June 21, 2018

Report Details

I was surprised to find most of Mile 289 posted as off limits due to it being a nesting bird area.  Access is limited to the wet sand.  I pay attention to Bayocean Spit, but I did not see or hear of any public  meeting regarding this.  I would have liked to have given input.  I get the reason and support the concept, but I have a big disagreement with the details.  The sign indicates that dogs are not allowed on the mile.  But people and horses can walk the wet sand.  Our dogs has accompanied us on Coast Watch and COASST surveys for nearly 20 years.  We had no idea that the beach was restricted until we arrived.  We respected the zone and walked 150 ft or more west of the markers.  The dog was in voice control and never entered the restricted area.  But we were still violating some type of regulation in order to complete the survey and reach the jetty.  This type of over- regulation plays right into the hands of the AM talk radio crowd that whine about environmental regulations.  The Bayocean Spit loop hike is featured in multiple publications, but it would be off-limits if hikers wanted to bring the family dog.  If horses can walk in the lower areas, it seems that dogs under control should be allowed.  I could even support leashes required.