Fort Bragg Glass Beach

by David (editor)
(Bow WA)

Use this map to leave MacKerricher Park and find lots of sea glass to take home.

Use this map to leave MacKerricher Park and find lots of sea glass to take home.

Fort Bragg Glass Beach, California Sea Glass

Have you heard about Fort Bragg Glass Beach? Where is it? Can anyone collect sea glass there? Is there still beach glass at Fort Bragg?

FORT BRAGG glass beach

What is Fort Bragg, Anyway?

Fort Bragg is a city on the coast of Mendocino County, California. It is north of San Francisco along the Pacific Coast Highway, which runs from near Tijuana, Mexico all the way up the coast of California. - Check out Fort Bragg hotels recommended by travelers.

Fort Bragg was a fort for many years stemming from way back in the history of California. Now it's well known to many folks because the people in that town were so ecologically brown.

Well, you know what I mean, they weren't green, eco-conscious, environmentally aware.

They dumped their trash over the bluffs right onto the beach; a lot of it for many years.

Now, however, we like them a lot.

Fort Bragg Glass Beach
Fort Bragg Glass Beach July 2, 2009
Photo courtesy of thorson_family


What Happened at Fort Bragg Beach Dumps?

The land was owned by the Union Lumber Company, and locals called it "The Dumps."

In 1967, green city leaders closed the area dumps and various cleanup programs were brought on through the years to fix the damage.

More eco-friendly methods of disposing their trash were adopted.

What happened at "The Dumps"?

For over 30 years, the pounding waves washed the trash up and down, back and forth, until it was worn down to nothing...except for the glass.

What was left of the discarded glass became small, smooth, colored pieces of "sea glass" that coat the beach today.

Well, there still is an amazing amount left, as we have personally seen on our trips to Fort Bragg.

Many of you have commented on Fort Bragg Glass Beach and sent in photos. It was also featured in a popular CNN article.

A few years ago, the main site was taken over by the California States Park Department as part of MacKerricher State Park (CA).

There were rumors that sea glass could no longer be taken away from the Park beaches.

On our first two trips to Glass Beach, Fort Bragg in 2009, we didn't see any signs prohibiting taking sea glass on any trails in MacKerricher Park. We took a select few pieces, perhaps a couple of handfuls.

On our third trip in 2013, there was
a warning sign posted by the Park. This time, however, we took the path to the south, which skirts the private property fence and takes you off of MacKerricher Park property.

Not only could we take some of the glass without feeling guilty, there was so much more of it than on the Park beaches.

Glass Beach Fort Bragg
A typical bent-over view of glass shards at Glass Beach, Fort Bragg, July 5, 2009
Photo courtesy of soupstance

Legal or Illegal or ... What ?

But is it illegal to take the glass? Or is it highly discouraged by the Parks Department?

Well, a while ago, on our Northern California list of beaches, we had added this blurb:

"Fort Bragg, CA - Sea Glass Beach - (We previously posted that this beach now prohibited collecting sea glass. However, the only "official" State Park information we can find was a second-hand statement that it is "discouraged." One of our contributors also reported this information and we asked her to see if she could get a copy of exactly what IS the story. We are waiting for more definitive information, as we don't want to mislead anyone.) Also, there are beaches in the vicinity, that are really good and clearly open to collecting.."
Fort Bragg Hotels
Check out recommended Fort Bragg hotels.

A lot of information has come in as a result of that initial statement.

In fact read all the following notes we have received from others (click or tap on the comments link below).  They are listed with the newest comments first.

NEW recent update. This needs confirmation from someone living in Fort Bragg or a very recent visitor:

"December 26, 2016

Ft Bragg one Closed Beach due to stairs

In October we could climb down stairs that were really dangerously steep almost like a ladder. Loads of glass wide beach.

Now only the beach to the right at end of Elm is accessible. There is a solid high fence around the entire access to the glass beach when you go left along the cliffs at the end of Elm Street.

Glass...spark plugs...sinks embedded in beachfront tidepools...an interesting place."


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Comments for Fort Bragg Glass Beach

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Jul 01, 2020
 Fort Bragg Sea Glass Museum New Address
by: Captain Cass

Hi Guys, it is Cass from the Sea Glass Museum. Just to let you know I am moving the museum and beginning 2/28 the address will be: 303 N. Main St., Suite F, Fort Bragg, CA 95437. Thanks Cass
Sep 03, 2019
 Still LOTS of SEA GLASS
by: Anonymous

I was at FBGB in early APRIL 2019 and it was AMAZING! I sat along the waters edge on one of the larger rocks & was AMAZED at the variety of glass colors & shapes. It was an overcast day after a swell and the beach was covered w/ glass. Take a scoop or stick & dig a little & you’ll be amazed at how deep it goes. I could have spent the whole day there, but the rain came in & made me leave. There are 2 beaches at the end of the parking are & both had LOTS OF SEA GLASS.
Apr 06, 2019
 sea glass beach...2019
by: Brandie W

Me and my family got back fro SGB and it was AMAZING. I've been wanting to go there for a LONG time and it wasn't a disappointment. though the farthest 2 beaches were closed, looks like the steps (the accessibility) was gone due to ocean erosion. that was a bummer. but the one to the right of the parking lot was still amazing.
Jun 10, 2018
 Demand Is Bigger Than The Supply
by: Bud Evans

The sea glass won't last for ever because the people who threw their garbage into the ocean have stopped doing it.

When a handful of locals put it there and people from all around the world are coming to clean it up that is a good thing, we have to remember garbage in garbage out garbage gone.

I see it as a beach free of man made waste and it didn't cost America a penny to clean it up.

It amazes me when I see what can be accomplished when a small group of people set their mind on all doing the same thing at their own pace in a short period of time.

A big Thank You to all who assisted in this voluntary clean up.
Mar 14, 2018
 February 2018
by: Kathleen

The stairs are gone and it was a scramble to get down to the first beach to the right. Not a lot to pick up, I saw actual sand instead of seaglass. A native FB man told me to head down further south to where the cement building is and go down the trail....the trail is dangerous, luckily my husband helped me down. Lots of glass to pick up but not as large and not as easily as years ago. There is of course tons of white green and brown but over a whole afternoon I found cobalt blue, cornflower blue, small reds, a small orange, pink , purple, lavender, seafoam green and blue , amber and every shade of green...TWO marbles and a carbon rod.
Sep 29, 2017
 Here's the deal!!!
by: Local FB

Hello ya'll. So i was born and raised in Fort Bragg and im still around. I Never even been to the Right side of Glass Beach or "Mackerricher" side. I always went left. But they got signs posted "DO NOT TAKE THE GLASS" !! :).

ALSO word on the street its a $500 fine if they catch you and then they ban you from park. But thats just hearsay. I have no clue if its true or not.

Also someone said they guard it "like Fort Knox". LOL. The small town has to survive somehow. I guess its using the sea glass to do so.

But in about 50 years give or take the glass will be the size of grains of sand. Nothing.

So if u go just dont be taking back pack full of glass. Just grab a few pieces or a palm full. Do it quick and fast. LOL. HAHAHAHA YOLO!!!
Sep 25, 2017
 Glass beach question
by: Cameron

I was recently at glass beach and was amazed to see large masses of what looked like steel mill slag protruding from parts of the beach and some of the cliff.

Even stranger was the fact that other extraneous material was embedd in this material.... such as old metal parts, what appeared to be a mass of native copper, and an old spark plug.

Anyone know what this material is, and where it came from?????
Sep 15, 2017
 Glass Beach #1
by: NP

Beach One is still closed as of 15 Sep 2017. It is fenced off and there are no stairs any more. The beach itself, looking from above, appears to be missing so much glass where you can actually see sand on the beach.

I was last here in Fort Bragg May 2016 and there was a plethora of glass. It looks like 80% of the glass is gone. The tree trunks in the sand have been moved around, as well.

Is the lack of glass due to hoarding or were there winter storms that washed the glass away?
Jul 01, 2017
 Where CAN I pick up glass near Fort Bragg?
by: Chris

We are going to Glass Beach in Fort Bragg in a month to look and take pictures. My understanding is you cannot take glass from the beach.

Is there a public beach/accessible spot within several miles of glass beach that one can find sea glass regularly that is legal to take?

I am from a landlocked state who loves to find glass when I am at the coast

Jun 05, 2017
 Unbelievable!!!
by: Scroozy, San Diego, CA

We, as in Human's, have done catastrophic damage to our oceans. Dumping trash into the ocean was not the best idea our ancestors could have had, but it happened and we are learning from their mistakes. All we can do now is be more conscious and fix the damage that we have done.

That being said, collecting Sea Glass off our beaches is a good thing.

For one, we are cleaning "Trash" off the beaches. It's not indigenous to our oceans/beaches.

Reason #2, we are preserving the "History" of "The Dump", (remember this was a place where the residents of the Community threw everything they didn't want into the water with no regret on how it would affect our ecosystem). Preserving the History of this dump site is done by art. Taking such an ugly past and using it to create such beautiful art Work is truly amazing.

As far as I'm concerned, the beach is not owned by anyone.

Keep in mind, people that hoard the glass by the bucket and probably not do anything with it, quit being pigs and ruining it for everyone else. Just be mindful of the locals and most definitely THE WILDLIFE❣️
Dec 28, 2016
 Ft Bragg one Closed Beach due to stairs
by: Anonymous

December 26, 2016

Ft Bragg one Closed Beach due to stairs

In October we could climb down stairs that were really dangerously steep almost like a ladder. Loads of glass wide beach.

Now only the beach to the right at end of Elm is accessible. There is a solid high fence around the entire access to the glass beach when you go left along the cliffs at the end of Elm Street.

Glass...spark plugs...sinks embedded in beachfront tidepools...an interesting place.
Sep 03, 2016
 Read the posted signs.
by: Anonymous

The signs state that it is illegal to remove anything, that includes glass, rocks, etc., from the Fort Bragg State Park.

I was appalled to see locals as well as out-of-towners with large buckets, backpacks and large plastic bags, removing tons of glass from the beach.

We had planned out trip from Florida to see this beach for a second time and it was barren of glass. People were scooping up every last bit of glass.

