Recommendations for Heceta Head State Scenic Viewpoint Heceta Head offers limited access to a small section of rocky intertidal and cliff along the south end of Heceta Head via the lighthouse parking area. Although the area receives relatively low levels of use, if use increases, there is the potential for overuse of the limited intertidal area. Seabirds nest on the cliffs and nearby rocks. Recommendations for improving rocky shore management and TSP compliance at Heceta Head SSV include: Interpretation Place an interpretive sign about the rocky shoreline or other natural resource features such as the offshore rocks and seabird colonies. Coordinate with USFWS to determine if this is an appropriate location for one of its interpretive panels about seabirds. Other Measure visitor use Incorporate TSP management objective and prescriptions into master plans, interpretive plans and natural resource management plans. 20. Gregory Point Site Description: 57 acres of subtidal and 3.5 acres of intertidal area with associated rocks northwest of the mouth of Sunset Bay, approximately 12 miles southwest of Coos Bay, in Coos County, Oregon (Figure 31). Designation: The TSP designates this site a research reserve and it is designated as such by ODFW. Gregory Point is part of the Cape Arago headland research reserve complex. The regulations say Gregory Point Subtidal Research Reserve includes all areas seaward of extreme low tide in the area defined by the points making lines from 43 20 35. 9 N. Lat., 124 22 50.3 W. Long. (point A) to 43 20 35.9 N. Lat., 124 22 53.7 W. Long. (point B), and seaward of extreme low tide from 43 20 24. 1 N. Lat., 123 22 32.7 W. Long. (point D) to 43 20 39.0 N. Lat 124 22 38.2 W. Long. (point C) (ODFW Marine Zone Fishing Regulations, 2006). The rocky intertidal (vs. the subtidal area described above) area that was part of the Gregory Point site in the RSMS (3.5 acres of rocky intertidal with associated rocks northwest of the mouth of Sunset Bay) is now part of Cape Arago Research Reserve Area A. The entire Cape Arago Headland is designated an intertidal marine protected area for public awareness purposes only (OPAC, 2001a). Access: Access is unchanged since the TSP was published in 1994. Access via Sunset Bay must be at a very low tide. The site can be reached from a privately owned empty lot on Lighthouse Way. It is possible to reach the area by boat, but because the offshore rocks are part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, access to the offshore rocks is prohibited. 88
Ownership: DSL owns submerged and submersible (intertidal) lands. OPRD owns the beach and most upland area. The BLM owns other uplands (a former U.S. Coast Guard site). The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians are pursuing ownership of some upland area. USCG manages the lighthouse. Key Resources: Resources include seabird nesting sites on Lighthouse Island and extensive intertidal and subtidal rocky habitat between Lighthouse Island and Squaw Island. Harbor seals use the area as a haulout (ODFW, 2001). There has been no seabird data published since the 1988 USFWS data, which was used to write the TSP resource section. The TSP notes the presence of seabird nesting sites on Lighthouse Island. Visitor Use: Visitors use the area for sightseeing, shore fishing, surfing, sport fishing and SCUBA diving (from boats launched at Sunset Bay during good weather) and for playing on the beach. Recreational use at nearby Sunset Bay is high, especially during the summer. The Confederated Tribes are interested in using the site because of a nearby cultural site. OPRD staff indicated overuse of the Gregory Point area is not a big problem because the site is difficult to reach (Calum Stevenson, pers. comm., 2004). However, visitor use of the area is unknown and the closest day-use data is from Sunset Bay State Park. Table 22 lists allowable uses. Management: Gregory Point is next to Sunset Bay State Park. USFWS manages the outer portion (offshore rocks/reefs) as part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. ODFW manages the area as a subtidal research reserve. DSL is in charge of offshore (subtidal) areas, including issuing permits to harvest kelp. Impact Concerns: The TSP mentions possible disturbance to seabird colonies on Lighthouse Island if the mainland cliffs are developed. Management Objectives: The TSP objectives is to maintain the ecological integrity of the site for long term research projects; allow continued level of use that does not interfere with research objectives. Management Prescriptions: The TSP prescriptions include continuing existing on-site measures (permit required for scientific/educational collecting); in addition: discourage new or improved access to water area (not to affect trail maintenance or improvement on cliff above); discourage any public access to Lighthouse Island; prohibit commercial and recreational shellfish harvest, including red urchins; prohibit harvest of intertidal marine algae (seaweeds); allow no commercial kelp (Nereocystis) harvest within the area. Status of Prescriptions: On-site measures continue (e.g., permits required for scientific/educational collecting). No new or improved access has been added. Access to Lighthouse Island is by permission only and the bridge (circa 1898) is in very poor condition. 89
