King Range

King Range NCA https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/king-range-national-conservation-area https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Range_(California) The King Range is a mountain range of the Outer Northern California Coast Ranges System, located entirely within Humboldt County on the North Coast of California.

King Range National Conservation Area The King Range National Conservation Area (NCA) is administered by the Bureau of Land Management Arcata Field Office in Humboldt and Mendocino counties, California. The NCA encompasses 68,000 acres along 35 miles of coastline roughly 200 miles north of San Francisco. An abrupt wall of mountains towers 4,000 feet above this spectacular and remote stretch of the “Lost Coast,” inspiring the nation’s first NCA designation in 1970 by Congress. Also within the King Range NCA is the 43,000-acre King Range Wilderness, designated in 2006. California restoration, estuary restoration at the mouth of the Mattole River, and streamflow enhancement. Educational activities include field trips, hands-on workshops, lectures, classroom lessons, and more. The Mattole River watershed provides 56 miles of habitat for coho salmon, Chinook salmon, and steelhead, all listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Ongoing restoration efforts by the KRA have made substantial progress improving habitat conditions. The Nick’s Interns program provides an opportunity for local high school-aged youth to work with KRA partners and the BLM each summer through paid internships. It is named in memory of former BLM intern Nick Raphael. Tribal Partnerships The King Range NCA is within the homeland of the Denespeaking Mattole and Sinkyone peoples. Tribal ceremonial use and traditional gatherings of plants for food, regalia, and basketry regularly take place. The BLM works with Tribal partners to restore natural and cultural landscapes, and to identify, monitor, and protect cultural sites. King Range Alliance The King Range Alliance maximizes collaboration in conservation and public education.The KRA member groups are Friends of the Lost Coast, Mattole Restoration Council, Mattole Salmon Group, and Sanctuary Forest. The group works on coastal prairie and native grassland Recreation Opportunities King Range visitors enjoy backpacking, wildlife viewing, sightseeing, horseback riding, mushroom collecting, mountain biking, hunting, surfing, camping, and ocean fishing. The BLM provides developed recreation areas throughout the NCA, including: Lighthouses • Approximately 85 miles of hiking trails, including 25 miles of wilderness coastal backpacking along the world famous Lost Coast Trail The Punta Gorda Lighthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, perches on an outcrop three miles south of the Mattole Campground. This is a popular destination for visitors to the King Range NCA. • 24 miles of singletrack mountain bike trails in the Paradise Royale trail system • Four campgrounds with a total of 53 sites • 45 miles of unpaved roads provide access to trailheads and scenic touring • Four day use areas in Shelter Cove provide beach access and outstanding coastal views • Honeydew day use area provides access to Honeydew Creek • King Range Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday, year-round Visitation The King Range NCA receives an average of 135,000 visits and issues about 12,000 wilderness backpacking permits annually. Overnight public visitation in the Wilderness is managed through a daily quota and permit system, available through recreation.gov: • May 15 - September 15: 60 persons/permits per day are available. September 16 - May 14: 30 persons/permits per day are available. Tides, waves, and storms damatically affect the ability to safely travel on the Lost Coast Trail. BLM staff and partners spend a considerable amount of time helping visitors plan their trips around these safety concerns. Geology The King Range NCA lies immediately southeast of one of the most geologically active areas in North America. Three large tectonic plates converge just offshore at a geologic feature known as the Mendocino Triple Junction, causing large and frequent earthquakes. These compressional forces produce one of the highest geologic uplift rates in the world, which accounts for the high elevation and steep topography of the King Range. At the southern end of the King Range NCA, the Cape Mendocino Lighthouse resides at Mal Coombs Park in Shelter Cove. This lighthouse is largely considered the centerpiece of the coastal community. Volunteers with the Cape Mendocino Lighthouse Society maintain the lighthouse and open it to the public during the summer months. The northernmost successful breeding site for northern elephant seals is located near the Punta Gorda Lighthouse. Pup counts have increased by 87 percent since 2018. Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) • The Mill Creek ACEC, approximately 950 acres, protects the tributary to the Mattole River, and the high quality remnant of low-elevation old-growth Douglas fir forest. • The Mattole ACEC, approximately 800 acres, protects significant cultural sites, dune ecosystems, and riparian/ wildlife values. Grazing Allotments The King Range NCA also has grazing opportunities. Currently, there are five active livestock grazing allot

Driving Directions Fact Sheet—King Range National Conservation Area, California The King Range National Conservation Area (NCA) is located about 230 miles north of San Francisco and 60 miles south of Eureka. All roads leading to the King Range NCA are narrow, steep and winding. Allow plenty of time between destinations, have a full tank of gas, and be alert to oncoming traffic. All main roads are normally accessible to passenger cars except during heavy winter storms. Primitive roads may be closed seasonally. Directional signs mark all major intersections in the King Range NCA giving the road name and distances to primary recreation sites. NORTH ACCESS: U.S. 101 to the Ferndale exit. Once in Ferndale, follow signs to Petrolia. One mile past Petrolia, turn right on Lighthouse Road; it is 5 more miles to the Mattole Recreation Site. Allow 1 1/2 hours for the 42 mile trip. CENTRAL ACCESS: U.S. 101 to South Fork - Honeydew exit. Follow the signs to Honeydew (23 Miles). Turn left in Honeydew to Honeydew Creek Recreation Site and Smith-Etter Road. Allow 1 hour for the 24 mile trip. Turn right to Mattole Beach and Trailhead. Allow 45 minutes for the 18.5 mile trip. SOUTH ACCESS: U.S. 101 to the Redway/Garberville exit. Follow signs to Shelter Cove/King Range NCA. Allow 45 minutes for the 22 mile trip to Shelter Cove. TRAVEL TIMES BETWEEN SELECTED DESTINATIONS Black Sands Beach to Mattole Recreation Site, 2 hours Honeydew to:  A.W. Way Park, 8 miles, 20 minutes  Mattole Recreation Site, 18.5 miles, 45 minutes Smith-Etter Rd./Wilder Ridge Rd. Intersection to: (Four -Wheel Drive Recommended on this road.)  North Slide Peak Trailhead, 7.5 miles, 1 hour  Kinsey Ridge Trailhead, 10 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes  Spanish Ridge Trailhead, 12.3 miles, 1 hour 30 minutes King Peak Rd./Shelter Cove Rd. Intersection to:  Tolkan Campground, 3.5 miles, 15 minutes  Horse Mountain Campground, 6.5 miles, 25 minutes  Lightning Trailhead, 16 miles, 1 hour  Saddle Mountain Trailhead, 10.5 miles, 45 minutes  Horse Mountain Creek Trailhead, 4.5 miles, 20 minutes Shelter Cove Rd./Chemise Mountain Rd. Intersection to:  Hidden Valley Trailhead, 1/4 mile, 1 minute  Wailaki/Nadelos Campgrounds, 1/2 mile, 5 minutes  Sinkyone State Park (Needle Rock), 10 miles, 45 minutes 

King Range Office: Call ahead for hours. (707) 986-5400. 768 Shelter Cove Road, Whitethorn, CA 95589 Arcata Field Office: 1695 Heindon Rd, Arcata, CA 95521, open 7:45 am–4:30 pm, Mon.–Fri. (707)825-2300. Internet: www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/arcata.html A large, full-color map/guide to the King Range can be purchased from the BLM and area businesses. (To Eureka & Ferndale) Key Petrolia t ho Roa d gh Unpaved Roads Unimproved Roads Hiking & Stock Trails le Pro s p e r Li ad tt o Mattole Paved Roads Ma Ro u se Trailhead A.W. Way County Park Ri dg e Rd Creek 2950 Mattole Fire Station l Trai e C oo skie Tr a Punta Gorda Lighthouse il Honeydew Spu r Tr ail Honeydew Creek Im Tr it h – Tr ail ge Rid K ing ke ttl es na Ra Rang e d Saddle Mtn T k Tr Cr ee c g Horse Mtn L e t as Co Paradis e d Ti Horse Mtn Creek – k Tr Mt rs e ge Road Pea k ad r Hidden Valley B ri ce lan d ic O Shelter Cove Thorn Junction Thorn Fire Station Rd Cov e r el te Ro R iv e cif Nadelos Wailaki Seal Rock Th Road e Nick’s Camp M tn Roa arbor R d r H B ea Needle Rock sa U Sinkyone Wilderness State Park d Trail King Range National Conservation Area U.S. 101 Ferndale to Mattole Recreation Site (North Access).........40 mi. 1 hr. 30 min. U.S. 101 Garberville to King Range Office (South Access).............16 mi. 0 hr. 35 min. Black Sands Beach to Mattole Recreation Site.................................45 