Channel Islands National Monument

ADMINISTRATION Magnificent springtime subsidence occurred ANIMALS OF LAND AND SEA pointed noses, tan to dark- Channel Islands National wildflower displays; great, along the edge of the On the sandy beaches and brown fur, and small Monument, established on craggy headlands and continent. A great land in rocky coves of Anacapa external ears. Large April 26,1938, and rocky bays; the muffled roar mass eventually and Santa Barbara, marine breeding colonies of sea comprising 18,167 land and of breakers crashing on the submerged, leaving only mammals find refuge and lions are in year-round water acres, is administered beach or pounding the sea eight small mountaintops grounds for rest and residence on the islands, by the National Park cliffs; and the cries of protruding above the breeding. Birds nest on especially Santa Barbara. Service, U.S. Department thousands of wheeling Pacific Ocean. ledges and in niches of the Rarer even than the of the Interior. A super western gulls mingled with The surrounding ocean, high cliffs. For some elephant seal is the intendent, whose address the barking of California with a water temperature species of wildlife these Guadalupe fur seal. Long is Box 1388, Oxnard, CA sea lions—these are a few varying from about 55° in islands are the only thought to have been 93030, is in immediate of the sights and sounds winter to about 65° in remaining sanctuary in extinct, this eared seal has charge. that make Channel Islands summer, has a moderating this part of the world. been sighted in recent As the Nation's principal National Monument a effect on the islands' The resounding bellow of years near the Channel conservation agency, the mecca for the lover of climate. The air a bull elephant seal Islands. Department of the Interior wildlife and physical temperature does not differ provides one of the thrills Other eared seals has basic responsibilities grandeur. greatly from that of the of a visit to Santa Barbara. sometimes seen in these for water, fish, wildlife, The eight Channel water, and frosts are rare. The island supports one of waters are the Steller sea mineral, land, park, and Islands extend about 150 Though there is the few breeding colonies lion and the Alaska fur recreational resources. miles from the latitude of considerable wind, the of this rare member of the seal. The former is a big Indian and Territorial San Diego to that of Santa island slopes afford a family of hair seals. The animal—males reaching affairs are other major Barbara and from 10 to 70 measure of protection. comically grotesque 2,000 pounds—whose hide concerns of America's miles offshore. The two Rainfall is scant and comes elephant seal got its is used by Eskimos to "Department of Natural smallest of the group, in winter along with dense name from the male's great cover boats. This is the Resources." The Depart Anacapa and Santa fog. size—up to 4 tons—and southern extremity of its ment works to assure the Barbara, were set aside as EARLY MAN IN THE ISLANDS trunklike snout. range. The smaller Alaska wisest choice in managing a national monument in The ancient Indian burial The harbor seal is the fur seal, principally a all our resources so each 1938. Among the plant and and village sites on some commonest member of this native of the Bering Sea, breeds as far south as San will make its full contribu animal species protected of the Channel Islands family (hair seals) of marine Miguel Island. tion to a better United on these islands are a possess a wealth of mammals in the park. It is States—now and in the number notable for their archeological information distinguished by its round, Terrestrial birds can be future. rarity, and many covering the past 10,000 flat, pug-dog face, dapple- observed on the islands, outstanding examples of years. The islands were gray fur, and lack of but sea birds provide the adaptation to a unique inhabited by the Chumash external ears. Like the greatest interest, especially environment. Indians, whose dome- elephant seal, it must the California brown Much of the earth's shaped homes, each drag its rear flippers pelicans and western gulls, geological and biological sheltering several families, extended when moving on which nest in large colonies past is revealed in the rocks were made of grass or tule land. on the cliffs. The black and the life of the Channel and were often 50 feet or The eared seal family is oyster catcher is often Islands. Millions of years more in diameter. The represented here by seen on the rocky shore. ago, in an era of Chumash were skilled in several species, only one widespread upheaval, making shell ornaments, of which, the California sea Bull elephant seal. mountains rose out of the particularly shell inlaid by lion, is common. This is the depths of the