Only people with ODFW scientific/educational permits can gather shellfish and marine invertebrates. There are no current permits issued by DSL for commercial kelp harvest. DSL has no rules prohibiting someone from applying for a lease within the research reserve. OPRD discourages algae collection in research reserves, but no rules prohibit collection within specially managed areas such as research reserves. Signs are needed to tell people where they can collect marine algae and that a permit is required for any amount more than small amounts gathered for personal use. Educational Opportunities: Reaching this area is neither easy nor safe. Visitors should be encouraged to use other sites. Table 22. Allowed and prohibited uses at Gregory Point subtidal research reserve ALLOWED General recreational activities (e.g., walking, tidepooling, bird watching) Scientific research and take (by permit only) Environmental education/interpretation PROHIBITED Ocean Shore Recreation Area Prohibited Activities* Harvest of shellfish, marine invertebrates Harassment of marine mammals pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act and any species protected by the Endangered Species Act Climbing on offshore rocks (exposed and not connected to the land at mean high tide) *1.) Fires in driftwood piles, dunes or near beach grass, 2.) Commercial activities without a permit, 3.) Motor vehicles where posted, 4.) Construction, removal of rock, sand, logs or marine algae without a permit, 5.) Trespassing or digging on sand cliffs 90
Figure 31 Gregory Point Subtidal Research Reserve Gregory Point Cape Arago Intertidal RR Area A Sunset Bay State Park Yoakam Point Sunset Bay Cape Arago Intertidal Research Reserve Area B Shore Acres State Park Simpson Reef Simpson Reef Shore Acres State Park Cape Arago Intertidal Research Reserve Area C Approx. Park Boundaries Protected Area Boundaries Kelp Beds Rocky Intertidal!. Beach Access [ [ Marine Mammal Haulout Cape Arago Cape Arago State Park Cape Arago Headland 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles / Created in ArcGIS 9 using ArcMap Seabirds Laurel Hillmann OPRD NOAA Coastal Fellow December 2005
21. Sunset Bay Site Description: 1.0 miles of intertidal habitat located about two miles north of the tip of Cape Arago, approximately 12 miles southwest of Coos Bay, in Coos County, Oregon (Figure 31). Designation: Before the TSP was published, Sunset Bay was designated as a scientific/educational permit area. The TSP designated it a marine garden. Sunset Bay is now part of the Cape Arago Headland Research Reserve. Sunset Bay is part of area A which is all rocky areas, tide pools, and sand beaches situated between extreme high tide and extreme low tide lying between a line projected due west from the Cape Arago lighthouse and the southern tip of Norton Gulch (ODFW Marine Zone Fishing Regulations, 2006). Access: At low tide, people can easily reach the tidepools on the north end of the bay via a short, level walk on sand from the parking lot on the north side of Sunset Bay (43.3340 N, 124.3717 W). The south end of Sunset Bay proper is reached by walking south on the beach (park in the lower parking lot) and then over rocks at low tide (43.3306 N, 124.3741 ). However, it is only possible to get around the corner at extreme low tides. Access to the Norton Gulch area is by way of a moderate trail (semi-improved dirt trail with a bridge over the creek) off the Cape Arago Highway south of the Sunset Bay parking area. The trail is marked and there is a small-unpaved turnout with room for two cars. Ownership: DSL owns submerged and submersible (intertidal) lands. OPRD owns the beach and upland area (Sunset Bay State Park). With the change in the region that is now considered Area A, part of northern Sunset Bay is not part of OPRD property. Much of the upland area is privately owned. Key Resources: Intertidal habitat is Sunset Bay s key natural resource. The public can easily reach a small part of it. OPRD staff does not believe that the word rich adequately describes the intertidal habitat in the main area of Sunset Bay, which is easily accessible to the public (Calum Stevenson, pers. comm., 2004). The area receives very high levels of use. The intertidal habitat that is accessible only at extreme low tides (on the south end of the bay,) is very rich, and hosts a variety of invertebrate and algal life. Harbor seals use rocks in the area to haul out and occasionally rest on the beach. Species noted at the site during a visit with OSU phycologist Gayle Hansen include: Mazzaella splendens, Mazzaella flaccida, Mazzaella parksii, Gracilariopsis andersonii, Ulva spp., Laminaria sinclairii, Laminaria setchellii, Hemophyllum sp., Egregia menziesii, Halosaccion sp., Porphyra abottae, Phyllospadix sp., Fucus gardneri, Pelvetiopsis limitata, Mastocarpus papillatus, Mastocarpus jardinii, Neorhodomela larix, Cladophora sp., Endocladia sp., Analipis japonicus, Chondracanthus canliculatus, Corallina sp., Bossiella sp., Blidingia minima, Leathesia difformis, Acrosiphonia sp., Callophyllis sp., Erythrophyllum sp., Cystoseira osmundacea, Cryptopleura sp., Laurencia spectabilis, Odonthalia floccosa, Costaria costata, Melobesia sp., Prionitis 92