REALLY??? What is really going to happen to it once the novelty wears off and you end up dumping it. You have stolen from all those people who wish to go.

hat gives you the right to think that you are special and the law does not apply to you. I am appalled at the people who think they can walk away with buckets of this glass.

When I inquired of one woman, she said she collects the glass and sells it to the local jewelry makers. Well, if I was going to purchase a piece of jewelry from the local jewelry maker, you can rest assured that I am not purchasing anything from anyone in that town.

In fact, we were so appalled with what we saw that we will never go back.

Thank you you selfish people.
Aug 12, 2016
 Fort Bragg Ordinance # 915
by: Valerie

1. ORD #915 Preservation of Parks. was approved on 13 Jul 2015 - it states below:


The City Ordinances Section 1. Legislative Findings. The City Council hereby finds as follows:

1. Prohibition of trespass into rare plant areas will protect important biological communities from damage and destruction in accordance with the City’s Coastal General Plan; and

2. Prohibition of the removal of beach glass from the City’s glass beaches will preserve this historic resource for future generations of residents and tourists to admire and enjoy; and
Jul 14, 2016
 RUNNING OUT of GLASS - My Favorite Fort Bragg
by: Simone

I went one year ago in 2015.

I was told and read the signs about not taking glass. I scoffed at it, and went about collecting.

I have been there throughout the years..IT IS TRUE
FORT BRAGG is very low on Sea Glass, and if you stop collecting there, they say, more may surface as time goes on.

There are beaches around, not as easy to access, however they have glass, plate pieces, etc.

If people continue to take glass I was told they will seed it with fake glass......I personally want the real thing.

Smiles!!
May 30, 2016
 Hi Capt. Cass Of International Sea Glass Museum
by: Nancy From Auburn, CA

Hi Capt. Cass,

I and my family went to Ft Bragg yesterday. We came by your Museum, you were just leaving for lunch, we had our little Chihuahua with us, and a little purple Honda Fit.

Anyway, we loved your museum and gift shop.

Wished we could have met you. Got some great info. and love what you have written here, Great info!!!

This site is very helpful, wish we knew about things before going to Fort Bragg. We'll know more for next time!

Thank you for everything!
May 09, 2016
 Treasure or Trash?
by: Mary

I just visited Glass Beach and am conflicted.

People dumping trash for years there has had the unintended 'consequence' of glass being washed up on the beach.

Undeniably it is beautiful, though I have heard and read it was much more beautiful in the past.

People travel the world to see the glass on the beach. I was no different. I visited, picking up only a handful of colors I was looking for, finding out only later, after stopping at a shop in town, that it is evidently illegal to take the glass.

An employee at the shop told us the shop owner retrieves glass from recycling receptacles, tumbles it in a rock tumbler, and sells it in small baggies, for visitors to buy and throw back in the ocean.

While an interesting idea to keep the beach full of glass, I'm fairly sure the EPA would frown on this activity. I understand why the town wants to protect the area, but not sure I agree with this method.

On a sidenote, to collectors who visit there, BE MINDFUL OF THE TIDE!! It sweeps in quickly, and with all the rocks and strong surf, it can be life-threatening! Use CAUTION!
May 02, 2016
 Stop taking the Glass!!!
by: Tamberie

Today we went to glass beach in Fort Bragg....to say my heart is broken, I'm devastated at what has happened to Glass beach, so full of beauty of thalassemia from the old dump....GONE, picked over and taken away by people. This has been so full of glass be entire life. Last year they opened a trail with paved walkways, parking and restrooms. This has brought tourist in to pick the beach clean. I am so sad! Part of my childhood gone😢
Apr 21, 2016
 "A-hole collectors...ruined this beach..." *seriously* mg? "ruined"?
by: Wendell the manatee

@mg: In case you were unaware, that glass is *trash*. IT (not "A-hole collectors") is what has destroyed that beach. The glass doesn't *belong* there. Nature is slowly grinding it away via wave action combined with the grit of the sand. All these "A-hole collectors" are doing is hastening and aiding nature's work! Sure, that might not be *why* they do it, but that's truly the height of irrelevance. The point is, it's impossible to "destroy" a beach by removing the foreign matter that was deposited there as trash! Just because it's pretty now doesn't mean it's any more natural, or that it belongs there! It *doesn't* belong there. It's an unnatural, destructive alteration to the beach! Please get over yourself and find something more meaningful to do than complain about people removing trash from a beach that *your* ancestors (I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt and assuming you are a native...otherwise your comment was not only amazingly ignorant, but spectacularly arrogant as well) littered and destroyed with their trash in the first place. Be well. Also "MEEEWOOO HOOOOOOOOON!" *gracefully swims away, like the magnificent sea-cow he is* :-) (Look up "manatee". Trust me, they rock)
Apr 17, 2016
 Reference to City Ordinance
by: Anonymous

The link that Anonymous posted (post entitled "City Ordinance") is not working. Can the original writer please correct it?
Feb 27, 2016
 City Ordinance
by: Anonymous

We just came across this page online this morning.
It says this ordinance has been in effect since August 12, 2015

ORDINANCE NO. 915-2015

href="https://cityfortbragg.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=3853053&GUID=8B01DD5B-FE2F-41F1-B186-A308673531B3"
target="_blank">https://cityfortbragg.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=3853053&GUID=8B01DD5B-FE2F-41F1-B186-A308673531B3
Feb 21, 2016
 looks like crap now
by: mg

Glass beach in Fort Bragg is disappearing, now with big bald spots where glass used to be. All coastal beaches that I've been to have clear signage that prohibits taking anything away from the beaches. A-hole collectors come in with their big buckets and have destroyed that beach. There was signs up 10 years ago at Glass Beach that said not to take the glass. Shame on you for encouraging people to come take glass from here. I think they should just close it off.
Feb 05, 2016
 "WHAT ME WORRY?"
by: Anonymous

Glass Beach -

Seriously folks.....If this was the worst thing in our oceans to worry about, we would be in pretty good shape.

I cannot believe with all the atrocities that are happening in our oceans, to our cetaceans, what is getting dumped, slaughtered, incidental kills, nuclear run off, and on and on and on... that this glass has caught your eye as such a problem...

"Some Folks worry about the lumps in the oatmeal, instead of the lumps in the breast...."

That's what you call, an analogy... ::sigh::
Oct 14, 2015
 An Update - and a Couple of Comments
by: Tammy

The following comments are based on information I have gathered and my Glass Beach related experiences over the last nine years:

In response to the comment by Anonymous, "Angry" I don't know how long it has been since you have actually visited Glass Beach, but I am pretty sure that it has been many years, possibly decades, since any section of Glass Beach has been a "Best kept secret...known only to locals."

Furthermore, beaches and other navigable waterways are public domain so that everyone may enjoy and have access to these wonderful gifts from Nature.

I would also like to mention that I fully agree with Jake's comment regarding the reason for the noticeable decline in quantity and size of the pieces currently found at Glass Beach.

We humans seem to spend an inordinate amount of time and energy trying to keep things from changing. I feel that this is largely due to our industrialized and denatured culture.

If our belief in what constitutes "value" and the way that we live were still derived from a sense of harmony with nature, I think we would honor and embrace change rather than fear it.

Now for the update...Fort Bragg's City Council adopted an ordinance (in June or July I think) that declares collecting sea glass from Glass Beach a "prohibited" activity.

Personally, I would definitely push the issue and argue a citation (for which there was no applicable violation code as of last year) as sea glass is not registered as an artifact of any kind and therefore receives no protection under the law. And again, the beach from the high tide mark out is public domain, where people's rights to enjoy the ocean's shores are protected.

"You did not come "into" this world. You came out of it, like a wave from the ocean. You are not a stranger here." ~ Alan Watts
Sep 30, 2015
 Visiting Fort Bragg
by: Beverley Conley

I was visiting California last month and spent several days at the glass beach at Ft Bragg.

I have been to the glass beach maybe four times but this year was a disappointment.

The glass is being depleted rapidly.
You will find white brown and green glass and little very little of anything else.

A drastic change from last year. I don't think I will bother going back again.
Sep 28, 2015
 Tiny pieces
by: Molly

We went straight from the main path and down the cliffs.

We only found small pieces, mostly white and brown.

We did not go down the left side where there are stairs.
Sep 22, 2015
 Angry
by: Anonymous

Is it bad that I'm almost infuriated that you posted this secret location for the public, folks in the business of making sea glass jewelry and tourists to see?

People will be greedy, coming with buckets, in a few years I'll be unable to take my children to this secret place known only to locals, and have it hold the same magic.

I've logged many hundreds of hours digging through the glass here to walk away with only a couple pieces, doing it mostly for therapeutic reasons.

I feel like you've taken part in destroying my childhood sanctuary.

I'm sad.
Sep 21, 2015
 Sea Glass will Disappear Naturally
by: Jake

The sea glass at Glass Beach is smaller than it used to be.

This is because it has been tumbling around in the surf getting worn away ever since it was dumped and it is probably 1/3 the original size.

It is getting smaller every year, folks, and will continue to do so even if no one picks it up.

It has naturally worn away by the waves. The longer it remains on the beach, the smaller it gets.

Future generations will not enjoy it because it will become the size of sand in a few more years.
Sep 19, 2015
 Do not distribute
by: Anonymous

I hope to visit this beach one day.

I love collecting beach glass. I am torn between collecting buckets and taking as much of it home with me as I can or just leaving it alone to be considered one of the wonders of the world.

We humans always have to have it all, destroying the natural beauty of the world God created.

Yes it was garbage at one time but nature turned it into a treasure. Go see it , take nothing but a picture and leave nothing but a footprint
Apr 27, 2015
 No, Not Crazy
by: Cass

No birds or other creatures eat the glass.

It has, rather, created the richest marine environment in at least northern California.

This is due to the minerals released into the environment as the glass and pottery dissolve.

Each color comes from a different mineral and glass is clarified with magnesium or selenium. It is also made with soda, lime and silica.

All these minerals form the basis of the food chain.

Right now all the glass that can't be recycled at the recycling center is trucked out to a landfill in Sparks, NV.

That is a huge environmental and economic cost considering it can just be safely recycled through our beaches.