mi. 1 hr. 45 min. Chemis Willits Coast 20 Chinquapin Trail Lost 2598 Fort Bragg Mal Coombs Park 101 orn Chemise Mtn San Francisco Whitethorn – cean Laytonville Sh Black Sands Beach Abalone Point 1 Rid Ee l Pa Inset Map Area K ing Ho Garberville Shelter Cove King Range Office rn Rd o Th and Fire Station Tolkan n il Tra Cr e e Weott King Range National Co n s e r va t i o n A re a ad Hi Ro Bu g u rg rin d Du sb ter e Et King Peak Rd abl Mtn R ass e Imp dd l Sa Pa Ettersburg R ci 4088 h ver 36 5 t os Ri C A PE MENDOCINO 4 King Peak Trail M ad 3 N ad IG 2 Scale in Miles Tra il Crest A 1 Ro Crest g Ki n Ferndale L Tr a il Eureka Fortuna F B 0 Lightning Loop 101 Trailer, Tent Sites 1 Miller il Tra O an n c a fi ce Launching Ramp Tent Sites North Slide Peak t as Co c Willow Creek 299 d g Kin 50 miles Arcata oa r R st 25 Gas Station elan d e Rid g i y nse Kinsey Ridge m Lo 15 Campfire Permits ge K e 10 Picnic Area Grocery Store Rid c O 5 Horse Trailheads Food Service B ric R Ti d e Ette k g Tra il gh r eT i dg S in fi Hi Lodging er ur ci Spanish Ridge il Tra D as Co le t 3490 0 W il d k ab Cree Spanish ss Cooskie st Lo pa Pa Hiking Trail (To Garberville & US 101) Creek Wildlife Viewing Information ll Cooskie Mtn Cooski e Rd Lighthouse Bu l ab ss e p a Ti d Tr a i l I m i g h H D ur in g (To Weott & US 101) l Ro ad U. S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT WELCOME TO CALIFORNIA’S LOST COAST The King Range National Conservation Area is a spectacular meeting of land and sea. Black sand beaches, old-growth forests and a 4,000-foot-high wall of windswept peaks beckon to adventurous travelers willing to slow down for awhile. Opportunities abound for activities such as camping, backpacking, hunting, beach combing and surfing. If your time is limited, the Shelter Cove and Mattole Beach areas offer chances to sample the King Range coast without heading into the backcountry. Congress designated the King Range as the first National Conservation Area in 1970. At more than 60,000 acres, this 35-mile stretch of California’s “Lost Coast” is managed and protected by the U. S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). On October 17, 2006, two-thirds of the King Range was designated as wilderness under the Northern California Wild Heritage Act (H.R. 233). For more information on wilderness areas please contact the King Range office. Know Before You Go • Never turn your back on the ocean! Large, unexpected waves and a strong undertow can sweep you out to sea where powerful currents and icy waters make it impossible to survive. • Pets are allowed and must be kept on a leash at developed sites. They may be allowed off leash in other areas, but must remain under voice control. • Poison oak, ticks, and rattlesnakes occur throughout the King Range, including the beach. • Search and rescue takes time on remote trails and roads, so be prepared and be careful! Be sure to complete backcountry-use permits at the trailhead (place top copy in drop box and keep bottom copy) and always let someone know your itinerary. • Private lands are found within and surrounding the King Range. Please stay on public lands and away from private residences. Weather Summers are mostly dry with cool fog and warm sun alternating on the coast and warm/hot sunny weather on the ridges. Winds are often very strong on the beach and

Trip Planning Guide What You Need to Know Before Backpacking the Lost Coast Trail The Bureau of Land Management emphasizes the importance of personal safety, current regulations, and “Leave No Trace” principles in the King Range National Conservation Area (KRNCA). Before venturing out into the Lost Coast make sure you are well prepared. The King Range Wilderness and the Pacific Ocean come together on the Lost Coast as beautiful and powerful forces of nature. The Lost Coast Favors the Prepared Before planning your trip, visit the BLM KRNCA’s website at https://www.blm.gov/programs/nationalconservation-lands/california/king-range-national-conservation-area to obtain general information, maps, and current regulations. Just prior to your visit, you can log onto https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2023-02/KRNCA_Roads_and_Trails_Report_February_2023.pdf for current trail conditions and closures. Did you know permits are required for camping overnight in the King Range Wilderness & Lost Coast Trail? The individual overnight wilderness permits are only available through an online reservation system at www.recreation.gov. Special Recreation Permits (SRPs) are