Be careful if you’re near the beach. The National Weather Service says there is a risk of sneaker waves with a beach hazard warning in effect through tomorrow morning. Forecasters say large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach, quickly pulling people off the rocks into the water. Even if it LOOKS calm, it may not stay that way with 30 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave rolls in. Avoid rocks, jetties, and steep beaches. You should stay much farther back from the water than usual and never turn your back on the ocean.
Some southern Mendocino forest land will be protected with a new partnership. Apple is investing in the restoration and sustainable management of thousands of acres on the Gualala River Forest, working with the national non-profit conservation group Conservation Fund. The fund has owned the property since 2011 and says it has been looking for an investor to join in its effort. Under the partnership, the Conservation Fund will sustainably manage the working forest lands, while Apple will receive verified carbon credits as part of its investment. Both groups say the partnership is a win for both the environment and the local economy. Hundreds of species call the 14,000 acres of redwood forest in the river’s watershed home
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Regional conservation groups promise they’ll work together to oppose federal plans to allow offshore oil and gas drilling off the California Coast. The Trump administration wants to open leases to drill in waters that are currently off-limits on both coasts, the Gulf of Mexico, and Alaska. Members of the Environmental Protection Information Center based in Humboldt County say they take the proposal seriously and are worried that drilling could cause major environmental problems. The center says it will –in its words–fight like hell–and won’t rule out lawsuits to try to block the proposal that could put the leases up for bid as soon as 2029. The interior department says there will be public opportunities to comment on the lease proposal before it moves forward.
The lights are shining bright in Fort Bragg again this Christmas with the annual Festival of Lights at the Mendocino Botanical Gardens. It’s the 15th year for the show. It’s open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights through December 21st from 5 to 7, no matter the weather. As a bonus, Santa makes time in his packed schedule for stops by on Sundays, December 7th and 14th. You can get tickets online or in person at the Garden Store. If you go, you might consider the shuttle because there is no parking along Route 1.
