Question 1

Can I visit the Digawututklh?

Accepted Answer

Yes! While there are no developed parking areas on the property, there are existing routes and trails that connect to other, more developed access points nearby. For example, you could hike onto the property on the Waterline Trail from either Samoa Beach Power Poles parking lot (located to the south) or the Manila Dunes Recreation Area (located to the north). Alternately, you could park on Cookhouse Road in Samoa, carefully cross New Navy Base Road, and enter the property on the dirt road just opposite Cookhouse Road. You’ll have to step over a locked gate, but there are a variety of existing forest trails that begin here.

Question 2

What kind of recreation can I do at Digawututklh?

Accepted Answer

Right now, we’re asking that people who visit the property stay on existing routes and trails, or on the open sand. Hiking and horse riding on existing trails are allowed recreational uses, consistent with how people have accessed this property in the past. OHVs, ATVs, motorized bikes, and non-motorized bikes are not allowed on the property, in order to protect sensitive resources.   Bird-watching, botanizing, exploring, connecting with the natural world, hiking, and horse-riding are all popular recreational activities that are allowed on the Samoa Dunes & Wetlands.

Question 3

Are dogs allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dogs are allowed on the property on a leash or under strict voice control. If you do walk with your dog, please make sure that your dog stays on existing routes and trails with you and does not chase wildlife. Once you are off the property and on the beach, dogs can run free!

Question 4

Can I collect mushrooms or huckleberries?

Accepted Answer

For now, collecting mushrooms or huckleberries is allowed in small quantities for personal use only, but not for commercial use. Raking of the forest floor is not allowed. Please respect our request to stay on existing trails and routes, and do not create new trails.

Question 5

Is camping allowed?

Accepted Answer

No. Camping is strictly forbidden on the Samoa Dunes & Wetlands. This area is open to public access during daylight hours only. Fires are also strictly forbidden. Following these rules is absolutely critical to the long-term protection of the property’s special habitats

Question 6

Are you going to develop more infrastructure to make this place more accessible?

Accepted Answer

No. Friends of the Dunes is only the interim landowner of this property, and we are not planning any development.

Question 7

So what is the long-term plan for this property?

Accepted Answer

Michelle Vassel, Wiyot Tribal Administrator, has stated "The Tribe has plans for ecocultural restoration, returning the land to good health through the environmental restoration of the land as well as the return of Cultural practices which are intrinsic to the health of the land as well as the people of the Tribe".

Question 8

Are there any other ways I can get involved?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We have developed a volunteer Trail Stewards program for the Samoa Dunes & Wetlands—basically, we want people who care about this land to walk the trails and be our eyes and ears. If you’re interested in becoming a Trail Steward for the Samoa Dunes and Wetlands, please contact Ryland. You can also donate to support the stewardship of this special place.

FRIENDS OF THE DUNES

Digawututklh FAQ