Point Sal

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Point Sal is a sand dune rocky promontory, located on the western terminus of the east-west trending Point Sal Ridge in northern Santa Barbara County, California. Named by explorer George Vancouver in 1792 for Hermenegildo Sal, at that time commandant of San Francisco, it is a 77-acre promontory on the coast of northern Santa Barbara County near the north end of Vandenberg Air Force Base. It is a a fragile area, with sandy soil and a unique blend of wildlife. Sea lions, mussels and deer can be found just yards from one another. Threatened or endangered species such as the peregrine falcon, California brown pelican, California least tern, southern sea otter and California gray whale are regulars at Point Sal.

The area is also a unique meeting point and transition zone for tidepool life and plant life common to the north and south coasts of California. The area is sensitive for cultural resources and geologic values and is listed by BLM as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

Point Sal has been aptly described as "one of the most picturesque points in the county of Santa Barbara" (California Coastal Commission).

www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/bakersfield/Programs/Recreation...