required for all commercial and organized groups and can be obtained through the King Range Project Office. Permits are not required for day-use or in designated campgrounds. Please note there is a group size limit of 15 persons. The following permit descriptions to determine what type of permit you need: Commercial Group Permit: Any person, organization or company that makes or attempts to make a profit, salary, increase their business or financial standing, or supports in any part other programs or activities from recreation activities occurring on public lands. There is paid, public advertising and participants pay for a duty of care/expectation of safety. Call the King Range Project Office at 707-986-5400 to apply for an SRP permit. Organized Group Permit: An organized group shares expenses, no fee is charged to participants, no public advertising recruits participants. No paid staff accompanies the group and fees do not offset other costs of running the organization. Examples of an organized group include scouting troops, school clubs/classes, meetup groups, etc. Call the King Range Project Office at 707-986-5400 to apply for an SRP permit. Individual Overnight Wilderness Permit: All overnight use by an individual or family (as well as non-organized groups) require a wilderness permit obtained from www.recreation.gov. Groups are considered non-organized when no formal advertising of the trip occurs, no fees are charged, and the group is not affiliated with any established organization. Have you checked the tides? It is imperative that you check the tides prior to choosing a date and purchasing a permit for the Lost Coast Trail. When planning your trip, check the tide predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Tide Predictions website prior to obtaining wilderness permits and/or your Special Recreation Permit. See the “Guide to Tide Safety” brochure and Tide Safety Video for instructions on how to use this website. Use the “King Range Map & Guide” to find impassable zones, see mileages, to plan your itinerary, etc. Be aware 1 that there are many days, especially in the late summer, that the low tides don’t get low enough for the trail to be passable during daylight hours. The BLM does not recommend hiking at night due inherent dangers and SRPs with itineraries planned outside daylight hours will not be approved. On a normal day, there are three trail sections in which the tide must be under a certain threshold (in feet) for the entire time you are in those sections to ensure safe passage for your group. Please note that there are sections in the tidal zones called “pinch points” which are much narrower than others so it is important to follow these guidelines, from the north as follows: Section 1: Punta Gorda--passable under ~6 feet; Section 2: Sea Lion Gulch to Randall Creek--passable under 2.5 feet (always enter this section on receding tide); Section 3: Miller to Gitchell--passable under 3 feet (always enter section on a receding tide). Plan to start your travel through these sections on a receding tide and plan for 1mph pace through the entire section. Remember, the tide table is showing the apex of the low tide level—the tides are always going up or down. Generally, there will be two high tides and two low tides every 24 hours, occurring approximately 50 minutes later with each passing day. Plan to trek at approximately 1mph pace. Watch the ocean! On sloped beaches, avoid walking near the water as forceful large waves can surge up at any time without notice (sneaker waves). Visitors should never attempt to swim or wade on this stretch of the Pacific Ocean due to strong undertow and rip currents. The water is very cold and survival is often limited to 20 minutes without a wetsuit. (Do not ever assume it is ok

Welcome to the King Range National Conservation Area Every year, thousands of recreationists of all different experience levels visit the Lost Coast. It is essential to understand how to safely navigate the tides and learn about the factors that play into coastal safety. This guide will introduce you to those hazards, and help you plan your hike around safe tide levels. King Range Project Office 768 Shelter Cove Rd Whitethorn, CA 95589 For more information, contact the King Range National Conservation Area at (707) 986-5400 or BLM_CA_Web_KR@blm.gov. King Range National Conservation Area LOST COAST TRAIL TIDE SAFETY Navigating the Impassable Zones Along the Lost Coast Trail W in 1 Impassable Zone 1 is a coastal point with large