It only has to be tumbled for about 12 hours to make it safe to put on the beaches.
Apr 27, 2015
 Are you all crazy?
by: Anonymous

I think this looks amazing, in the fact that many years of polluting the ocean and sea life ended up with this beautiful glass.

But all the talk of replacing the glass is ludicrous. This is not nature, it is garbage. Birds eat it, other animals eat it and what happens to them? They die!

Best thing to do is get it off the beach, enjoy it people, take it home, it's a rare find, but it doesn't belong on the beach.
Mar 24, 2015
 Yup there are conflicting warnings...
by: Anonymous

I have collected glass and other "junque" off Glass Beach for years. Not lately though...in 2013 we were "warned" by a shop owner that it was illegal. Checking signs in the parking lot (pre-trail construction) we understood it was discouraged.

So...a very nice local lady explained if we collected south of the big drain pipe we were good to go. We (Pre-trail)hiked down before sunset last summer and I found an amazing spark plug just laying in a tide pool with a couple of pieces of Coca Cola glass. They are now a very nice pendant!

The beaches in proximity to Fort Bragg, all the way down to Big River have sea glass in varying quantities. You just have to be looking!

It's a great place to relax.

We live farther north in Humboldt and come down to Mendocino for 'warmer' weather.
Mar 04, 2015
 Coastal Trail is open
by: Cass

The new coastal trail is open and Site 1 can be walked to now.

They also put down steps to Site 2, but they are closed as the bottom steps washed out during the first storm that hit after their completion.

It is now possible to walk all the way from Glass Beach, Site 3, to Sodier Bay (Fort Bragg Landing) in the center of town.
Sep 24, 2014
 Throwing Stuff Offshore Is Not Good
by: Cass

I'm glad you enjoyed the beaches and tried to do good. I own the Sea Glass Museum.

Please, people, do not throw stuff offshore in Fort Bragg.

The reason we have so much is that nothing washes IN or OUT here.

If you throw stuff offshore, off of the beach, below the low water mark, it will never, ever, come in.

If you want to keep it on the beach to ripen and cook, just bury it in the sand.

Again, glad you enjoyed yourself, and thanks for thinking of the beach.

We just don't want folks throwing stuff out into the marine environment off of the beaches.

Also, please do not put sharp glass on the beaches. It is very dangerous.

Quite a few people have put beads, marbles and the like on the beaches.

If it needs tumbling, 12 hours in a tumbler using corundum sand will take any sharpness off.

Terra Cotta pieces wouldn't need to be tumbled, or could be tumbled in regular sand.

Cass
Sep 23, 2014
 Glass Beach Fort Bragg
by: Lesa Marie

I was just there on the 18th September, 2014. There were no signs posted stating to not take the glass.

I did take some and I also threw some large pieces back to the sea to get better frosted.

One was a wonderful old milk glass jar broke in two pieces and an old brown Clorox bottle.

I live on the Eastern Seaboard and have never seen as much glass as I did at Fort Bragg.

I highly recommend it.
Sep 18, 2014
 Glass Beach
by: Wendy

I love glass beach and hunt for it all the time living on the East Coast. Now I have someplace new to venture to.

A trip to the West Coast beaches and Glass Beach intrigues me.

I loved the story of how all of this came to be.

I wish people were more open minded and kinder to each other with their comments. But then again I do support free speech and I am usually more tolerant of other's comments, be they negative or positive.

Glass Beach and surrounding area will be added to my bucket list.
Jul 22, 2014
 Fort Bragg History in Photos
by: David and Lin @ Odyssey

Jul 21, 2014
 California's lunacy in a nutshell
by: Anonymous

Gotta love the absurdity of people complaining about others picking up discarded garbage, simply because it's been laying on the beach for a few years.

Smug self-righteous "green" people talking about wasting energy to pre-tumble discarded glass garbage to be dumped on the beaches.

Face it, your beaches are laden with old trash. If you're so worried about the old trash going away, do the "natural" thing and dump some more broken glass on them. Nice sharp freshly broken glass, so the silly purists will be happy. And just think of the economic boost it will give you in increased bandaid sales.

Mexico can't reclaim your state soon enough.
Jul 06, 2014
 Glad
by: Cass

Glad you had fun, Chaz!

Everyone should come by the museum first. Yes? Gotta love it!

Cass
Jul 06, 2014
 Glass Beach Heaven!
by: Chaz

Fort Bragg is probably the grand daddy of all Sea Glass beach coasts.

My Mom & I just got back this 4th from there. Gold mine!

But the sweetest spot is my recommendation of Mr SG himself, Capt Cass, enter off Elm street, walk entrance, follow the fence line, make a left, follow again, then another left... that area is 90% all seas glass! I was going snow angels in it!

It's tricky getting in so be careful of slippery rocks! Bring buckets!

Chaz
May 08, 2014
 Replenishing Glass
by: Cass

It only takes 12 hours of tumbling to remove the sharpness so the glass is safe to put on the beach.

A cement truck could be used for the tumbling.

Right now the glass we can't recycle is trucked to a landfill in Sparks, Nevada.

It would be much more economical and environmentally sound to recycle it through the beaches here in Fort Bragg.

The glass that ends up in the landfill is the prettiest glass, too, the art glass that isn't recycled like wine bottles are.

Colored earthenware, like fine china and pottery, should also be used to replenish the beaches as they tumble much more quickly than the glass and result in beautiful pieces.
May 08, 2014
 Replenishing Glass
by: John Loomis

I have proposed and would love to help out, getting an old cement mixer, getting old plates, bottles, etc. and loading the mixer, and turning it.

After about a week, if not longer, see if the glass can be re-installed at the beach.

I would use an electric motor or some device to turn the drum....making like a rock tumbler.

Add sand, rocks, etc. to help round the pieces.

It would work, we could use recycle, and replenish the glass with original materials.

john loomis fort bragg, calif.
Oct 16, 2013
 "New" Glass
by: Cass

In response to David, I am proposing 5 cubic yards be added to Sites 1 & 2 three times a year to begin with.

There is so much glass still on these beaches that the new glass would mix in and be hardly noticeable.

As the finished glass is being removed by collectors, the new glass would be "cooking" and, if the program is continued at a rate equal to depletion, there would always be plenty of glass that is finished to make it a great collecting destination.

I think this is far preferable to trucking our glass to a landfill in Sparks, NV, at a huge economic and environmental cost.

Please keep in mind that the glass has created the richest marine environment in at least northern California and that varieties of species of life will be lost here if all the glass is depleted.
Oct 14, 2013
 Replenishment Question
by: David @ Odyssey

Cass has suggested adding 5 cubic yards of fresh glass shards to the beach at Fort Bragg per year.

A reasonable question is asked below, "Would you come to Glass Beach if you knew the glass was new?"

Since there are several different coves at Glass Beach, perhaps just the one to the very north could be replenished.

A sign could then be posted stating "Recycled Glass Replenishment Program" at that cove, or something to that effect.
Oct 14, 2013
 LITTERING WITH NEW SHARP BROKEN GLASS
by: C JOE

*** Comment Deleted ***

Please note that comments in ALL CAPS will be deleted. You may submit your comment again if you would like.

Thank you, David @ OdysseySeaGlass
Jun 01, 2013
 There is glass to be found
by: Kris

I was in Ft Bragg last weekend.

There is still plenty of glass on the portion of "Glass Beach" that is now part of MacKerricher State Park, but there are signs saying "no glass collecting allowed."

As Cass stated, there is another site just south of the park property that is city property.

And that beach is CRAZY!! There is hardly any sand or rocks...it's just sea glass of all colors.

It won't be depleted for YEARS (or DECADES)...if people are just thoughtful about what they take. I found cobalt blue (mostly wee pieces), red, yellow, white milk glass, and mint green milk glass in addition to the usual various shades of green, brown, and white.

As for the "replenishing program" - I like the idea.

I think that Cass is onto something, despite the fact that many in Fort Bragg don't agree with it.
Apr 24, 2013
 The Meeting
by: Cass

I was very disturbed by the "community meeting".

Doug Hammerstrom's jumping on me every time I spoke was shameful, very embarrassing, and severely inhibited discussion by anyone else, lest they get the same treatment.

The only reason the "meeting" was held was to get me to drop libel suits against Marie Jones and the city after I was libeled by Marie on a National Geographic site last June.

It was just a "dog and pony show".

It was anything but a serious discussion or pursuit of replenishment.

I believe certain people on the council are just against replenishment for whatever reasons they may have, regardless of the economic or environmental costs.

Needless to say, after the way Doug treated me, I am pursuing my suits and we are scheduled to be in Ten Mile court on 5/2.
Apr 24, 2013
 Replenishment
by: Cass

Only about 5 cubic yards needs to be added 3 times a year to the huge volume already there and it would mix right in.

The glass would still be local and would be sea glass.

The vast majority of people could care less and just want something fun to do.

Feather's comments at the meeting were completely off base.

Only a very few are "purists" who care when or how the glass got to be there.

You never see comments about how old the glass is or where it came from when you buy sea glass jewelry, etc.

In my gallery, very few ask which beach it came from or how old it is.

A lot of people also just want to have something pretty and fun for their kids to do.

A lot also just use it in fish tanks, flower pots, etc., and don't even care if it is "cooked" or "finished".
Apr 24, 2013
 Would you come if the glass isn't original?
by: Johanna

I attended a community meeting to consider replenishing the glass and some people said that adding glass would make the beach less popular because the glass would be inauthentic.

Is that true?

Would you still come if you knew the glass was a mix of old and new?
Apr 24, 2013
 Thank You
by: Cass

Thank you, Tammy.

Very well said.

I would also like to add that the no collecting signs are having no effect except to deter vitally needed tourism.

Everyone I see in the park area seems to collecting.

Only responsible replenishment can save our glass beaches.



Glass Beach Book

Glass Beach ~ A Sea Glass Lover's Paradise by Lisa D Walker

This book is a compilation of the fascinating history and the jeweled yet fragile present, of a beach located in Fort Bragg, California, called Glass Beach.  Read more...


Apr 24, 2013
 Sea Glass Depletion - No Surprise
by: Tammy Davis

OK, here's my 2 cents worth...

We have always known that sea glass depletion is inevitable.

