Bald eagles dive for fish before your eyes at Neawanna Point, a North Coast Land Conservancy habitat reserve that includes about 20 acres of marsh, grassland, and upland forest on the edge of the beautiful Necanicum Estuary at the north end of Seaside. The marsh here provides essential habitat for deer and elk as well as salmon and other creatures that live in and pass through the estuary and is very sensitive to disturbance. Although the marsh has never been open to the public, in recent years people have begun fishing, crabbing and picnicking on the marsh, to the point where the edge of the marsh has been trampled free of vegetation. This is causing erosion, which degrades the site’s value to native wildlife and damages the very values that make it such a wonderful public resource.
Beginning this summer, the marsh at Neawanna Point will be closed for habitat rehabilitation. The grassy lawn between the marsh and Highway 101 is still open to the public and affords amazing views of the estuary, river and wildlife. People and their dogs, however, are not allowed on the marshlands at Neawanna Point.
Alternative places to fish and crab include nearby bridges, many of which have been designed with wide places where anglers can stand. For picnicking and dog-walking, Ecola State Park and the state’s widest beach are both just minutes away. Only the marsh beyond the wooden fence at Neawanna Point is closed to the public; the grassy area (owned by the City of Seaside and North Coast Land Conservancy together) is still open to the public.
Thank you for recognizing and helping to protect this special place.
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