Santa Barbara Island was officially closed to visitors February
7 as the endangered brown pelicans living on the island entered
their breeding season. According to Channel Islands National Park
officials, the island was shut down because its pelican
population – which averages 400-700 nests per season – chose as its
2006 nesting site the only trail providing access from the landing
dock to the rest of the island. Park officials expect the island to
reopen for public recreation in early June.