Whether or not locals or visitors, collectors or sea glass business owners, young or old, male or female, immigrant (and this includes Anglos) or indigenous, take buckets full or just a handful, is irrelevant in my opinion.

So the depletion is realized 1 year, 5 years, or 10 years earlier than it would be if everyone was "polite".

There's only one way, that I know of, to circumvent the depletion of the sea glass here, and that is by replenishing it.

Cass has been trying to raise awareness on this issue for years.

He finally got city officials to at least discuss the fate of Glass Beach at a council meeting.

However, none of us who are discussing how much Glass Beach means to us have been supporting Cass' movement to save Glass Beach.

So pointing fingers at ANYONE seems futile...again, this is just my opinion.

All beaches (and other navigable waters) of the U.S. belong to the people...all of the people.

Glass Beach does not belong to Fort Bragg, therefore there are no special rights of access granted to locals or any other group dynamics.

People who have no regard for the natural environment (by littering or disturbing ecosystems, etc,) are a completely different matter.

By the way, the newest little sign posted next to the main path at Glass Beach carries no more weight than the one posted at the fork of the path.

Not only do neither of them cite a civil or penal code for removing sea glass, but there is also no entity claiming responsibility for posting the signs in the first place.
Apr 24, 2013
 Packs of certain cultures?
by: Vida Twynahm

I agree, it is true and sad that some visitors have little to no regard that they are just that, visitors and should limit their souvenir right and not remove more than they should.

I've been fortunate enough to visit this special place every year now for the past ten years.

I've seen many people of all race, age and sex enjoy the beach and glass as well as those who take advantage.

There are those who take one or two pieces and some who leave with bag fulls.

It's people, not certain cultures, but certain people of every culture who lack the foresight and manners as well as respect and should be more aware and kind to this environment and the history of it.
Apr 24, 2013
 Stripped!
by: Karen

I have been going regularly for the past couple of years. There is a sign posted prohibiting collection but I have seen PACKS of certain cultures work all day with sifting screens, carting off 20 to 30 gallon size ziplock bags per group. It is absolutely nothing like it used to be even two years ago. Very sad!
Mar 11, 2013
 Return to Glass Beach
by: Cass

What you say is true, but unfortunately you just hit Glass Beach (Site 3).

Site 2 is still heavily laden, is outside the park area so there are no restrictions, and rarer pieces are still found there on a regular basis.

Next time you visit, please come to the Sea Glass Museum so we can give you directions.
Mar 11, 2013
 Definitely not what it used to be!
by: Ginger B. Collins

Visited glass beach in late February, 2013.

There is still this density of glass but all the large shards and rare colors, (anything other than brown, white, and kelly green) are gone.

Signs are posted warning visitors not to remove glass from the beach.

It's not strictly enforced, but meant to deter those who have in the past towed away buckets of glass and reduced the beauty of the beach as well as the quantity of material.

Where there used to be all colors and shapes from quarter-size to 2 1/2" in diameter, now it's hard to find pieces larger than pea-sized pebbles.

The good news is that the majority of what is there is smooth with no rough edges.
Nov 10, 2012
 Banning collecting
by: Cass

Also, there is no way to stop the collecting as all entities in California, including the city and park, end at the mean high water mark, which is halfway down the beach at low tide.

After that you are "at sea" and they have no jurisdiction.

The rangers have tried to stop collecting in the park area, which is nearly depleted, to no avail.

Enforcement is impossible and unless a ranger sees you actually take a piece from within the park area they have no legal leg to stand on.

Currently there are only 4 rangers to patrol all the parks in Mendocino county.

There are no signs in the park forbidding collecting.
Nov 10, 2012
 Replenishment
by: Cass

The purpose of this meeting is to hopefully proceed with resuming recycling our glass on our beaches.

Anyone who might have a jurisdictional issue will be there and if there is a law or code which would forbid it, we intend to have that law or code amended to allow it.

Right now glass that can't be recycled here is trucked to a landfill in Sparks, Nevada, at a huge environmental and economic expense.

Most of it gets recycled there by Gallo and others for their wine bottles, but the transportation cost is huge as glass is very heavy.

The minerals used to color, clarify and make the glass have created the richest marine environment in at least northern California here.

If we let it get depleted, we will actually lose varieties of species of life here and have a huge die back in the marine environment that would extend into harbor seal, otter and sea bird populations.

The sea bird rookery is located on the islands around site #1.

Nothing is washed off our magical beaches. If it is put on the beach, it stays there until someone takes it away.

Everything that was non-biodegradable that was put in the dumps on the beaches was eventually recycled.

We want to continue to do that with our glass instead of trucking it to Sparks.

It is great for our economy and essential to our fantastic marine environment.
Nov 10, 2012
 Fighting over trash?
by: Rick

What a shame. First off, it's trash!

Yes, some can use it for treasure so what?

There's many beaches in So Cal (where I'm from) that have far less glass (you'll be lucky to find one piece every 10 minutes) but they still attract many glass hunters from all over the world.

To the residents of Fort Bragg I say why waste your time on this silly issue?

I love your town, and I can tell you it's the people, culture and history of Fort Bragg that are the real treasures worth coming for!
Nov 08, 2012
 Public Meeting about Glass Beach
by: Johanna

The City of Fort Bragg's City Council’s Community Development Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, November 14th at 10:00 AM at Fort Bragg Town Hall to discuss a range of options for dealing with the depletion of beach glass at Glass Beach and nearby beaches.

Options include “replenishment” of beach glass, signage and enforcement to prevent beach glass harvesting, or the “do nothing” option which will result in the eventual depletion of beach glass.

Comments?



Glass Beach Book

Glass Beach ~ A Sea Glass Lover's Paradise by Lisa D Walker

This book is a compilation of the fascinating history and the jeweled yet fragile present, of a beach located in Fort Bragg, California, called Glass Beach.  Read more...


Oct 19, 2012
 Greed
by: Cass

This is why we take such a strong stance against trespassers into Treasure Cove.

They are raping our beautiful beach.
Oct 19, 2012
 Is it Greed or Hoarding
by: Anonymous

Just read today that a sea glass collecter spent 12 hrs at Treasure Cove last time she went she brought home 40 pounds of glass, its kinda like the goldrush days for some folks, kinda weird and tacky!

Sea Glass Colombi Motel Fort Bragg
 Colombi Motel, Fort Bragg, California
David and Lin's personal favorite place to stay in Fort Bragg. Just like a small apartment with separate kitchen, etc. Mention that you were referred by us at OdysseySeaGlass.

Jun 10, 2012
 Sea glass at Fort Bragg Ca
by: Recologies

I just visited Glass Beach and it was just amazing.

Having been there before this trip reconfirmed my thoughts about the area.

It is so beautiful and serene.

The water makes this amazing tinkling noise as it sweeps across the pieces of glass.

I make jewelry and for me it was like walking on precious jewels!

As you come to the north end of Fort Bragg turn on Elm street and follow to the end. A short walk through the grassy bluffs brings you to Glass Beach.

When you get to the Y in the trail stay to the left.

If you head right you will find a cove of tide pool areas and then a sandy beach stretch, still very beautiful but not filled with sea glass.

So, veer left and then make a hard left at the corner of the fence which encloses an off limits private land area.

Stay along the fence and continue until you see a small trail which seems like it may just lead you off a cliff, it won't.

You will however need to carefully scale your way down the cliffs through a winding trail through the rocks.

It is not too difficult but you will get dirty.

Good shoes are important.

Once you're down it will be hard to believe your eyes.

You are now standing on sea glass...everywhere.

This isn't the only spot to collect these beauties. There are several more coves that you can walk to as long as the tide is low so I suggest going at low tide.

A rainbow of colors from all the broken bits of bottles and ceramics are intermixed with the usual grains of sand.

There aren't any sharp edges-the waves and tumbling in the surf have taken care of that.

A few recommendations:

1. Good sturdy shoes

2. Dress in layers and in clothes that you won't mind getting really dirty. (Stained- due to the high content of clay rich dirt mixed with the sand here)

3. Bring a bag(s)

4. Keep to yourself. (Similar to gold panning, collectors seem to not be interested in socializing)

5. Do not worry about taking the glass, it is perfectly legal on this left side of the beach. By the way, the never ending supply theory is true here. If you dig a foot or more down you'll encounter some water but still layers and layers of seaglass.

6. Try, not to yell and call out in excitement as you feel as if you have struck gold and found the true bounty.
Apr 03, 2012
 Sea Glass beach Fort Bragg 2011
by: TravelCacher

The sea glass here is EVERYWHERE!!

You'll have no need to search for it as the entire beach is covered in glass.

The pieces I found here were bigger ranging from 1/2 inch to 2 inches in size.

The colors were more varied with white, green and brown being predominant.

However, with diligence I was able to discover blues, reds, gray and lavender.

The pieces were excellent jewelry grade condition with decades of decomposition creating rich frost and smooth edges.
Jan 05, 2012
 Return visit
by: Jim C.

My wife and I visited Fort Bragg Glass Beach for the second time just before Christmas this year and although it was a bit foggy and there was a "light" rain, we spent several hours sifting through the glass and found a couple of "treasures" we'll be adding to our display case.

We also visited the Sea Glass Gallery & Museum (again) and were fortunate enough to be able to spend a bit of time visiting with Capt. Cass.

A wonderfully informative time. Next year it'll be kayak time.

Bottom line, Glass Beach is a place everyone should visit and learn about it's history. And -- Capt. Cass should be supported in his efforts to support and maintain Glass Beach.
Sep 02, 2011
 Picking up Glass at Fort Bragg Glass Beach
by: Anonymous

I just got back from Fort Bragg Glass Beach.

I was a little nervous that if I wanted to have a piece of glass to take home I would get into trouble..uhhh well everyone on the beach was collecting the seaglass.

There was no one saying not to do it. Like I said everyone was picking up glass. I didn't see anyone with buckets, the norm was a small ziplock bag, I think you would really look odd if you had a big bucket..it was really awsome seeing all the glass.

It's best to go at low tide. There is mostly white, brown and green. There was also a surprising amount of bonfire glass.

But if your looking for the rare stuff you will have to go to the spots that Captain Cass goes.. He has a map you can buy at the museum for $2.00, you have to access it at low tide and by Kayak.

