Fireworks will go off, but birds monitored

<p>An uneasy truce has been reached in the sea birds vs. fireworks controversy in Gualala, clearing the way for the aerial display to go ahead Friday.</p><p>But fireworks won't be set off without the risk of running afoul of state laws protecting birds.</p><p>The state Coastal Commission still believes the planners need a development permit, but will not issue a cease-and-desist order beforehand, said Bob Merrill, the commission's North Coast district director.</p><p>If the fireworks cause a significant disturbance to birds on Gualala Point Island, a mile away, the commission could hold the planners in violation and levy fines, Merrill said.</p><p>"We are not saying it is OK; we just have chosen not to issue the order," Merrill said. "We still may take up enforcement action, depending on the results."</p><p>There are said to be more than 100 nests on the island, which is under the protection of the federal Bureau of Land Management as a California Coastal National Monument.</p><p>Critics say birds were frightened from their nests by last year's fireworks display.</p><p>Rich Burns, the field manager in the bureau's Ukiah office, said data will be collected on the island's bird population before and after the fireworks show, and he is looking for bureau workers to monitor the birds during the show.</p><p>The Coastal Commission said in a letter it expects the Gualala Festival Committee to apply for a permit if it plans fireworks next year but won't try to halt this year's show.</p><p>It was a relief to Gualala officials, some of whom felt singled out, because fireworks displays elsewhere on the coast were not being challenged.</p><p>"Selecting Gualala as being fireworks-bad is what got my pantyhose in a bunch," said Jan Harris, executive director of the Redwood Coast Chamber of Commerce. "There are 11 fireworks displays up and down the coast. . . . Excuse me, don't tell me there is not wildlife in those areas."</p><p>The committee is planning a 12-minute fireworks display Friday as part of its three-day Patriot Days celebration, which includes Revolutionary War actors with muskets and cannon.</p><p>The opposition came from several Sea Ranch residents and environmental groups. They said last year's show startled birds nesting on Gualala Point Island, 100 yards off the Sea Ranch coast, and they abandoned their nests.</p><p>Opponents appeared before the Coastal Commission three weeks ago, and the commission ruled that a development permit was needed for the show. There wouldn't have been enough time to secure a permit for this year's show.</p><p>Marshall Sayegh of the festival committee said the birds didn't leave for long.</p><p>"When people complain we are disturbing the birds, I cannot disagree that it is a disturbance," he said, "but they all return to normal after 12 hours."</p><p>You can reach Staff Writer Bob Norberg at 521-5206 or bob.norberg@pressdemocrat .com.</p>