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Point Reyes National SeashoreLimantour Spit and Drakes Bay as seen from Inverness Ridge
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Point Reyes National Seashore
Management

The National Parks in this country have been admired by Americans for over a hundred years as symbols of wildness, beauty, exalted scenery, and our rich history. Full of majestic scenery and bountiful history, Point Reyes lives up to this image and symbol. Point Reyes is truly a spectacular part of America. Although only 100 square miles in size, Point Reyes has vast cultural and natural diversity awaiting your exploration.

On September 13, 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed legislation passed by the Congress establishing Point Reyes National Seashore in order "to save and preserve, for purposes of public recreation, benefit, and inspiration, a portion of the diminishing seashore of the United States that remains undeveloped." (Public Law 87-657)

While enjoying their experience at Point Reyes National Seashore, visitors rarely consider what operating a national park entails. Some visitors may stop by a Visitor Center for assistance in planning their visit, may attend a ranger-led program, or may encounter a ranger out on patrol or a trail crew maintaining a trail, but many do not see the management and support personnel who are essential to the operation of the park. 

In this section, you can find information on much of the "behind-the-scenes" operation of Point Reyes National Seashore.

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Harbor Seal Pup, © Sue Van Der Wal  

Did You Know?
Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) are present in the waters of Point Reyes year round. Every spring, approximately 7,000 harbor seals, or 20% of the mainland California breeding population, haul out on the beaches of Point Reyes. Look for them in the esteros and in Tomales Bay and Bolinas Lagoon.

Last Updated: September 18, 2006 at 10:58 EST