Some positive boardwalk banter
Hi, I’m James Shattuck (seen in your picture on the front page of
the Daily Pilot on Tuesday with my wife, Sue Hart).
We have been walking the beautiful Back Bay for years, always
staying on the path, not wanting to disturb the natural habitat, and
enjoying the birds, wildlife and wild flowers. I think an answer to
the problem of keeping people on the trails is educating them about
the endangered plants, birds and animals, and how going off the path
causes erosion, which causes a chain reaction which hurts all
elements of the habitat. Also restricting the paths to walking
(people and horses) and no bikes. Enforce it by having a ranger on
duty, and give out citations, if necessary.
We have been walking in the Back Bay every day for years and
rarely see anyone go off the trail. As it is now, it’s very enjoyable
to get out and walk in fresh air and get some exercise. I think
building a boardwalk would ruin the overall natural experience, not
to mention the time and all the money we would spend. Why not use a
portion of that money to have the Back Bay patrolled regularly by a
ranger, add more signs to educate people why they need to stay on the
path, and offer classes at the nature center (if they don’t already)
about the habitat, wild flowers, bird species in the area, geology,
insects, etc.? Keep it as wild as possible. Set up a similar program
as the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Conservancy Program, offering
docent-led tours which brings the attention to the forefront of how
important it is to keep open space wild and to respect the natural
habitat. Sell T-shirts, mugs -- “Keep it Wild,” “Save the Habitat,”
etc. Just a few suggestions.
JAMES SHATTUCK
Costa Mesa
The Back Bay restoration projects described in your article are
both very worthy and necessary for preserving this wonderful natural
resource within our city. These projects are supported by all of the
organizations, both public and private, that have a stake in the
Ecological Reserve and Nature Preserve. We are fortunate to have the
support of local environmental organizations, such as the Newport Bay
Naturalists and Friends and local public officials such as Asst. City
Manager Dave Kiff to help preserve the bay.
In addition, we are very lucky to have the support and funding
from the Community Conservancy International program to help our
local organizations. The boardwalk project will help provide better
public access to the bay, while helping to protect the delicate
habitat it encompasses, so it is indeed necessary. We hope these
projects will receive widespread community support to enhance our
beautiful Upper Newport Bay.
JEAN AND GALE WHITAKER
Newport Beach
Earth Resource Foundation supports a well-designed network of
boardwalks in the Back Bay. These boardwalks are needed to protect
both flora and fauna in the Upper Newport Bay Reserve and Preserve.
These areas include endangered species such as the Light-footed
Clapper Rail. The areas in need of boardwalks are the sensitive
habitat areas.
Unfortunately, the picture and front-page article in the Pilot
convey the impression that the areas considered for the boardwalks
are the on the bluffs. This is incorrect. The longest proposed
boardwalk would be along the west side of the Delhi channel outlet,
continuing along the bottom of the bluffs, not the top. Other
possible sites for boardwalks might actually extend into the
marshland shore areas at selected places giving visitors wonderful
views without the severe impact that accompanies random trails.
Some would have the Back Bay closed to all, and others would have
it totally unrestricted, but a balanced approach of allowing
appropriate access to residents is far better. It is these people
that need to see and experience the estuary to truly appreciate what
a valuable asset it truly is. The construction of boardwalks is
crucial, so that the access desired by so many can be accommodated
without ruining the very thing that most have come to enjoy.
DENNIS BAKER
Board president,
Earth Resource Foundation
Costa Mesa
Yes, a boardwalk really is needed for a variety of reasons.
PAT DEL CAMPO
Fountain Valley
Please. Support the restoration plans for the Back Bay. It is an
ecological gem. How many estuaries do we have left? We want to be
proud showcasing it, and right now, it is a disgrace. Big Canyon is
the main place most people start from because there is a parking lot.
The restroom facilities are frightening, and the displays, bridges
and trails are in terrible disrepair. Let’s get moving on it
immediately. I’m a longtime visitor and birder.
LENA YEE HAYASHI
Huntington Beach
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