boulders to traverse. This section is passable under 5 feet. 2 Impassable Zone 2 is about 4-5 miles in length, and is located between Sea Lion Gulch and Randall Creek. This section is passable under 2.5 feet. 3 Impassable Zone 3 is about 4-5 miles in length, and is located between Miller Flat and Gitchell Creek. This section is passable under 3 feet. d y P oint P un 4 Avoid traveling the ocean side of Split Rock. Stay on the bluff side of the large rocks, away from the ocean. ta G orda S ea L i o n G ul c h Hiking in the Mattole Impassable Zones Three sections of the 1 Lost Coast Trail become impassable at high tide. Do not attempt to hike through impassable zones while the tide is higher than three feet (3’), or recommended 2 tide height in impassable zones. Refer to map on the right. Give yourself enough time to cross safely, and note that rate of travel is typically 1 mile per hour. Do not attempt to hike above recommended tide height. ndall Creek Ra Hike during daylight hours only. *Map not to scale Camping in the Impassable Zones If you need a break from hiking in an impassable zone or are looking for a place to camp, you can hike up and away from the shore and high tides along the the several creeks that cross the trail. M ill e r F l a t 3 Gi How to Stay Safe by the Sea Stay away from cliffs and steeply sloped beaches. Avoid climbing rocks, jetties and outcroppings. tc h e ll C re ek Do not swim in the ocean. 4 Beware of sneaker waves. Never turn your back to the ocean! Don’t stand or linger in areas with wet sand and rocks. When crossing creeks, pay close attention to the ocean. Cross as far away from the waves as possible. Do not cross if water level is above the knee. S p lit R o c k Shelter Cove Check for high swells and inclement weather warnings. How to Read A Tide Table Below you will see an example of tide predictions for Shelter Cove taken from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) website. Visit tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaa tidepredictions.html?id=9418024 and follow the steps below to plan your hike around safe tide levels. Height in feet (MLLW) The red indicates when the tides are higher than three feet. This is not a good time to hike in the impassable zones. The tide must be under three feet the entire time you are hiking in an impassable zone. The orange shows a scenario in which the tides are under three feet, but do not allow enough time to pass through a full impassable zone before the tides become deeper than three feet. The green indicates when the tide levels are receding below three feet with enough time and daylight to safely hike through an impassable zone. Hike during daylight hours only. 6.0 6.0 5.0 5.0 4.0 4.0 3.0 3.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 12 AM 7/29 3 AM 7/29 6 AM 7/29 9 AM 7/29 12 PM 7/29 Step 1: Search tide predictions for 9418024 Shelter Cove, CA. 3 PM 7/29 6 PM 7/29 12 AM 7/30 3 AM 7/30 6 AM 7/30 Options for Units 9418024 SHELTER COVE, CA Feet Step 2: Enter your anticipated entry and ending date. From: Step 3: Set threshold direction to less than or equal to (<=), and the threshold value to 3 feet. To: Step 4: Update to “Plot Daily.” This will produce a tide table for the dates you entered in Step 2. 9 PM 7/29 Jul Jul 9 AM 7/30 12 PM 7/30 Timezone 29 2021 LST/LDT Datum 30 2021 MLLW 12 Hour/24 Hour Clock 12 Hour Date Interval High/Low 3 PM 7/30 6 PM 7/30 9 PM 7/30 Threshold Direction >= Threshold Value 3 Update Plot Daily Plot Calendar Data Only 12 AM 7/31 

Birds of the King Range National Conservation Area The King Range area provides a variety of habitats for many bird species. Ocean-front habitats stretch 30 miles from south of Shelter Cove north to the Mattole River Estuary and includes rocky and sandy areas. The estuary area provides important habitat for migrating and wintering birds. Well over half of the terrestrial habitat is comprised of mixed evergreen forest of which about half has been burned or cut over. The remaining habitat types include manzanita/ceanothus, coastal prairie, and northern coastal scrub. The King Range is laced with fresh water streams which contain riparian vegetation of varying amounts and quality. These riparian areas provide important habitat requirements for numerous wildlife species. About two thirds of the terrestrial bird species depend on riparian areas to fulfill all or part of their habitat requirements. SEASON OF OCCURRENCE ABUNDANCE Sp = Spring (March-May) A = Abundant S = Summer (June-July) C = Common F = Fall (August-November) U = Uncommon W = Winter (December-February) R = Rare STATUS X = Observed/Status Unknown E = Federally listed endangered I = Irregular/Casual S = BLM listed sensitive GENERAL HABITAT PREFERENCE w = ocean water areas including the near shore ocean, Mattole River Estuary, tidal flats and beaches. f = forestlands include Douglas-fir, tanoak, madrone intermixed with deciduous and live oaks (mixed evergreen forests). g = grasslands (coastal prairie). s = scrublands include intermixed grass, shrubs and forests (northern coastal scrub). c = chaparral brushlands (manzanita/ceanothus chaparral). r = riparian habitat is comprised of freshwater streams bordered by shrubs and trees including willows, alders, maple, etc. This checklist has been prepared for visitors wishing to record birds while visiting the King Range National Conservation Area (KRNCA). Birdwatchers are encouraged to participate in gathering information to help refine our knowledge of bird life in this beautiful area. If you wish to participate, send information to Bureau of Land Management, Arcata Field Office, 1695 Heindon Road, Arcata, CA 95521-4573. BLM acknowledges Stanley W. Harris and Robert Sutherland (Woods) for their contributions to this list. Habitat Seasons Sp S F W _____ Red-throated Loon C R C C w _____ Common Loon C U C U w _____ Horned Grebe U U w Seasons Habitat Sp S F W _____ Arctic Loon C R C R w _____ Pied-billed Grebe R R X w _____ Red-necked Grebe R R w I _____ Eared Grebe X _____ Sooty Shearwater I R U w _____ Western Grebe C U C C w C C _____ Bonaparte's Gull C X C X w _____ Heermann's Gull _____ Mew Gull C X C C w _____ Ringed-billed Gull U X U _____ California Gull C U A U w _____ Herring Gull R R R w X X w X X X _____ Thayer's Gull _____ Western Gull C C C A w _____ Glaucous-winged Gull C U C C w _____ Pigeon Guillemot U U U I w _____ Black-legged Kittiwake X X X U w _____ Rhinoceros Auklet _____ Caspian Tern C C U w _____ Common Tern _____ Forster's Tern X w _____ Ancient Murrelet I X _____ Black-crowned Night Heron w _____ Common Murre C C w U w w X C w A C U w wf _____ Marbled Murrelet R R R R _____ Brown Pelican (E) U C C I w _____ Great Egret X X U U w _____ Brandt's Cormorant C C C R w _____ Pelagic Cormorant C C C C w _____ Green-backed Heron R R U I w _____ Great Blue Heron C C C C wr wr _____ Double-crested Cormorant C C C w s _____ Band-tailed Pigeon C C A C fs _____ Anna's Hummingbird C C C U csrf _____ Domestic Pigeon I _____ Mourning Dove C C U _____ Vaux's Swift C U U _____ Allen's Hummingbird C C C U csfr _____ Belted Kingfisher U U C U wr _____ Red-breasted Sapsucker U U U U frs _____ Northern Flicker C C C C frsc _____ Downy Woodpecker R R R R rsf _____ Acorn Woodpecker C C C C sfr _____ Hairy Woodpecker C C C C frs _____ Pileated Woodpecker U U U U f _____ Olive-sided Flycatcher U U fs _____ Western Wood-Peewee C C C fsr _____ Hammond's Flycatcher X fsr _____ Western Flycatcher C C C fsr _____ Black Phoebe C C C rg _____ Say's Phoebe X gs _____ Ash-throated Flycatcher C C U scr _____ Western Kingbird C C gs _____ Horned Lark X X g _____ Purple Martin R R wfsr _____ Tree Swallow C U U I wfrs _____ Cliff Swallow C C U gr _____ Violet-green Swallow C C A I wfsgr _____ Barn Swallow C C C gsr _____ Rough-winged Swallow C C U I grs f C rg _____ Stellar's Jay C C C C fs _____ Scrub Jay C C C C scrf _____ American Crow U R U U gsw _____ Common Raven C C C C fsgw _____ Turkey Vulture C C C U fgsc _____ Red-shouldered Hawk R R R R r _____ Osprey U U U R w _____ Red-tailed Hawk C C C C gscr _____ Black-shouldered Kite R R R R gs _____ Rough-legged Hawk X g ____

King Range NCA Junior Explorer Activity Book 1 3 4 2 1 Legend 1 1 Growing a Basket 2 Bear Creek Critters 3 Hidden Valley Scavenger Hunt 4 Tidepool Exploration King Range NCA Junior Explorer Activity Book Welcome, Junior Explorer! The activities in this book will help you explore King Range National Conservation Area (NCA) history and natural wonders. King Range NCA covers 68,000 acres and extends along 35 miles of the northern California coastline. Here the land was too rugged for highway building, leaving the area remote. The region is known as California’s Lost Coast. The Lost Coast attracts hikers, hunters, campers, mushroom collectors, surfers, and mountain bikers to name a few. In October 2006, Congress designated twothirds of the King Range NCA as wilderness, which makes it an extra special place. The King Range NCA is part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Conservation