sp., Plocamium sp., Cryptopleura sp., and Trentopolia sp. (terrestrial on above cliffs). Other species noted at the site include: a gumboot chiton (Cryptochiton stelleri), red (Strongylocentrotus franciscanus) and purple (S. purpuratus) urchins, white-capped limpets (Acmea mitra), a lined chiton (Tonicella lineata), and a six-rayed sea star (Leptasterias sp.) and other typical tidepool invertebrates such as Mytilus mussels. A harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) was seen on the beach being harassed by a man and his dog. Visitor Use: Typical use types remain the same as those mentioned in the TSP. Visitor use of the adjacent parking lot fluctuates from year to year but may be leveling to 800,000 visitors per year (Figure 32). This use is much higher than many other areas along the coast. Sunset Bay is a research reserve (Cape Arago headland, area C), which means people must have a scientific or education permit to take shellfish and marine invertebrates. Table 23 lists allowed and prohibited uses. Day Use Visitors 1400000 1200000 1000000 800000 600000 400000 200000 0 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 Year Figure 32. Visitor use of Sunset Bay State Park from 1965-2005 Management: ODFW designates this area an intertidal research reserve. OPRD manages the upland and beaches as Sunset Bay State Park. Also, the entire Cape Arago headland area is designated as an intertidal marine protected area for the purposes of public education (OPAC, 2001a). This designation does not hold any additional regulatory restrictions above and beyond that of a research reserve. Sunset Bay is part of OPRD s Region 3 and the Sunset Bay Management Unit. Impact Concerns: Trampling due to overuse is still the primary concern, even though it appears that use may have gone down since 1994 (Figure 32). The OPRD rocky shores interpretive panels may have lessened impacts (Calum Stevenson, pers. comm., 2004). People who know tidepool etiquette are less likely to damage the rocky shore (Calum Stevenson, pers. comm., 2004). Visitors sometimes disturb harbor seals resting on shore. Management Objectives: The TSP management objective is to enhance enjoyment and appreciation of intertidal resources while protecting intertidal area from effects of overuse. 93
Management Prescriptions: The TSP prescriptions are to continue public use of entire area; monitor impacts to intertidal area and implement rotational area closures as necessary to allow recovery of habitat; prohibit harvest of intertidal algae (seaweeds); prohibit mussel harvest (except single mussels as bait). Status of Prescriptions: Public use of the entire area is allowed ODFW regulations for Cape Arago Research Reserve Area A prohibit collection of all shellfish and marine invertebrates The TSP suggests closing areas on a rotating basis to allow areas to recover as necessary. No studies have been done to set standards for closing areas. No areas have been closed to allow for recovery. OPRD unofficially prohibits all harvesting of intertidal algae, however there is no official rule prohibiting recreational harvest. Educational Opportunities: An OPRD seasonal rocky shore interpretive ranger spends part of their time at the Sunset Bay tidepools and conducts rocky shore interpretive programs at the Sunset Bay campground in the summer. Table 23. Allowed and prohibited uses at Sunset Bay (Cape Arago Research Reserve Area A) ALLOWED General recreational activities (e.g., walking, tidepooling, bird watching) Scientific research and take (by permit only) Environmental education/interpretation PROHIBITED General Park Regulations (e.g., dogs off leash, disturbance/collection of historic artifacts, hunting) Harvest of shellfish and other marine invertebrates Harassment of marine mammals pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act and any species protected by the Endangered Species Act Climbing on offshore rocks (exposed and not connected to the land at mean high tide) 94
