The corral area of the main ranch at Santa Rosa Island is now open to the public following a short-term closure that was established due to contaminated soils found in the area.
The contaminants, which were associated with historic fuel storage tanks and other features in this area, included residues of petroleum, metal, and chemical pesticides.
A risk management consultant conducted a thorough and conservative review of the environmental testing results and determined the level of contaminants in the soil at the site would not result in any adverse health effects to the visitors or employees.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we closed this small section of the main ranch area on Santa Rosa Island in mid-March,” said Channel Islands National Park Superintendent Ethan McKinley. “We are pleased to report that the area is now open to the public in time to enjoy the summer season on the island.”
