Channel Islands National Park
Who's Who at the Park
Channel Islands Naturalist Corps
Channel Islands Naturalist Corps (CINC) is a group of specially trained volunteers dedicated to educating visitors to Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and Channel Islands National Park. Members provide education about the unique resources found within the sanctuary and park to thousands of local residents, tourists, and school children annually. CINC volunteers also participate in numerous local outreach events and collect valuable research on marine mammals and other important sanctuary and park resources.
Volunteers accepted into the program are specially trained in a 5-week training class with topics including sanctuary and park resource protection programs, interpretation techniques, and an overview of the physical, biological, and cultural aspects of the Santa Barbara Channel and Channel Islands.
During the first year of service, CINC volunteers represent the sanctuary and park on board local whale watch vessels and educational cruises. After one year of service, additional training opportunities are available to become certified to lead island hikes. Get involved in your sanctuary and park to help protect the ocean and islands through education and research.
Volunteer requirements include: 1) being at least 18 years of age; 2) enjoying working with people (strong public speaking skills desired); 3) knowledge of, or desire to learn about, the natural and cultural history of the Santa Barbara Channel and Channel Islands; 4) attending the required training and professional development sessions; 5) committing to one year of volunteer service with a minimum of 8 hours per month in the field and 3 hours per month at volunteer meetings; and 6) ability to handle up to 8 hours at sea on power and/or sailing vessels.
For information about our upcoming volunteer orientation and training classes programs please call (805) 382-6149.
Contact Public Affairs
Mail
Channel Islands National Park
1901 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA 93001
Attn: Public Information Officer
Phone
(805) 658-5725
Our Partners
Partners in Preservation
The park has many partners that assist in preserving and protecting the Channel Islands. Together, we are a bulwark for cultural and biological diversity, preserving the islands' history and prehistory, and protecting vital habitat for scores of marine and terrestrial plant and animal species. In addition, we provide for the enjoyment of these resources in such a manner that will leave them unimpaired for future generations.
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
In 1980, a 1,252-square-nautical-mile portion of the Santa Barbara Channel was given special protected status with the designation of Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary is an area of national significance because of its exceptional natural beauty and resources. It encompasses the waters that surround Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara Islands, extending from mean high tide to six nautical miles off shore around each of the five islands. The sanctuary's primary goal is the protection of the natural and cultural resources contained within its boundaries.
The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy preserves the plants, animals, and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. The Nature Conservancy owns and manages the western 76 percent of Santa Cruz Island.
Western National Parks Association
Western National Parks Association promotes preservation of the National Park System and its resources by creating greater public appreciation through education, interpretation, and research.
Island Packers
Public boat transportation is available year-round to all five islands by this park concessionaire.
Truth Aquatics
Public boat transportation is available year-round to all five islands by this park concessionaire.
Channel Islands Aviation
Public air transportation is available year-round to Santa Rosa Island by this park concessionaire.
California Department of Fish and Game
The California Department of Fish and Game has jurisdiction and management over the living marine resources in the water column and sea bed surrounding the park islands, starting at the mean high tide. In particular, commercial and sport fishing are regulated by the agency.
The U.S. Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard (Department of Homeland Security) retains rights to install and maintain aids to navigation on the park's islands for placement of aids to navigation. The National Park Service uses and maintains the structure that was formerly part of the U.S. Coast Guard station on East Anacapa. Among its many responsibilities, the Coast Guard enforces regulations related to vessel safety and ocean dumping, oversees oil spill cleanups, and provides emergency services to boaters.
U.S. Navy (Department of Defense)
U.S. Navy (Department of Defense) owns San Miguel Island and associated Prince Island. The National Park Service manages the San Miguel Island under a memorandum of understanding. Although day-to-day management and protection of the island rest with the park staff, military activities can take precedence over other uses. In addition, the U.S. Navy has a lease from The Nature Conservancy at the radar site on Santa Cruz. Use and management of the bunkhouse facility and utility systems is accomplished through an interagency agreement between the U.S. Navy and the National Park Service.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Geological Service, Western Ecological Research Center, Channel Islands Field Station
NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries Service)
Los Padres National Forest
California Institute for Environmental Studies, UC Davis
UC Santa Barbara
Institute for Wildlife Studies
Point Reyes Bird Observatory
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens
Santa Barbara Zoo
Santa Cruz Island Foundation
Coastal Maritime Archaeology Resources (CMAR)
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians
City of Santa Barbara
City of Ventura and the Ventura Port District
City of Oxnard
Ventura Visitor and Convention Bureau
Oxnard Visitor and Convention Bureau
Santa Barbara Visitor and Convention Bureau
Cooperating Association
Western National Parks Association
The Western National Parks Association promotes preservation of the National Park System and its resources by creating great public appreciation through education, interpretation, and research.
Channel Islands In Depth
News from the Parks
Rainier Landmark Meets Wrecking Ball
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
New River Gorge National River Celebrates 30th Anniversary
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
Park to Go with 720 Sleds per Day
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
Falling Boulders Endanger Lives at Yosemite
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
Interior and Energy Team-up to Make National Parks “Green”
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