22. Simpson Reef/North Cove Cape Arago Site Description: 0.8 miles of cliffs, rocky intertidal, and subtidal reef/kelp beds, and offshore rocks in and near the north cove of Cape Arago, approximately 12 miles south of Coos Bay, in Coos County, Oregon (Figure 31). Designation: The TSP designates Simpson Reef/North Cove Cape Arago a habitat refuge and priority rock/reef. It is part of the Cape Arago Headland Research Reserve. Simpson Reef/North Cove is part of Area C, which is all rocky areas, tide pools, and sand beaches situated between extreme high tide and extreme low tide lying between Simpson Reef overlook and a point ¾ of a mile south of Cape Arago State Park (ODFW Marine Zone Fishing Regulations, 2006). Access: The official trail from Cape Arago State Park starts from the south end of the parking area (by the cluster board of park signs). The trail splits, and a right turn goes toward the beach. The trail soon forks a second time into three paths at a sign about the site s protected status and the vulnerability of marine mammals. Turning left, the path passes picnic tables. Going straight leads to a fenced overlook where people can see the offshore rocks and intertidal areas. The official path to shore level is reached by turning right at the three-way fork, where the paved path leads down a short ways to the beach. OPRD closes the path from March 1-June 15 to protect marine mammals during pupping and rearing season. From the Simpson Reef overlook off the Cape Arago Highway, people can see the rocks and marine mammal haulouts. Several unofficial and rather steep volunteer trails lead to shore level. Ownership: DSL owns submerged and submersible (intertidal) lands. USFWS owns rocks above MHW (Shell Island, Simpson Reef, other smaller rocks). OPRD owns the beach and adjacent uplands (Cape Arago State Park). Key Resources: The TSP notes the presence of large seal and sealion haulouts and pupping areas (Steller sea lion, harbor seal, California sea lion, elephant seal); Oregon s largest, and among its richest rocky intertidal habitats; kelp beds with both Nereocystis and Macrocystis (giant kelp, the largest such bed in the state); rich subtidal reef habitat; three small seabird colony sites; use by brown pelican (threatened species), and a gray whale feeding area. There has been no new seabird data published since the 1988 USFWS data, which was used to write the TSP resource section. Species include typical intertidal invertebrates and algal species such as: Anthopleura xanthogrammica, Hemigrapsus oregonensis, Littorina sp., various algal species (Mastocarpus papillatus, Fucus sp., Ulva sp., encrusting red/brown algae, bull kelp, pink coralline algae), barnacles (Balanus sp. and Pollicipes polymerus), surfgrass, turban snails, large mussel beds (Mytilus sp.), Pisaster ochraceus, abundant purple urchins, limpets, harbor seals, California sea lions, Stellar sea lions, brown pelicans, and cormorants. Northern elephant seals also use the area as a haulout (ODFW, 2001). One of the few confirmed sightings of a sea otter in Oregon in recent years was at Simpson 95
Reef in 2004. The lone male sea otter was in the area for about six months (Calum Stevenson, pers. comm., 2004). Visitor Use: Visitors use the site for sightseeing (from the Simpson Reef overlook), watching marine mammals, walking/hiking, picnicking, offshore fishing (near the chain of offshore rocks) and dog walking. They also use the site for surfing and scientific research (Calum Stevenson, pers. comm., 2004). Visitor use fluctuates from year to year but appears to be increasing (Figure 33). An all-time high of 429,856 day-use visitors was recorded in 2004 (Figure 33). However, it is important to note that these figures are for the entire park, and study is needed to determine how many visitors reach the rocky shore of the north cove. Table 24 lists allowed and prohibited uses. Day-Use Visitors 500000 450000 400000 350000 300000 250000 200000 150000 100000 50000 0 1965 1975 1985 1995 2005 Year Figure 33. Visitor use at Cape Arago State Park from 1965-2005 Management: For the most part, management of this area remains unchanged since TSP publication in 1994. OPRD manages the upland as Cape Arago State Park (Region 3). ODFW manages the intertidal area as a research reserve. Rocks and reefs in the cove are part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. OPRD closes the only access trail to North Cove from March 1 to June 15 to protect marine mammals during the pupping and rearing season. Impact Concerns: The TSP mentions concerns about boat and low flying aircraft disturbance to seals and sea lions; foot traffic disturbance to seals and sea lions and to the rocky intertidal habitat during low tides of late spring and summer, the pupping and rearing season. These are still concerns today. While OPRD closes the only official access trail to north cove March 1 to June 15, many easily accessible unofficial trails lead to the intertidal area. Boats and aircraft both frequent the area and disturbance of marine mammals and seabirds is possible. 96