The museum is very interesting and so is the Captain.

It was a cool road trip I think everyone who likes seaglass should see it. I would like to go back and stay a couple days, walk around down town..nice little small town.
Aug 16, 2011
 More Treasures at Fort Bragg Glass Beach
by: Vida

Yes, just think about all the things that people have used and now we can see those remnants in the rock. From broken china plates and cups,to porcelain toothpaste caps.

My daughters and I visit yearly and love to take pictures of those old, rare and fun treasures that are found stuck in the rocks.

It would be sad to just see big chips and holes in the rocks were there once "use" to be a small piece of ship history or story.

I understand the interest of metals and such, it just would be a shame to chip away or take away any more from this lovely area.

Still a supporter of Fort Bragg,

Vida
Aug 16, 2011
 Metals - Fort Bragg Glass Beach
by: Cass

Some people just look for metal pieces instead of the glass. I was told some people used to pan the tide pools on very low tides for the heavy metals, gold and platinum.

You can take the metals from the beach, but I wouldn't go hacking things out of the rocks as they are now part of the "natural" environment and it would probably get you in trouble.

Chipping at the slag pile cove under the pipes is common, though.

As for where they come from, just imagine everything people use.
Aug 16, 2011
 Metals at Fort Bragg Glass Beach
by: Anonymous

No one usually talks about the left over metals at glass beach.

Are those considered historic? With the high price of scrap metal I am surprised I still find copper and brass also on occasion gold jewelry and coins.

I used to mine this place of metals when I was younger but these days I am afraid to take anything.

I can find five gallon buckets of this stuff but its not like it used to be because its now all politics.

I suspect people really don't care because its a bunch of discards but anything can be sacred these days.

I am just wondering if there is any information about the metals like there is for the glass?
Jul 20, 2011
 The So-Called Expert responds
by: Cass

The local TV station, MCTV, did an interview with me three or four weeks ago. It is now up online at http://mendocoasttv.org/CoastCurrents09.html#featured

The Fort Bragg Glass Beach replenishment will not benefit me economically, but will keep the magic here.

It will take 20-30 years to ripen glass placed there today, by which time I will be in my 80's and 90's.

Please take the time to view the interview, "anonymous from Fort Bragg". There is much more to consider.

They did not remove the glass during the clean up.

The Water Quality Control Board considers the glass benign.

As you'll hear in the interview, it does not wash in and out.

Where it has disappeared, it is due to people taking it.

I hope you enjoy the interview,

Cass
Jul 20, 2011
 Replenish Schmenish - Fort Bragg Glass Beach
by: Anonymous

Replenish the glass? Are you joking? You must be because that is such a ridiculous idea. (Of course, we've also raped the ancient redwood groves and are now trying to grow trees in farms. And salmon and all the other earth's fish are farmed too. But let's keep our glass farming where it currently is: in the factories.)

At any rate, I live here in Fort Bragg. The glass I collect is the trash that my grandparents threw over the cliffs.

Over the years I've seen most of it disappear.

And, I've seen most of it wash right back up.

What I'm trying to find out is if it is true that when they did the redevelopment of this beach cliff, did they haul most of the glass out to the dump?

Anyone know?

That's what I've heard and I wouldn't put it past these FBIs.

Please come and get some glass! Bring a bucket. One bucket is enough, duh!

This glass will wash up for years.

To replenish is to once again act out of fear and cause more problems and ruin what is.

There is also a new museum coming to town.

The so-called local expert here is not the only one interested in making a business out of this hobby.

There are many opinions here and I find that MOST of us Fort Braggers welcome you with open arms.
Apr 19, 2011
 Fort Bragg Glass Beach on the 11th of March 2011
by: AGraywolfe

I was there the day before the Tsunami hit the west coast.

I don't know how it affected Fort Bragg. But I do know I spent HOURS there instead of driving oops how time flies.

I plan on taking my husband there soon. I want him to ride his motorcycle down while I drive in the car. That will give him something to do when he gets bored.

But the town and everyone in it told me where to go to collect. A

nd how to get there doesn't seem to be discouraging the collecting.

But do remember to breath the first time you see it. What a beautifully amazing site.

And at the right time of the year You can watch whales and hunt at the same time. I know I got to see a few whales while there.
Apr 03, 2011
 Trip to Fort Bragg Glass Beach
by: Mary A

Thank you Vida & Cass! I am sure our trip will be enjoyable; and we appreciate your input.

We have no intentions to fill any buckets, we don't even have shovels.We will just be happy with a few small pieces.

The beauty in the area is what we are excited to see and the sea glass is icing on the cake!

We will stop by the Museum for more info & direction.

See you in June!
Apr 02, 2011
 Working Towards A Common Goal
by: Tammy

Thank you for the information, "Anonymous Mary", about the Nature Tourism Coalition project.

It looks to me like there was a lot of work done and a great deal of useful data produced. And more importantly, there was a regularly scheduled forum for effective communications among representatives with a common goal.

However, the info I found online about the NTC project indicates that the project ended in 2008.

We do have active group gatherings here on the Mendocino Coast where the focus is on economic development and/or environmental/wildlife preservation.

I myself am a member of the Fort Bragg Glass Beach Replenishment League. This membership has provided me with a great deal of useful information, encompassing things I am passionate about.

As a result, I have developed greater motivation and a renewed vigor to get involved, if even in a small way (as quoted by Mother Teresa? We can do no great things, only small things with great love?).

Perhaps if more folks express interest in the replenishment of Fort Bragg Glass Beach and wish to offer their ?constructive? input and maybe a little time for the cause if possible, we would have the opportunity to make this thing bigger and bring more creative ideas to the table.

After all, everyone has the same basic desire here - that is to protect, preserve and enjoy the breath-taking beauty and vitality of these Earthly coordinates where we live, vacation, meditate, dream, rejuvenate, and a whole host of other experiences that fulfill our quest for a sense of well-being, purpose and belonging.
Apr 02, 2011
 Coming to Fort Bragg
by: Cass

By all means do come to Fort Bragg Glass Beach.

99% of the sea glass is outside the park borders and it is perfectly legal to collect.

It would be nice if everyone just would leave it there, but they are not and will not so replenishment is the only solution here.

Unlike riding bikes through Jackson State Forest, it actually enhances and benefits the marine ecology.

And please do stop by the Sea Glass Museum, we'll be happy to see you.
Apr 02, 2011
 Let them eat cake!
by: Vida Twynham

Hi Mary,

Can I suggest that you go on your trip and avoid getting into any of the controversial "sea glass" drama. You will enjoy your trip much better.

I hope i can answer your question. You can take sea glass though I speak for myself and family, we only take a few special pieces.

You may encounter people with shovels and buckets, quite unfortunate really, but you won't encounter rangers forbidding you to take sea glass. Nor encouraging you.

Use your own discretion when taking from the Fort Bragg glass beach with a value for its beauty in wanting to preserve it and remembering you are a visitor. At the same time not letting the local drama ruin your trip.

I guess in answer to your question, it all depends who you ask and from which side of the fence.

Visit the Glass museum and get a map from Captain Cass. Enjoy his awesome collection of sea glass and pottery. He is also a great source of information on where to find sea glass.

Have a good trip!
Apr 02, 2011
 What if it was about dirt bikes instead of beach glass?
by: Anonymous

Last thought... would you feel the same if we were talking about something other than beach glass, one of the other things that helps the economy by bringing tourist to Fort Bragg?

For example, maybe we should encourage visitors to bring off-road vehicles to ride in Jackson State Forest - even though we know the activity damages tree roots, creates paths that cause erosion that pollutes the watersheds, killing the salmon since they can no longer breed in our rivers.

Or how about removing the limit on abalone, letting people take as many as they want because it's good for the economy - until over-harvesting means no more abalone.

I know - California Grey Whales pass by twice a year, why not allow whaling instead of whale-watching? If killing whales is good business for Japan, why not let Fort Bragg get some of that action?
Apr 02, 2011
 A county where ecology and economic vitality are interrelated
by: Anonymous

I love that Tammy quoted the Mendocino Land Trust study, because James Bernard, the Executive Director of MLT when they did the study she sites, was one of the founding members of the Nature Tourism Coalition.

The Nature Tourism Coalition (NTC) was a group of community leaders working to promote the responsible enjoyment of nature, protect the character of our community, and develop a nature tourism infrastructure that meets local needs and economic development.

Please understand, the people working to protect the glass on Fort Bragg Glass Beach are not anti-tourism; they simply believe in helping tourists enjoy our natural assets in ways that protect both our natural and human communities.

Their goal is a healthy county where ecology and economic vitality are interrelated, a place we can enjoy without worrying about businesses or tourists loving our special places to death (FYI - "Loving our Special Places to Death" is the title of a presentation by James when he was ED of MLT).

MORE ABOUT THE NATURE TOURISM COALITION: The group's first step was hosting the successful Wildlife Partnership Conference, attended by more than 80 county visionaries, in the village of Mendocino in March of 2007.

The Mendocino County Nature Tourism Coalition was officially created when the participants expressed a desire to capture the energy and implement the ideas developed during the conference.

The Nature Tourism Coalition knows tourism is the largest industry in the world, and nature-tourism is the fastest growing segment of the industry.

By creating a regional strategy and plan for nature tourism, they want to help tourism by protecting the environment.
Apr 02, 2011
 Upcoming trip to Fort Bragg glass beach
by: Mary A

Hello! My husband and I are planning a trip (from Fresno) to the Fort Bragg glass beach area in June, with family visiting from Minnesota.

We were hoping to collect a little sea glass in the area & would like to know exactly what to expect & what beach(es) are best to visit.

While we would like to collect sea glass, is it prohibited? Discouraged?

Or should we just find another area to visit (Seaside? Monterey? Etc).

We want to feel welcome & enjoy your area, but we've heard some non-welcoming comments from locals & govt staff/rangers.

Thank you for keeping us informed!


Sea Glass Colombi Motel Fort Bragg
 Colombi Motel, Fort Bragg, California
David and Lin's personal favorite place to stay in Fort Bragg. Just like a small apartment with separate kitchen, etc. Mention that you were referred by us at OdysseySeaGlass.
Mar 27, 2011
 One more thing...
by: Tammy Davis

I would like to request from all who are posting or planning to post to this discussion to please refrain from using rude, hateful, judgmental, or attacking kind of comments.

