes flight, reflected in the river.

And below is a photo of the pair. This photo appeared on page one of this week's Independent Coast Observer, the best small town paper around. (I may be a bit biased...)

Thanks to Ken for allowing me to share his photos with you. To see much more of Ken's photography, including underwater photography, here is his website: http://www.seadreams.org/

Margaret Lindgren and Harmony Susalla had permission to hike to this magnificent rock, which in Mendocino County.

The two women climbed the rock, but it wasn't an easy assent. Margaret took this photo from the top. She said they could see the Point Arena Lighthouse in the distance.

A dramatic photo of Harmony being embraced by the sun on top of this rock will be in tomorrow's edition of the Independent Coast Observer.

Thanks to Margaret for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

Kathy Bishop came across two Great Horned Owls that were roosting. She snapped a couple of photos and then beat a quick retreat. One of Kathy's photos was published in yesterday's Independent Coast Observer in my Mendonoma Sightings column. You can see it on-line at mendonoma.com. The other two photos I am pleased to share with  you here.

What beautiful owls! Here it what the Cornell Lab of Ornithology says about Great Horned Owls:

"With its long, earlike tufts, intimidating yellow-eyed stare, and deep hooting voice, the Great Horned Owl is the quintessential owl of storybooks. This powerful predator can take down birds and mammals even larger than itself, but it also dines on daintier fare such as tiny scorpions, mice, and frogs. It’s one of the most common owls in North America, equally at home in deserts, wetlands, forests, grasslands, backyards, cities, and almost any other semi-open habitat between the Arctic and the tropics."

That stare is a little intimidating! Their call is the "hoo hoo" call. Hear it at this link:
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/great_horned_owl/sounds

Last year Rick and I were privileged to take part in a release of two Western Screech Owls back into the wild, about ten miles north of where we live in Anchor Bay. Here is the link to learn more about this heartwarming event: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2012/12/15/two-western-screech-owls-released-back-into-the-wild/

Thanks to Kathy for allowing me to share her photos with you here.