For Immediate Release: November 4, 2005 CA-N-05-11
Contact: Emily Evans (707) 825-2300

BLM INVITES VOLUNTEERS TO WORK ON SOUTH SPIT HABITAT

The Bureau of Land Management invites volunteers to enjoy a day on the beach, improving wildlife habitat at the South Spit Cooperative Management Area.

In a volunteer work day set for Sunday, Nov. 14, volunteers can join BLM staff members to pull beach grass sprouts in the snowy plover habitat restoration area. Left unchecked, the non-native grass sprouts will spread into the snowy plover habitat, damaging the birds' sandy nesting areas.

"Volunteers should bring their own cup or mug and we'll provide hot cocoa and snacks," said project coordinator Emily Evans.

Volunteers should meet at 9 a.m. at the South Spit parking lot nearest the jetty, at the north end of South Jetty Road. BLM staff members will explain the history of the South Spit, and discuss ongoing habitat restoration projects. The project will continue until 1 p.m.

The South Spit Management Area is a 20-minute scenic drive from either Eureka or Fortuna. To get there, take Highway 10l to the Hookton Road exit, and follow Hookton Road for five miles to the management area entrance. From there, continue on South Jetty Road for 4 miles to the parking lot.

The South Spit is jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the California Department of Fish and Game and Humboldt County. Many other cooperators, including the Table Bluff Reservation (Wiyot Tribe), California Coastal Conservancy and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service have worked to improve the area and provide public access.

For more information on the volunteer project, contact the BLM Arcata Field Office, 825-2300.

-BLM-

Arcata Field Office 1695 Heindon Rd. Arcata, CA 95521