Management Objectives: The TSP objectives are to preserve the habitat values of the area and protect them from degradation or destruction while allowing appropriate use of adjacent ocean waters. Management Prescriptions: The TSP prescriptions are to continue existing uses and management with the following additions: monitor effectiveness of seasonal trail closure; discourage trail improvements (except routine maintenance); provide no new physical access; expand and develop public educational and informational opportunities and services at the scenic overlook site; encourage intertidal users to use other locations in the area; allow no commercial kelp (Nereocystis) harvest within the area; monitor impacts to marine mammals from boat and aircraft activity; closely coordinate management of this site with other parts of Cape Arago/Sunset Bay area. Management Prescriptions Status: No official monitoring of the effectiveness of the seasonal trail closure has been completed. People use unofficial trails to reach the site. If infringements are reported, OPRD enforces the closure. No trail improvements have been made. The scenic overlook site has been improved. Signs inform the public about marine mammals. No permit for commercial harvest of kelp has been issued. However, DSL permits kelp harvesting, with permits/leases. No studies have measured how boats and aircraft affect wildlife. The entire Cape Arago headland is managed as a single research reserve which allows for coordinated management Educational Opportunities: Many new interpretive signs have been placed at the Simpson Reef overlook since the TSP was published. An OPRD seasonal rocky shore interpretive ranger conducts tidepool walks and campground programs focusing on marine organisms and habitats. There are three pay-per-use ($0.50) viewing scopes at the Simpson Reef overlook for viewing wildlife. Table 24. Allowed and prohibited uses at North Cove Cape Arago (Research Reserve Area B). ALLOWED General recreational activities (e.g., walking, tidepooling, bird watching) Scientific research and take (by permit only) Environmental education/interpretation PROHIBITED General Park Regulations (e.g., dogs off leash, disturbance/collection of historic artifacts, hunting) Harvest of shellfish and other marine invertebrates Harassment of marine mammals pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act and any species protected by the Endangered Species Act Climbing on offshore rocks (exposed and not connected to the land at mean high tide) 97
23. Middle Cove Cape Arago Site Description: 0.3 miles of intertidal habitat at the tip of Cape Arago, approximately 12 miles south of Coos Bay, in Coos County, Oregon (Figure 31). Designation: The TSP designates the middle cove of Cape Arago a research reserve. The site is now part of the Cape Arago headland research reserve. The middle cove of Cape Arago is part of Area C which is all rocky areas, tide pools, and sand beaches situated between extreme high tide and extreme low tide lying between Simpson Reef overlook and a point ¾ of a mile south of Cape Arago State Park (ODFW Marine Zone Fishing Regulations, 2006). Access: Unchanged since TSP publication. A steep, unimproved volunteer trail leads down from just south of the Cape Arago State Park parking area (accessed by walking a couple hundred feet south, past the stone overlook structure). Ownership: DSL owns the submerged and submersible (intertidal) lands. OPRD owns adjacent uplands (Cape Arago State Park). Key Resources: Key resources are still the rich, relatively undisturbed intertidal habitats of middle cove. The TSP refers to it as undisturbed ; however, there is obviously regular foot traffic to the site via the volunteer trail. Species at the site include: abundant turban snails, algae (Fucus sp., Mazzaella splendens, pink coralline algae, Mastocarpus papillatus, Ulva sp., kelp), surfgrass (Phyllospadix sp.), whelks, Hemigrapsus oregonensis, Balanus sp., Anthopleura xanthogrammica, Littorina sp., brown pelicans (many on offshore rocks), hermit crabs, shrimp, a cream colored nudibranch with purplish brown spots, tidepool sculpins, a heron, limpets, gulls, and cormorants. Grey whales, orcas, and occasional pilot whales swim close to the site. Visitor Use: Although use of Cape Arago State Park fluctuates from year to year it is increasing, with an all-time high of 429,856 day-use visitors in 2004 (Figure 33). However, it is important to note that these figures are for the entire park. More study is needed to determine how many visitors reach the rocky shore of the middle cove. Visitors use the site for watching wildlife from the Cape Arago overlook, sightseeing, photography, fishing from shore, kayaking, fishing from kayaks, and exploring tidepools. Table 25 lists allowed and prohibited uses. Management: The TSP designates the site a research reserve. The site is part of the Cape Arago Research Reserve (Area C). OPRD manages the upland (Cape Arago State Park) which is part of Region 3 and the Sunset Bay Management Unit. Impact Concerns: The TSP does not list any impact concerns, but if the unofficial trail is improved, people may begin to disturb the intertidal life. Management Objectives: The TSP objective is to protect the research values of the site by ensuring that overall non-research use of the site does not increase significantly. 98