Lands. Work through the activities on your own or ask a sibling, friend, or parent to join you. Say the Junior Explorer pledge on page 27, sign the certificate, and you’re on your way to exploring and caring for America’s public lands. Have fun! This Activity Book Belongs To: ___________________________________________ What is a Junior Explorer? • Junior Explorers explore the environment around them. • Junior Explorers care for plants, animals and the land. • Junior Explorers encourage others to care for the land and its inhabitants. King Range NCA Junior Explorer Activity Book 1 Public Lands Belong To You! The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a federal government agency that takes care of more than 245 million acres of land. Most of these lands are in the western part of the United States. These public lands belong to all Americans. The BLM manages public lands for many uses such as recreation, supplying natural resources like minerals, providing rangeland where cattle graze, maintaining natural wildlife habitat, and studying history and science. Backpacking the Lost Coast 2 King Range NCA Junior Explorer Activity Book GROWING A BASKET how to find the BEAR CREEK NATURE TRAIL Located along Chemise Mountain Road, just 2 miles south of Shelter Cove Road between Wailaki and Nadelos campgrounds. Activity location #1 on the map. Walk along the Bear Creek Nature Trail and read the information panels with an adult. It is a great way to learn how Native Americans use the land to make baskets. Once you’ve finished reading the panels, find these plants for basketmaking, be sure to leave them in place for others to find: If you were going to make a basket, what would it look like? Design your basket. Bracken Fern Pteridium aquilinum Did you know? The roots may grow as deep as three feet. Slough Sedge Carex obnupta Did you know? It grows between 2-5 feet tall and is important food and shelter for wildlife. Red Alder Alnus rubra Did you know? It has a straight trunk and prefers to grow in a moist area. California Hazel Corylus cornuta Did you know? It grows up to 12 feet tall and has fuzzy leaves that turn yellow in the fall. Douglas Iris Iris douglasiana Did you know? It grows in clumps that get bigger every year and has purple to white flowers in the spring. King Range NCA Junior Explorer Activity Book 3 BEAR CREEK CRITTERS how to find BEAR CREEK Located along Chemise Mountain Road, just 2 miles south of Shelter Cove Road. Activity location #2 on the map. If you camp at Wailaki or Nadelos campgrounds, then Bear Creek is right outside your tent. If you’re not camping, then get your parents to take you there! You will find little critters in the creek called aquatic macroinvertebrates. These critters can be signs of water quality. Hi, I’m Sylvester the Stonefly. This is me as a child. I hear scientists call me nymph all the time. They say I go through metamorphosis, which means I change as I grow from an egg to an adult. You will find me hiding under rocks and leaves. I live in fairly clean water. Hi there! I’m Drake the Dragonfly. Yeah, those scientists are always calling me a nymph too, but I like to call myself dragonfly. They say I look a lot like an adult dragonfly. You will find me crawling around the rocks. I can live in polluted or clean water. Hello! I’m Cathy the Caddisfly. This is me as a baby or in scientific terms, a larva. I go through more stages of growth than Sylvester or Drake. I like to protect myself by making a cover with tiny rocks or sticks. You will find me attached to the bottom of large rocks. I am very sensitive to pollution. I only live in the cleaniest water. 4 King Range NCA Junior Explorer Activity Book Now that you’ve gotten to know some of the Bear Creek critters, it’s time to see if you can find a few of their friends. Be gentle with them and be sure to put them back. Plus, take a look around and see if you can observe conditions that may affect the critters. 1 Number of species found Stonefly:________________ Dragonfly:________________ Caddisfly:________

