Forty-seven people attended the monthly meeting of the Caspar community at the What’s a Foot Gallery. Patty Madigan, Steering Committee member, facilitated the meeting.

Following introductions of Caspar Community Steering Committee Members, Roger Sternberg, Executive Director of Mendocino Land Trust, presented information concerning the acquisition of the Caspar Beach and south riparian by the Coastal Conservancy, with management provided by the MLT.

Beach management concerns identified by MLT and those in attendance were:

1. Status of existing buildings
2. Trails – through property to the north and south
3. Fire prevention
4. Sanitation on the beach
5. Public safety
6. Law enforcement
7. Garbage & recycling
8. Protection of natural resources:
   1. Caspar & Doyle Creeks
   2. Sitka Spruce stand (southern most stand)
   3. Wildlife & plant habitat
   4. Osprey & purple martin habitat
   5. Status of beach grass/”dunes”
   6. Contracting with botanist
   7. Historic resources in Creek
   8. Potential income sources and costs
   9. Parking
   10. Pedestrian safety (dangerous “hairpin” turn)
   11. Dogs? Fires? Fireworks?
   12. Percentage of local use and visitor / tourist use
   13. Trail not used much by locals
   14. Two abandoned wells on beach
   15. Archaeological

Pat Ackley, Caspar Community Coordinator, gave a report on activities of Steering Committee, including the application process for the IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation. The attendees were asked to approve the name “Caspar Community” as the incorporated nonprofit. Motion was made, seconded, and passed.

Meridian Green, Steering Committee member, explained plans to provide emergency services in Caspar. She distributed a sign-up sheet for those to who are interested in participating in the planning process.

Michael Potts, Steering Committee member, gave a report outlining the various events and fundraisers currently scheduled to take place in and for Caspar during 1999. They included:

• March 6th: Gorse Grubbers Ball
• March 13th: Gorse Workshop
• March 14th: Community Meeting. Topic: The Plan and Acquisition
• April 11th: Community Meeting. Topic: Headlands and Preserve
• May 9th: Community Meeting. Topic: Second Annual Meeting
• July 4th: Independence Day Beach Party
• October 8th, 9th, 10th: Gorse Festival
• October 31st: Hallowen Parade
• December 31st: “Y2K Me Worry? New Year’s Eve Party

Attendance: 47

submitted by Pat Ackley