There is no reason to add childish or ignorant commentary to any discussion, and it never results in progress.

Everyone's opinion matters...but the old saying "you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar" is always true, in my opinion. Lashing out only makes others question the character of the one doing the lashing.

----------

Thanks again Tammy. Lin and try not to censor comments if possible, although we have deleted downright obnoxious ones.

All comments here do have some positive things to say so far, so we're leaving it the way it is for now.

But please think twice before posting in haste and listen to what Tammy's saying!

:-)

David and Lin
Mar 27, 2011
 Just how significant is Fort Bragg Glass Beach as a tourist destination?
by: Tammy Davis

Well, I think everyone who has an interest in this discussion will find this information quite interesting:

"Land Trust staff and Mendocino Land Trust intern conducted a visitor survey over a two week period in July 2008 to observe visitation rates and routes in order to better understand visitation patterns at the property.

"An average of 1000-1200 people visit Glass Beach per day making this one of the most visited destinations in Mendocino County."

You can read more about what is currently happening with the property on and around Glass Beach by going to this page:

http://www.mendocinolandtrust.org/index.php?Coastal_Trail:Glass_Beach_State_Park
Mar 27, 2011
 Fort Bragg glass beach collecting part 2
by: Cass

A big problem here is that both the rangers and city are telling people they can't collect glass "here" which is discouraging tourism when the whole county is filled with closed stores.

It is perfectly legal to collect glass "here", even if you think the rangers are right about the park area.

This is a serious economic issue for not just Fort Bragg, but the entire county and ultimately the state.

Tourists travel a long way to get here and buy things all along the way.

I appreciate the view of the people who say we should all just leave it alone, but that is not going to happen and replenishment is the only solution for the sake of the environment and economy.

You can read and sign the petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/gbrl/petition.html
Mar 27, 2011
 Collecting in Fort Bragg
by: Cass

I own the Sea Glass Museum in Fort Bragg. The situation is Fort Bragg is this:

The Fort Bragg park area runs north from the fence line along the path going down so as soon as you are south of the fence line you are out of the park.

The park also ends at the mean high water mark.

The mean high water mark is about halfway down all of the beaches at low tide (half way between the top of the beach and the water), including those bordering the park. So below the mean high water mark, you are no longer in the park.

The park rangers are citing a resource code that says you cannot take anything of historical or archeological value from a park.

The glass is not archaic, so it is not archeological, and the area was just a dump, which is hardly historical.

At one time "Glass Beach" (the area within the park, the 3rd site that was a dump from 1949-67) was truly remarkable.

It has now been mostly depleted and contains mostly only small, rough pieces.

It is no longer remarkable and we have other beaches in surrounding towns that offer much better collecting, like the Albion River flats or down near the Point Arena lighthouse.

All the towns have sea glass because they all used to have water dumps, like all water front towns and cities everywhere.

The claim that the glass there is somehow now "historical" is shaky at best and this is why I think there is no enforcement.

"Glass Beach", the park area, only has about 1% of the sea glass in Fort Bragg. The previous two sites are completely covered in ripened glass, though rare colors are very rare at site #2 now.

Another problem with enforcement at Fort Bragg Glass Beach is that unless the ranger sees you collecting the glass inside the park borders, he can't prove where you got it.

We will never stop people from collecting in Fort Bragg because both the Fort Bragg park and city end at the mean high water mark.

This is Article 10 of the state constitution.

The beaches in California, thank God, belong to the people.

This article of the State Constitution intends this to be for economic reasons.

Eventually, and pretty quickly now, the glass will all be gone.

These are magical beaches that are a huge natural tumbler. Nothing washes away here.

I now have a petition with over 1,000 signatures from all over the continent and world supporting replenishing our beaches, including restoring "Fort Bragg Glass Beach".

The glass benefits the environment as there is a constant minerals seepage off our beaches, from the coloring minerals, that is the very basis of the food chain.

We have 48 variety of chiton here, the snails that live on the rocks, and that is more than anywhere else in California.

The pebbles of glass on the beaches form little air pockets that provide habitat for small shrimps, worms and isopods that also reinforce the food chain.

It also will help stabilize the beaches as ocean levels rise to global warming.

MORE TO FOLLOW IN SECOND POST
Mar 27, 2011
 Recent State Park Response
by: Anonymous

I recently read this response from State Parks regarding collecting glass on Fort Bragg Glass Beach:

"According to the California Code of Regulations, where our park rules are laid out, it is unlawful to disturb or remove any object of historical value. This applies to Glass Beach, and also to things like middens.

"That being said, local custom has been to collect some glass and we try to accommodate local custom where feasible.

"My enforcement philosophy is to educate the public when they're collecting about the finite nature of this feature, and to limit what people take to a few special pieces of glass.

"People who are using shovels or buckets, I ask to desist, as that tends to indicate commercial use of the glass, which is strictly forbidden."

I'm sorry to hear the park official at Fort Bragg Glass Beach let you get away with collecting a bag full of glass; even if you are not collecting for commercial use, people like you are loving it to death and ruining it for the rest of us.

Happy you appreciated Fort Bragg Glass Beach - but think of it this way - if everyone takes home a bag of the glass, how long will it be until the beach is somewhere no one else gets to enjoy?
Mar 27, 2011
 Wonderful beach to visit
by: Anonymous

I was not aware that possibly sea glass collecting was discouraged.

I came from the midwest to visit and walked right past a state employee with my bag of glass that is now displayed and enjoyed in a glass bowl on the coffee table.

A beautiful spot when the sun is out and the glass is sparkling.

Tide pools are really interesting.

Fort Bragg Glass Beach is the prettiest beach we have visited on the east or west coats.
Oct 02, 2010
 Regarding trusting me Part 2 - Fort Bragg Glass Beach
by: Cass

Comment Part 2:

If someone wanted to return the glass they took from the park, the rangers would have no objection.

Indeed, Marylin Murphy, the last head of the district, told me it would be nice if the locals did that.

I asked her why, so the tourists could take it? I have personally taken bags of glass back when I found I had collected chipped or unripe pieces.

No ranger would stop me from doing that. There is no difference between the unripe and chipped pieces on the beach and new unripe (pre-tumbled and softened) glass to be used in replenishment.

As for me, I am turning 61 in December. Any glass put on the beach now will not be ripe until I am at least 81 so I don't expect to be benefiting from that.

I just cannot sit by and watch this great resource not be renewed for future generations in the city and county.

Neither can I sit and watch non-locals profit from it while the local community gains nothing.

There is a petition online to get the city council to take action on the replenishment and it now has about 800 signatures, 104 online and the rest from the museum and from volunteers collecting in town.

All the county Chambers of Commerce will be contacted with a full proposal for replenishment so they are on board when we go to the council.

This is NOT an economic issue for just Fort Bragg. It is an economic issue for the county and state as well.

Sea glass collectors do not just come to collect in Fort Bragg.

They also collect near the lighthouse in Pt. Arena, on the Albion river flats, at Portuguese beach in Mendocino, Caspar beach and Dave's beach in Westport.

Fort Bragg, however, is the only place where replenished glass can be guaranteed to remain on the beach until it ripens because the rock formations here set up wave patterns that keep everything on the beach.

This is not a time for hand wringing and accusations.

In this disastrous economy it is a time for action.

Just ask the people who used to have stores in the empty storefronts in Fort Bragg, Mendocino, Willits, etc.

My special thanks to Tammy and Laura and the other members of the Glass Beach Replenishment League for their time and efforts on behalf of this great endeavor.

It is the people who have vision and say "yes we can" who build the future, not suspicious, anonymous nay-sayers.

Sorry, but it really bugs me when people don't have the courage to sign what they say.
Oct 02, 2010
 Regarding trusting me- Fort Bragg Glass Beach
by: Cass

This is a two-part comment.

Part 1:

Sad that the person who left their anonymous comment on 9/1/2010 didn't have the courage to leave their name.

First, I am not the only sea glass collector in Fort Bragg making money off the sea glass.

I can foresee a whole sea glass industry in Fort Bragg and increased tourism for the county and city.

The city and county should be encouraging this industry, as should the locals.

There are other local artists with items on sale in the museum and a few people are selling the glass online on Ebay and other places.

Fort Bragg lost three more stores in September due to the recession yet the city council, Chamber of Commerce and park rangers are still discouraging sea glass collectors from coming here.

The fact is that these glass beaches are providing income for people from all over the country. I've met artists from 5 east coast states so far who come here for their sea glass and of course from all the Pacific states.

Just why the locals should not be keeping some of that money in the city and county I do not know.

On top of that, my museum is preserving the best for future generations to enjoy.

The mean high water mark is no "red herring" - it is the state constitution, Article 10. Anyone can simply Google that.

In Fort Bragg about half of each beach is below that mark, outside the city and park jurisdiction.

A petition was just forwarded on 10/1/2010, with hundreds of signatures, to the the Bureau of Audits to get the rangers to stop quoting the resource code they are using to try to stop the collecting in the park area, which has hardly any glass at all, only about 1% of what is in Fort Bragg.

Replenishment is not at all impossible, only if you think it is.

Glass is just big pieces of sand colored with minerals that benefit the marine environment.

All it would take is affirmative action on the part of the city council.

If the rangers objected it merely need to be placed on the beach below the mean high water mark, i.e. outside the park.
Sep 16, 2010
 Some more info to support replenishment at Fort Bragg Glass Beach
by: Tammy Davis

Please check out the link below. I think even the nay-sayers will find it enlightening:

http://www.cerf-jcr.org

And just to share another item of interest, check out this link for an interesting story about the annual Glass Float Festival that takes place in Lincoln City, Oregon:

http://web.oregon.com/trips/glass_floats.cfm

Happy Sea Glassing!

-----------

Hi, this is David from here at Odyssey Sea Glass.

Thanks, Tammy, for providing some interesting links bearing on the subject of replenishment.

Lin and I try to stay neutral on this "controversy," since both sides have good points to make.

