Page 13 - Sonoma County Gazette August 2019
P. 13

ROCKS cont’d from page 12
  As I walked further around the rocks that day, I came across two men. As I neared them, I realized they were using tools on the rocks. They said it was to make hand and foot holds to climb the rocks. Were they really?
There are plenty of natural holds to climb the rocks so no new ones were needed. Alarms went off in me. I shared my love for the rock, the Mammoth Rub theory and the importance of not damaging the area in any way.
Many are aware of the coastal “Succulent Poachers” who steal succulents from the coastal crags in the rocks and sell them abroad. Discussions ensued regarding making this public.
Would more people now steal more of them or would the coastal visitors now help to police the succulents. All those eyes watching and protecting has been successful.
    Can these watchful eyes preserve the Mammoth Rub Rocks?
On another day, I came across a couple closely studying the glossy, mammoth rub area. They shared they had bought some so called ‘Woolly Mammoth” rubbing rock pieces on the internet and were there trying to determine if they were real. After close examination, they most likely had been scammed. Some say letting everyone know about the theory of the rubbing rocks will cause more damage.
The cat is already out of the bag as the world already knows.
How do we educate people & protect the rocks for the future?
Cea Higgins, Executive Director of Coastwalk states “Education is our best opportunity for preserving this amazing archaeological resource. Interpretive panels that explain Mammoth Rocks significance, and list what visitors should do, and not do, would be one step to ensure that the site would be protected for future generations to learn from and enjoy”.
Is the current solution to put up interpretive panels (story boards) along the paths leading to the rocks?
Will educating the visitors help them fall in love and care for the area?
If you see illegal activity along the coast, please call California
  Stewards of the Coast & Redwoods Executive Director, Michele Luna, shared they have worked with the climbing community who are very supportive of helping protect the area. Over the years there have been attempts to educate the public about their significance and encouraged positive stewardship.
State Parks office in Bodega Bay at (707) 875-3483 to report. If you are interested in helping work on an educational program including
approval and development of Interpretive panels or becoming a Docent, please send me an email at pgino519@yahoo.com.
Stewards of the Coast & Redwoods would be happy to again support a docent program at the site if there is interest! We hope to hear from you!
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