LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Robert Jamgochian- Sauna Concession has No Business in Big River SMCA!
DEAR EDITOR:
So easily we forget that in 2010, the Big River Estuary was
placed into a State Marine Conservation area (SMCA). Big River SMCA was
created to protect the fragile estuary ecosystem, wildlife, and the
natural beauty of the coastline. State Parks has allowed a sauna
concession to operate, located right in the middle of our spectacular and
extraordinary estuary. Right across from the concession on the other
side of the estuary, not more than 40 yards, is a year-round haul-out area
for seals to rest and give birth to their young during spring. Off a
little further are Osprey and Great Blue Heron nesting areas. Smoke
associated with sauna activity will disrupt wildlife and the natural
experience sought by hikers, swimmers, kayakers, birdwatchers, and
families on the beach. Operating three days a week from 7am to sunset
and on weekend events, this wood-fired sauna burns fuel, releasing smoke,
fine particulates, and greenhouse gases directly into the protected
coastal environment. It creates a constant commercial presence in what
should remain a quiet refuge — it is a commercial intrusion into a State
Marine Conservation Area. It is common sense that introducing a
commercial, wood-burning sauna fundamentally conflicts with the purpose
of a Marine Protected Area.
The CA Dept. of State Parks is entrusted
with the stewardship of Big River MPA. But instead of prioritizing
ecological health and preservation, State Parks is transforming the
sanctuary into a commercialized attraction. State parks and conservation
areas are places of reflection, healing, and cultural connection. True
wellness in a park comes from immersion in nature itself—clean air, wild
beauty, silence—not from a paid service that degrades the very setting
it depends upon. If a smoky wood-fired sauna can operate here, what
stops future proposals for concessions like juice bars, rental cabanas,
or spas? Each exception chips away at the integrity of a conservation
area until it is no longer a refuge, but another commercialized
attraction. We must keep conservation areas true to their mission:
places where nature comes first, not profit. State Parks Public Comment
is open until October 30th. Please send your comments to:
SonomaMendocinoCoastDistrictInfo@parks.ca.gov
Respectfully, Robert Jamgochian
Biologist
Robert, your exaggerated claims about sauna smoke and rigid views on how others should enjoy nature exemplify the kind of inflexible thinking that alienates people from genuine environmentalism.
By your logic, perhaps your paddling and kayaking create excessive noise disturbances for wildlife and should be restricted. Perhaps surfing scares the sealife and should be banned at the river mouth? Or maybe your non-native plant nursery bordering Mendocino Headlands Park—which may disrupt native pollinators—ought to be shut down.
Sauna is a time-honored, globally cherished tradition that promotes community, wellbeing, and a deeper connection to the environment. We can do this responsibly—by reserving limited operations for locally run businesses and managing it in a way that benefits the entire community. The profits can and should go to the Parks of Mendocino.
Brandon Esenther MD
UC Certified California Naturalist