I just wanted to add that the above links are worth checking out as respects replenishment of beach resources and what others are doing.

The first site above is the Coastal Education and Research Foundation who are doing tests on using discarded glass to replenish marine environments.

They have no connection with sea glass collecting per se. Check out the foundation supporters list.

I might mention that we (Odyssey Sea Glass) was contacted by the Army Corps of Engineers for information on using glass to rebuild marine environments about a year and a half ago. Studies they had done showed that glass was perfect for use on coastlines.

The above site confirms those studies.

Happy hunting!

David and Lin




Fort Bragg HotelsBeachcomber Motel Fort Bragg

Located on the California Coastal Trail, this beachfront Magnuson Hotels affiliate offers direct access to Pudding Creek Beach and is walking distance from Glass Beach.





Sep 16, 2010
 Thank you for your input Vida!
by: Tammy Davis

Thank you so much for sharing your view point on this topic.

The Glass Beach Replenishment League here in Fort Bragg, of which I am a proud member, has been trying to emphasize the importance of keeping the sea glass enthusiast segment of the tourist population.

In fact, it is the key issue for us. Many folks have directed some pretty harsh comments at those of us who collect sea glass for more than just a hobby.

I suppose that just adds fuel to the fire that is our passion for sea glass.
Sep 14, 2010
 Sea glass brings tourism
by: Vida Twynhams

Ive been going to sea glass beach for three years now. I am a collector like most.

I collect for pleasure and as a hobby that only other fellow sea glass enthusiast can understand.

This summer my daughters and I rented out the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse keepers house for a week to comb sea glass beach for that rare color of precious sea glass or piece of old pottery to add to our collection. During our stay with lodging, food,shopping and gas we spent $5000 in Fort Bragg and Mendocino.

I would think Fort Bragg could part with a few pieces of glass and pottery per person especially considering the amount of money the tourist spend while they are there.

Yes, by all means, let's not be greedy. The attraction and beauty is the glass. I'd like to return next year to see and enjoy the glass again.

However let's not forget the money the sea glass seeking tourist bring to your town at a time where all our tourist seeking towns need the money.

Cambria,ca
Home of Moonstone Beach(come collect moonstone, we won't complain)
Sep 01, 2010
 Just because you can, doesn't mean you should
by: Anonymous

First, I'm not convinced Cass is the 'expert' or that we should be listening to his advice. Cass makes his living harvesting, selling and depleting the glass on this beach; what position would you expect him to take?

Second, I'm not opposed to picking up a few pieces, what bothers me is the idea that anyone can take as much as they want, especially if they're selling it for personal gain. Let this happen and there WON'T be any left for others to enjoy.

Cass's attempt to put more glass on the beach is a non-starter - good luck getting State Parks' permission to dump anything on one of their beaches, regardless of what Cass says, or his red-herring about the low-tide issue.

Third, I'm amazed that normally rational people encourage others to haul away as much glass as they can find - even trespassing onto private property that's known to be full of toxic hazards and extremely dangerous to reach by boat. Sorry, I'm not taking my kids anywhere near the 'other' coves.

Finally, would you encourage Timber companies to clear-cut our redwood forests? This is the same thing - we can't let people do anything they want at the expense of the environment.

This isn't like sea shells - when the glass is gone, it's gone. Are you the kind of person whose response is, "Then I better get mine while I can"?

Please, come to the beach, enjoy the experience, even slip a piece or two in your pocket as a souvenir if you must, but leave the rest for others to enjoy.
Sep 01, 2010
 Replenishment or Re-Seeding Program
by: Tammy

Hi David,

I saw the post below and just wanted to advise you that the hopes for a Replenishment/Re-Seeding program in Fort Bragg were started by Capt. Cass Forrington.

I am only part of the team that Cass has put together to try to make this dream a reality.

Thanks,

Tammy

----------
Hi Tammy, thanks for the info.

I'm kind of surprised that Cass himself didn't let me know, since he usually keeps track of Fort Bragg posts.

Again, we appreciate your update.

David and Lin, OdysseySeaGlass

_________________________________________________
West Coast Sea Glass Northern California

Fort Bragg, CA "Sea Glass Beach"

Although there are a number of reports on the net from over the last few years that collecting sea glass is prohibited at Fort Bragg, it has been pretty much confirmed by people living in Fort Bragg that although the parks department might discourage picking up the sea glass, it is not at all prohibited.

Tammy, from MendoCoastTreasures.com (Mendocino County, CA)is getting together a sea glass replenishment program which should be interesting to say the least and will be keeping us up to date!




Fort Bragg HotelsBeachcomber Motel Fort Bragg

Located on the California Coastal Trail, this beachfront Magnuson Hotels affiliate offers direct access to Pudding Creek Beach and is walking distance from Glass Beach.



Aug 03, 2010
 When is enough too-much?
by: Anonymous

I think this post on FortBragg.com's blog says it all... visit the site to see the photos and use the links: http://www.fortbragg.com/blog/2010/06/glass-beach-still-glitters/

“It’s all gone…” To people who remember Glass Beach before the rest of the world discovered this former dump turned hidden gem, it seems like there’s no glass left. Once there were large pieces of tumbled pottery, prisms of uncommon colors such as soft greens, purple, citron, opaque white, cobalt and cornflower blue, even aqua from old Ball Mason jars and 19th century glass bottles.

Here’s what it looks like today, and how Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times staff writer, describes it, “At first glance it looks like a standard-issue beach. But look at that twinkly stuff underfoot: silvery, green, blue, orange and occasionally red bits of ground glass, twinkling in the sun and tumbling in the tide along with tons of standard sand, bits of metal, a little kelp.”

So what happened to the glass locals remember, was it washed out to sea?

I think the writer from the LA Times has the answer, ” We found a dozen scavengers on the beach the afternoon we showed up, adults and children, shuffling and bending, picking favorite bits and tucking them away in plastic bags.”

Christopher goes on to ask, “Are broken bottles a natural feature?”

You see, the park’s brochure warns it’s illegal to remove or harm plants, animals or other natural features. So, how long does it take before old trash is ground into natural material? His question cuts to the heart of the debate, “When does sandy glass become glassy sand?”

Is it OK to take a piece or two home as a souvenir? How about a cup? A plastic bag – or a bucket-full?

When is enough too-much?
Sep 17, 2009
 Legality of Collecting
by: Cass

Hi All;

Both the State Parks and City Council are concerned about the depletion of the glass.
The Parks handles it by saying collecting is "discouraged" while the city just lies and says it is forbidden or prohibited.

Article 10 of the California constitution has all entities, including the park and the city, ending at the mean high water mark, so collecting cannot be banned. The beaches belong to the people in most states, including California.

It is perfectly legal to collect glass on any of the beaches in Fort Bragg.

There are actually 3 main beaches, each a dump site.

The last was a dump from 1949-67 and is what is called "Glass Beach" inside McKerricher Park.

The 1943-49 site can also be accessed from the park, though it is outside the park boundries.

The 1906-43 site can only be accessed by ocean kayak during certain tide and sea conditions.

Although Glass Beach is largely depleted of the larger pieces, it has a great deal of small pieces and the larger pieces can be found after the storms that churn the whole beach.

The path to Glass Beach is located at the end of Elm St., not Spruce. Denny's is on the corner of Elm and Main.

Hope this helps clarify matters,

Cass

___________

Thanks so much, Cass. That is certainly all the information in a nutshell. We really appreciate it! Check out Cass's website, Glass Beach Jewelry.



Now, we need to get a two-seater kayak, a roof rack for the van, and gas money to get there.

Really, we are planning a trip to visit the kids in Santa Cruz and want to do the long drive up to Fort Bragg if at all possible.

Thanks again, Cass, for this informative comment,

David (editor)
Sep 17, 2009
 Reply to The Rumor Continues....
by: Tammy

There are a lot of articles out there about Fort Bragg Glass Beach and most of them still indicate that collecting glass is prohibited or discouraged.

Our local Chamber of Commerce had removed their statement from their website when I checked it about a month ago, but now it looks like they have an even older document under their Press & Media section, indicating no regulations on taking glass (it takes quite a bit of effort to find info on glass beach on the Chamber's website).

That being said, the authority on this subject is Cass Forrington, proprietor of the Glass Beach Museum and Gift Shop in Fort Bragg. In addition to getting to the bottom of the legality for collecting sea glass, he has also been working towards implementing a sea glass replenishment program in Fort Bragg. You can contact Cass through his website: www.glassbeachjewelry.com

Thank you for your tenacity, as there is a lot of disinformation out there and the task of getting the truth to all of those that are interested is daunting at best.

Tammy
-------------------------
Thanks from us at Odyssey for looking into this, Tammy.

I sent off an email to Cass asking if he would be so kind as to put his input in a comment here, so maybe he has something to add.

David (editor>
Sep 16, 2009
 The "Rumor" Continues - Not Allowed to Take Glass?
by: David (editor)

By chance, I came across another nice blog on Fort Bragg Glass Beach today, and once again it repeats the unsubstantiated statement that you are not allowed to take glass from Glass Beach. Here is the nice article: Sea Glass Fort Bragg on WebEcoist

My only problem with the article is that it doesn't state where they found that "not allowed" clause. The site that is sourced is a site on Fort Bragg, and that semi official site says NOTHING about no collecting sea glass.

So the "rumor" persists...
Sep 16, 2009
 Fort Bragg Glass Beach
by: Bess Bunton

How would you rate this beach for sea glass? Excellent (16+ jewelry grade pcs. found per hour)

Glass Beach is in Fort Bragg off north end of Main St, at the end of Spruce St. Main & Spruce intersect on the west side by Denny's.

Once upon a time it was the local dump, over 55 years ago. It is true that the State has taken the beach but I am not sure glass hunting is prohibited.

As a teenager and then as a young Mother it was a favorite outing for me and my children, glass was over a foot or so thick, there is hardly that now but still if you want to dig a little it is there. Lovely pieces of crockery bits as well.

Hope this helps

Bess
Sep 16, 2009
 Fort Bragg Glass Beach Open
by: Tammy

On Tue Aug 04, 2009

Name of Beach and Comments: Fort Bragg Sea Glass

"Glass collecting is not prohibited at Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, CA. It is only prohibited to trespass on the property of the old G-P Mill site.

