By Stacie N. Galang
The city plans to take a more hands-off approach to natural elements at the beach, including nettlesome kelp and cobble.
In a 5-1 decision, the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission approved a policy Tuesday, August 14 that would allow city workers to remove kelp primarily only in the summer and to leave the cobble as is, rather than remove it. Commissioner Steve Streger, who cast the lone no vote, said he wanted more options for cobble other than just leaving it.
“That’s just slippery rock that someone’s going to fall on,” he said.
Sharon Heider, director of Beaches, Parks and Recreation, said the city chose to leave cobble because the research had shown that it is a natural part of the ground layer.
Similarly, kelp is part of the ecosystem that feeds insects and sea life and should be left alone, she said. The city currently removes kelp on the sand in the summer and winter, and change would allow removal only in summer or if a large build up creates a problem.
Resident David Clegg said he doesn’t bring houseguests to city beaches because they’re not nice enough. He wanted the city to be more proactive about keeping the sand clean and clear for visitors.
“If rocks have to be saved, then they should cover them with sand,” he said.
