Know Before You Go
Enjoyment of nature in the Morro Bay Region is regulated by a number of government agencies. At The Birdhouse we honor the spirit and letter of regulations that protect nature and minimize disturbance. California’s dwindling wildlife and wildland resources are under intense pressure from human population growth, land development, and human activity. Please take the following rules into consideration when wildlife watching, kayaking, tidepooling, trail riding, or hiking.
California State Parks Rules and Regulations
A majority of nearby natural areas are administered by the State of California, including State Parks, Beaches, Natural Areas, and Marine Protected Areas. Violations of the regulations below are misdemeanors, with a maximum punishment of 90 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine.
CCR Section 4305: No person shall molest, hunt, disturb, harm, feed, touch, tease, or spotlight any kind of animal or fish, or so attempt, except that fish and bait may be taken in accordance with state laws and regulations.
While these regulations are very strict, a local Park Ranger has assured me that citations are only given when someone is clearly causing harm (e.g., maiming or killing) or damage (dislodging or breaking rocks).
CCR Section 4306: No person shall willfully or negligently pick, dig up, cut, mutilate, destroy, injure, disturb, move, molest, burn, or carry away any tree or plant or portion thereof, including but not limited to leaf mold, flowers, foliage, berries, fruit, grass, turf, humas, shrubs, cones, and dead wood.
An Act of the United States Congress that protects whales, seals, sea lions and sea otters. Violations are Federal offenses, with civil penalties of not more than $10,000 each.
USC 1372, Section 102: No person shall harass, hunt, capture, or kill, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal. Level A harassment is defined as any pursuit, torment, or annoyance that has the potential to injure. Level B harassment is defined as any act that has the potential to disturb (but not injure) a marine mammal by disrupting behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering.
Secure Your belongings
Unfortunately, there are occasional car break-ins at local trailheads and parking areas. With the right tool, a car window can be pulverized with a single blow. Please observe the following suggestions to reduce the chances of a break-in:
1) Do not leave valuable items in clear view within your car.
2) Do not carry expensive items in your car that you do not plan to use. Lock them up in the Birdhouse guest room.
3) Be aware of occupied or idling cars at trailheads. Linger around until you are satisfied they are hikers and not thieves.
4) Do not leave you car unattended after dark.