sea; huge means of asphalt. Large "trained seal" you see in areas along the continent seagoing canoes formed the circus. It is a prime cracked and convulsed; of planks lashed together attraction here, too—where and volcanoes spewed with thongs and caulked you see it as a wild animal California sea lions (also shown on cover) congregate on the beaches forth lava and ash. Great with native asphalt were in its natural environment. and rocky shores of the islands. land masses intermittently perhaps their most notable These big, brown, sleek rose above the ocean, to creation. Nowhere else in furbearers with the sink slowly, millions of the Americas were such streamlined bodies can be years later, beneath the craft known. seen regularly, sunning waves. themselves on the rocks These offshore islands and beaches. once were a part of the Like other members of CHANNEL mainland of North the eared seal family, sea ISLANDS America. A general lions can fold their rear NATIONAL flippers under and use National Park Service MONUMENT them for walking on land. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR They spend most of their time, however, in the water ft U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1972-483-423/75 CALIFORNIA Even when swimming they can be identified by their ANACAPA ISLAND lighthouse reservation SANTA BARBARA ISLAND FRAGILE ECOSYSTEMS frightening away of any REGULATIONS SCUBA DIVING At the eastern end of the operated by the National This island lies 35 nautical This monument, a heritage animal, large or small, an The national monument Opportunities for snorkeling Santa Barbara Channel, 12 Park Service under a miles (1 nautical mile of scenic splendor and action that will have far- has been set aside to and free diving are limited miles from the mainland, is special-use agreement. equals 1.2 statute miles) off scientific marvels, and the reaching and often preserve examples of by water depth near shore a slender chain of three No accommodations, the southern California only island sanctuary of unknown effects on the unique natural features, (25 to 60 feet), generally islands, so closely linked concessioner facilities, fuel, coast and is surrounded by the Pacific Coast in the ecosystem—these are a animals, plants, and the heavy surge conditions, as to form virtually one or other services are vast kelp beds abounding National Park System, will few of the influences we marine ecosystem. We and relatively cool water island 5 miles long. available. You will need to in marine life. The island endure only if all who use must eliminate or solicit your cooperation. temperatures (55° to 65° F.). Anacapa's rocky shoreline, bring water, camping gear, is edged by high sea cliffs. it treat it as a unique, accentuated by high, sheer food, cooking equipment, Rolling, grass-covered hills priceless, and irreplaceable cliffs, gives it a picturesque and fuel for campfires. with isolated patches of treasure. To be sure that but forbidding aspect—at Bring warm clothing, too, giant coreopsis you have done your part, once scenically spectacular for the nights are cool. characterize this land leave no sign of your and almost inaccessible. You may want a tent as mass of 630 acres (about 1 having been here. Do not The only beach not shelter from the winds that square mile). disturb or remove any submerged at high tide is usually blow. Keep in mind From the mid-1800's plant, animal, or stone; at Frenchy's Cove, a day- that everything must be through 1938 Santa add nothing to the beaches, use area equipped with pit carried up a steep stairway Barbara was intermittently the water, or even your toilets and picnic tables. and then one-quarter mile occupied by sheepherders, camp or picnic site. Hike only on beaches and to the camping area. Pit who found life on this Even with the best of established trails when on toilets and picnic tables are isolated island very difficult. care, some wear and tear Anacapa. Exploring the tide available. Anchorage is rough, and on soil and vegetation is pools is a fascinating Because a safe landing in the rocky cove inevitable. Overuse, pursuit, but remain alert so anchorage is not available is hazardous at best, so almost as much as as not to be trapped by the at East Island, you are exercise caution and good deliberate abuse, can The coves and cliffs provide resting A Coast Guard lighthouse on Anacapa Giant coreopsis, a sunflower with a incoming tide. California encouraged to use public judgment when and breeding habitat lor both birds is the only permanent structure in woody stem, reaches as much as 8 destroy natural values. and mammals. the monument. feet in height. tide-pool life is fast transportation when approaching or landing on Accordingly, since minimize.

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