Management Prescriptions: The TSP prescriptions are to continue existing uses and management with the addition that: discourage any improvements to the existing trail; prohibit collection or harvest of intertidal algae (seaweeds); prohibit recreational mussel harvest (except single mussels as bait). Management Prescription Update: The steep, unofficial trail down to the cove has not been improved. OPRD discourages the collection/harvest of intertidal algae in ODFW specially managed areas, including research reserves, but recreational collection is not prohibited. The area is closed to all take of marine invertebrates, including mussel harvest and single mussels for bait Table 25. Allowed and prohibited uses at Middle Cove (Cape Arago Research Reserve Area C) ALLOWED General recreational activities (e.g., walking, tidepooling, bird watching) Scientific research and take (by permit only) Environmental education/interpretation PROHIBITED General Park Regulations (e.g., dogs off leash, disturbance/collection of historic artifacts, hunting) Harvest of shellfish and other marine invertebrates Harassment of marine mammals pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act and any species protected by the Endangered Species Act Climbing on offshore rocks (exposed and not connected to the land at mean high tide) 24. South Cove Cape Arago Site Description: 0.42 miles of intertidal habitat just south of the tip of Cape Arago, approximately 12 miles south of Coos Bay, in Coos County, Oregon (Figure 33). Designation: The TSP originally designated the south cove of Cape Arago a marine garden. However, a revision to the TSP names it as part of the Cape Arago Headland Research Reserve. South cove is part of Area C which is all rocky areas, tide pools, and sand beaches situated between extreme high tide and extreme low tide lying between Simpson Reef overlook and a point ¾ of a mile south of Cape Arago State Park (ODFW Marine Zone Fishing Regulations, 2006). The area is also part of the Cape Arago headland intertidal marine protected area. This latter designation is meant for public awareness purposes only; it does not hold any additional restrictions or regulations (OPAC, 2001a). Access: Unchanged since TSP publication. The trail is accessible from the south end of the Cape Arago State Park loop. The trail begins right before the road loops around. There are a few parking spots next to the trailhead. It is only a short walk from the main parking area at Cape Arago State Park, which has a larger parking area. 99
Ownership: DSL owns submerged and submersible (intertidal) lands. OPRD owns the adjacent upland (Cape Arago State Park). Key Resources: The rich, diverse, accessible intertidal habitats along with scenic views to the south are still key resources of the south cove of Cape Arago. Species include: Anemones (Anthopleura xanthogrammica, Anthopleura elegantissima), Mytilus sp., Pisaster ochraceus, various algal species (Ulva sp., Fucus sp., pink coralline algae, Neorhodomela sp., Mastocarpus papillatus, Mazzaella splendens), surfgrass (Phyllospadix sp.), barnacles (Balanus sp., Pollicipes polymerus), snails (Littorina sp., Tegula sp., Nucella sp.), Hemigrapsus nudus, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, tidepool sculpins, gumboot chiton, Lottia digitalis, brown pelicans, and a few cormorants. Harbor seals use the area as a haulout (ODFW, 2001). Visitor Use: Cape Arago State Park visitation is increasing with an all-time high of 429,856 day-use visitors in 2004 (Figure 33). More study is needed to determine how many visitors actually use the rocky shore of the south cove. Visitors use the site to participate in interpretive programs (including OPRD tidepool walks), to explore tidepools, for education, kayaking, surfing, scientific research and sightseeing. South Cove is an Oregon State University (PISCO) intertidal research and monitoring site. Table 26 lists allowed and prohibited uses. Management: Since the TSP was published, the site s official designation has changed from an ODFW scientific/educational permit area to part of the Cape Arago Research Reserve. OPRD manages the uplands (Cape Arago State Park), which is part of OPRD s Region 3 and the Sunset Bay Management Unit. Impact Concerns: Illegal collecting is a concern, although now that the area is a marine protected area, and collecting is illegal, there has been less collecting (Calum Stevenson, personal communication, 2005). The uniformed presence of rocky shore interpreters is likely to discourage collection. OPRD staff is concerned that school groups may damage the area. Management Objectives: The TSP objective is to enhance enjoyment and appreciation of intertidal resources while protecting intertidal area from effects of overuse. OPRD staff feels that things are moving in that direction (Calum Stevenson, personal communication, 2005). Management Prescriptions: The TSP mandatory prescriptions to continue public use of entire area; monitor impacts to intertidal area and implement rotational area closures if necessary to allow recovery of habitat; prohibit harvest of intertidal algae (seaweeds); prohibit intertidal invertebrate harvest (except single mussels as bait). Status of Prescriptions: The public continues to use the area. Human impact on the area has not been studied. 100