Bag limits, seasons of use, and size restriction of fish can be found on the same web site. Fisherman and Fire Wildfire can be both beneficial and devastating. It can wipe out homes and businesses as well as rejuvenate forested lands and riparian areas. It is always best to leave fire to the professionals and always make sure your campfires and burning items are completely out before you leave. Please remember to be very careful with fire. fishing accidents. Always be sure of your footing when walking or wading (and it is generally better for you and the aquatic species to stay out of the streams and rivers while fishing). Large and small wildlife (snakes and mosquitos) can Nutria be an annoyance when fishing. Be aware of your surroundings and watch where you step. Wear mosquito and bug repellant with deet to keep them from eating you alive. As always, be careful when driving to and from your secret fishing hole. When boating, always have a Quagga Mussels life vest handy (and kids under 15 must always wear a vest while in a boat per California State Law). Mother Lode Field Office (916) 941-3101 5152 Hillsdale Circle El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5713 (El Dorado Co.) freshwater/license-information. fishermen and women are injured or lose their lives in Applegate Field Office (530) 233-4666 708 W. 12th Street Alturas, CA 96101-3130 (Modoc Co.) at http://www.eregulations.com/california/fishing/ opportunity, it can be dangerous as well. Every year, Surprise Field Station (530) 279-6101 602 Cressler St. phy./ P.O. Box 460 mlg. Cedarville, CA 96104-0460 (Modoc Co.) California. A listing of those requirements may be found Eurasian Milfoil Palm Springs Field Office (760) 833-7100 1201 Bird Center Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262-8001 (Riverside Co.) Freshwater Fishing license issued by the State of Hyacinth Needles Field Office (760) 326-7000 1303 So. Hwy. 95 Needles, CA 92363-4217 (San Bernardino Co.) Even though fishing is a tremendous recreational license, you are required to possess a California Arcata Field Office (707) 825-2300 1695 Heindon Road Arcata, CA 95521-4573 (Humboldt Co.) While you are not required to have a “BLM” fishing Aquatic Invasive Species include Bakersfield Field Office (661) 391-6000 3801 Pegasus Drive Bakersfield, CA 933086837 (Kern Co.) Safety Barstow Field Office (760) 252-6000 2601 Barstow Road Barstow, CA 92311-6653 (San Bernardino Co.) License Requirement water to another. Redding Field Office (530) 224-2100 6640 Lockheed Drive Redding, CA 96002 (Shasta Co.) Never release plants, animals, or fish into water bodies. Never move fish or plants or bait from one Bishop Field Office (760) 872-5000 351 Pacu Lane, Suite 100 Bishop, CA 93514-3101 (Inyo Co.) Dry – Completely dry equipment and gear between visits to fresh water systems. Ridgecrest Field Office (760) 384-5400 300 So. Richmond Road Ridgecrest, CA 93555-4436 (Kern Co.) Drain – Empty coolers, bilge pumps, and buckets of all water before leaving a water body. Central Coast Office (831) 582-2200 940 2nd Avenue Marina, CA 93933-6009 (San Benito Co.) Clean – Rinse and remove all mud and plant materials from boats, fishing equipment, and clothing. Ukiah Field Office (707) 468-4000 2550 N. State Street Ukiah, CA 95482-5194 (Mendocino Co.) serious and irreversible harm to aquatic habitats in California if allowed to spread unchecked. Eagle Lake Field Office (530) 257-0456 2550 Riverside Drive Susanville, CA 96130-4710 (Lassen Co.) Take measures to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive plants and animals. They can cause El Centro Field Office (760) 337-4400 1661 So. 4th Street El Centro, CA 92243-4561 (Imperial Co.) Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species f you have any questions, feel free to contact ny of the following BLM offices in California: uestions? Catch and Release A large percent of California freshwater anglers are catch and release fishermen — meaning they are very careful with the fish after they catch them and they release them back to the water as quickly as possible. It is always a good thing to keep your fish in a “fish friendly” net in the water until you are ready to release it. Barbless hooks Leave No Trace How to photograph your catch Take only pictures and leave artifacts where you find them. The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 makes removal of cultural resources punishable by fines and jail time. When it’s a catch and release fish species or regulation, that creates a challenge for getting a photo of your prize catch. Remember if you’re in a catch and release scenario keep the fish in the water at all times and take the photo of you also harm fish less that barbed ones. The use of live bait holding the fish in the water. is also a detriment to catch and release fishing. Please If it’s a not catch and release and it’s a keeper then you remember, the fish you catch and release today may be can have it out of the water. the fish yo