If you are unable to kayak or climb to the coves that are south of the main beach, the only way to reach them is by trespassing."

How would you rate this beach for sea glass? Excellent (16+ jewelry grade pcs. found per hour)

Tammy

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Glass Beach - Fort Bragg,ca

by Bender
(Sac of patatoes,Ca)

Glass Beach Ca Fort Bragg

Glass Beach Ca Fort Bragg

Glass Beach Fort Bragg,ca

Fort Bragg

California USA

Excellent - 16+ pieces of jewelry grade sea glass found per Min
bucketfulls!

well-rounded and frosted and its soft you can walk on bare footed
deff an 11 out of a scale of 1-10

Comments for Glass Beach - Fort Bragg,ca

Click here to add your own comments

Aug 31, 2017
 Main beach still closed
by: Jeanne

August 31, 2017

The beach with the steep stairs is still closed and fenced off. Visited there August 15, 2017.

Treasure Cove at the end of the trail (if you can find it) had much less glass and other treasures than previous visits.

Pieces were beautiful, round, and smooth.
Apr 03, 2017
 Karma and sea glass
by: Anonymous

1. Legality: Start your trip at the Sea Glass Museum on Highway 1 south of town. Captain Cass has up-to-date information on the legality of collecting. Technically the sea glass is trash, not old enough to be considered an historical cultural item protected by state parks. Most of it is below the mean high tide mark, making it on land in public trust (i.e. not private property). Ticketing was happening, but apparently didn't hold up in court and has stopped. If you hike down on the easy main beach at a negative tide, you will see the mangled burnt giant chunks of metal and glass and other trash. I almost cut myself thinking I was reaching for a rock. This was definitely a dump.

That said...

2. Don't be a sea glass jerk! If you are going to collect, don't take a lot and take it from less accessible beaches/coves. The main easy beach is in the park and it's nice to have it stay full of sea glass for the average tourist or person who has limited mobility or kids. I saw different types of collectors - marine biologists taking small amounts for their personal collection and sea glass jerks taking large amounts while blasting crappy 80s music on the beach. Take only what you will treasure. Look at your finds, pick out your favorites and leave the rest. Pick up other trash like plastic and metal and leave the beach prettier than you found it.

3. Be careful if you try to collect at the other beaches, the original dumpsite beach is only accessible by kayak or negative tide and it is dangerous. Same with the Pt. Arena lighthouse dumpsite. Best attempted by people with some outdoor rock climbing experience at low tide. Also watch the tides so you don't get stuck! Some of these paths are seriously dangerous, so be careful. I saw seeding glass on both of these remote spots, which was confusing since it was mixed with super old stuff.

4. Karma: I helped several people with some expert tips to find marbles and picked up a whole bunch of plastic and metal trash. The ocean rewarded me with a half-dollar sized red, an apothecary stopper, marbles, and some wire glass.
Mar 31, 2017
 idiot tree huggers
by: Gypsy

Fort Bragg is filled with peoples GARBAGE, all that glass is Garbage from people dumping in and near the ocean. people taking it are cleaning up the so called pretty glass. go hug some trees, we have some giant redwoods you can latch onto . smootches
Oct 18, 2016
 Shame on you
by: Anonymous

To OdysseySeaGlass:

I am appalled to see that your website recommends collecting sea glass at Fort Bragg. My family traveled from Florida to Fort Bragg to see the sea glass and the people committing misdemeanors by filling five gallon buckets, backpacks and plastic bags, stealing glass from the beach, was repulsive. How can you endorse stealing? To take even one piece of rock or plant or glass from the park, is theft. How can you list Fort Bragg as a location for collecting glass? Shame on you Odyssey Sea Glass. Shame on you!
Jul 22, 2016
 Leave only footprints
by: Anonymous

Sounds like hippy BS huh?

Bet most people think local park Rangers don't have the time to do surveillance and give you citations well they do and they will - it's just like poaching abalone, even bird feathers are a no no.

I live by point reyes seashore hundreds of thousands of tourist horde and pillage bits of the park eventually things will dissapear.

I know a story about someone who found a few great blue heron feathers on the beach and stuck them on a car dashboard.

They was arrested by the Fed Ranger and the ticket was 50 thousand dollars plus 6 months in jail
May 31, 2016
 Trash to Glass
by: Anonymous

Maybe to replenish the beach glass we can start dumping trash again into the nearby ocean, thus replenishing the sea glass for future generations to enjoy and that way these ANGRY people who are angry about people collecting tumbled trash from the beach won't have a reason to be angry anymore.
Mar 07, 2016
 A Native perspective
by: Anonymous

I was born and raised in Fort Bragg and my Grandfather and I used to go to "the dump" and dump our trash as well as shoot the rats that inhabited it. We were performing a public service in our minds as they were carriers of diseases and fun to shot at the time. I wonder now if I will get any hate responses from PETA or other animal preservation foundations of like minded consciousness for this ludicrous and senseless act of violence towards animals... let alone being a perpetrator of senseless trash dumping... Don't be a hater! It's in the past! It's over and done with! let it go... deep breaths... that's it...

Anyway, I digress. Back in the 50's and 60's we were somewhat naive and Okay, Stupid about such things as dumping trash in the ocean. I know that! Don't lecture me! I don't need it. Land was a premium commodity and it was unheard of in the area to have a landfill so... I personally think back now and agree that it was a ludicrous notion to do such a thing to the ocean! Do you honestly think it's stopped?! NO there are atrocities being done to the oceans, the air we breathe, and our land, our Trees we need for air are being destroyed for hamburgers for crying out loud!!! Are YOU doing anything to stop it??!! No your complaining about a few people taking some friggin' reclaimed garbage off the beaches! Give me a break!

Well I've traveled to beaches around the world and I've seen Huge amounts of trash all over the beaches of the US Virgin Islands, Hawaii, Italy, Croatia, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. It is a truly depressing and heart breaking thing to see... Especially when you realize you're swimming on garbage!!!

When I was a child I remember going to the remnants of the dump and Glass Beach as a teenager and an adult on my pilgrimages back home to visit family and friends. We scoured the entire beach from one end to the other for treasures. We collected them in glass jars, plastic bags or whatever we had at the time. It was "our right" as we had inherited it back from the sea in which we had pitched it. We did reminisce about the "good old days" and felt a sense of pride in the fact that we had cleaned up our act and stopped dumping garbage into the sea. Our Glass Beach was a right of passage and the treasures there were ours to keep as we found them. Don't bother wasting your time or mine telling me that it was a criminal thing to do in taking back the glass and other items transformed by the sea from the garbage we put there over time. My family and I have collected pounds of it over the many years that I've combed the beach since childhood. We've made memorials out of all of it and given some to close friends and family as it is a unique piece of OUR history, Not YOURS! Unless of course you were born there like me...

I went there with my wife and we gathered some as well years ago before the hullabaloo began about taking it. We kept a small amount compared to what we used to keep many years ago. It is memorialized to this day and it's beauty is shared with all of those who see it.

It was a devastating thing for me to see that the 1' think layer of multi colored glass, steel, ceramic and a few mixed in shells had been reduced to a few tiny, measly pieces of green, clear, and brown glass, gravel and sand since I was a kid. I am glad that I got what I did when the getting was good! I was at least able to take back some fond memories from childhood and show my wife from Croatia what American sea glass looks like albeit not in it's original form as it used to be 30-40 years ago.

My wife and I travel the world and we look for sea glass on her beaches and we Do pick up a few pieces here and there to add to our memories of the places we have visited. This includes shells as well. DO I feel guilty for keeping it? Hell No! It was some idiot throwing a bottle in the sea or it floated down a river in a flood or whatever way it got there. That's of no consequence. It Was garbage! Now It's a beautiful trinket to be seen and appreciated by all of those who admire it. Just like the Garbage that Was Glass Beach!

I will probably not go back to glass beach again as it is just not the same and it is a depressing sight to see all of the people combing the beach and filling plastic bags with glass even though I did the same thing. It's different when you grew up there. It will forever remain in my memory and the glass jars that are filled with it as one of the most precious and memorable times of my life for all of the beauty that came from garbage.

Bottles will inevitably end up in the ocean along with all of the other garbage we put there either by mistake or on purpose. Let's BE Responsible for our actions People!!! I think we REALLY NEED to concentrate on STOPPING the destruction of the Oceans, where some of our Food comes from, the AIR we breathe, the ANIMALS we slaughter, the TREES we destroy for hamburgers. Please be a part of That movement!

You might be asking yourself does This guy get involved in such things??!! The answer is Yes I do! In fact, I have developed an idea to turn waste into energy! My question to you is... What have You done to make this planet a better place to live in??!!

Namaste'

Marlon
Sep 29, 2015
 oh wow...people...really?
by: Anonymous

Its not like its sea shells...once its gone its gone...wow...really? Um...last time I checked the sea shells are actually homes to living organisms...and fyi...sea glass...is not a living creature!

Its rubbish! That never should of been there in the first place!

It's remnants of a careless act of ocean dumping done over years and years and years! So what if some people want to take the sea glass home? So what if they choose to do something profitable with it?

Sea glass is not naturally occurring! It's a product of people carelessly dumping there waste into the ocean with out a care in the world!

A re-seeding program? to put the sea glass back into the ocean? are you for real? now we know better! now we know that ocean dumping is bad...why the heck would anyone want to go dump more glass in there?

I bet it's the people who discourage everyone else from going to collect...and the ones who have there $600 pieces of glass jewelry that they sell...and they are not preserving the sea glass!

They are preventing others from getting it! in a self seeking greedy attempt to snatch it all up...Those people need to spend some time reflecting on their actions around the whole sea glass thing! really people!

I am a long time collector of sea glass...in fact, most of my sea glass is Davenport

(California) sea glass...and that sea glass is disappearing as well!

I make jewelry...but i sure do not charge some ridiculous price for it! Since it is just glass when you think about it!

I personally would not write a book with a map to the location and publish it for the world...but so what if someone else wants to give up the spot? that's on them...when people ask where i get my glass...I tell them...I tell them where to park and when best times to go are!

Lets share! Lets get along! Lets not be crooks! Lets not be haters!

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