OPRD discourages harvesting intertidal algae in ODFW specially managed areas, including research reserves. The area is close to the take of all shellfish and marine invertebrates, including single mussels as bait. Educational Opportunities: The TSP notes Cape Arago offers an excellent site to provide fixed interpretive displays that complement those at Sunset Bay and Simpson Reef overlook. The site does not have any fixed interpretive displays, except for the marine protected area sign. An OPRD seasonal rocky shore interpreter gives regular onsite tidepool walks and campground programs on intertidal and marine life. Table 26. Allowed and prohibited uses at South Cove Cape Arago (Research Reserve Area C). ALLOWED General recreational activities (e.g., walking, tidepooling, bird watching) Scientific research and take (by permit only) Environmental education/interpretation PROHIBITED General Park Regulations (e.g., dogs off leash, disturbance/collection of historic artifacts, hunting) Harvest of shellfish and other marine invertebrates Harassment of marine mammals pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act and any species protected by the Endangered Species Act Climbing on offshore rocks (exposed and not connected to the land at mean high tide) Gregory Point as seen from Sunset Bay Sunset Bay beach and intertidal areas North cove Cape Arago Middle cove Cape Arago 101
Recommendations for the Cape Arago Headland The Cape Arago headland encompasses the coastline of three OPRD parks: Sunset Bay, Shore Acres and Cape Arago. It contains extensive, rich and diverse intertidal and subtidal habitat, including Oregon s largest giant kelp bed, seabird nesting sites and large marine mammal haulouts (including threatened Steller sea lions and the only year-round Elephant Seal haulout in the state). Within these parks, some areas get high visitor use. More than 600,000 people visit at Sunset Bay, and more than 450,000 people visit Cape Arago each year. It is very easy to reach the shore from these areas. Recommendations for improving rocky shore management at the Cape Arago headland and TSP compliance include: Natural Resources Officially prohibit collecting intertidal marine algae within this and all marine gardens, habitat refuges, and research reserves (except for scientific research). Discourage DSL from issuing kelp leases for areas offshore of the intertidal research reserves or within the Gregory Point subtidal research reserve (as per the TSP). Count visitor use at both high use and easy-to-access sites (such as south cove); conduct long-term monitoring of the impact of human use. As per TSP prescriptions, in addition to basic visitor-use studies of the intertidal, this site is a prime candidate for a marine mammal and/or seabird impact study to document human impact via foot, boat, and aircraft traffic. OPRD could help fund a summer intern and/or graduate student project on the subject and could look at a similar study done at Three Arch Rocks for guidance. Interpretation Given the south cove s research reserve status and its ecological sensitivity, OPRD should not promote additional rocky shore recreation here. Encourage the tidepool ranger to lead tidepool walks at Sunset Bay instead. An on-site presence is helpful at both Sunset Bay and south cove since they are both sensitive and highly visited rocky shores. The OPRD interpretive ranger should begin work in May, when most school groups visit the area. o Encourage school groups to use Sunset Bay instead of south cove. o Limit the number of people in groups. o Continue campground programs that focus on rocky shores. Place a rocky shore interpretive panel at Sunset Bay. The signs there now only tell visitors not to feed or harass sea lions. It is unlikely that most visitors know what is meant by harass. Signs should tell people about appropriate distances and behaviors, so people can stay within the law. This is also a human safety concern since the animals can be dangerous. Include rocky shore interpretive information in the to-be-developed Sunset Bay Visitor s Center in the campground. 102
Operations and Maintenance As the TSP directs, monitor compliance of the seasonal trail closure from March 1 to June 30 at north cove. Use a trail counter to count visitors using the north cove trail and the south cove. Other Incorporate TSP management objective and prescriptions into master plans, interpretive plans and natural resource management plans. 103