FORT BRAGG, CA., 5/29/26 — To help the city of Fort Bragg prepare for its annual Fourth of July fireworks display, anyone can collect driftwood washed ashore on Noyo Beach until June 30 if they follow some rules, the city said.
Normally prohibited at protected beaches in California, including Noyo Beach, the city of Fort Bragg allows removal of washed-up driftwood at the beach next to Noyo Harbor once a year to help prepare for the fireworks show on Independence Day. This is to help mitigate fire risk as driftwood can become a hazard during fireworks shows.
Driftwood can be taken until June 30, under the following conditions:
- Wood removal from the beach may take place during daylight hours.
- People removing wood shall follow all park rules displayed on beach property signage at all times.
- People removing wood shall be respectful and cautious of all citizens on the Noyo Beach and shall use safe work practices at all times, especially near citizens and pets.
- People removing wood shall do a site cleanup at the end of each day to ensure that any litter or debris gets removed from the site.
- No closure of the beach will be permitted and people removing wood do not have any more right to any area of the beach or trails than other citizens using the beach and trails.
- No person shall drive any motorized vehicle beyond the limits of the paved parking areas regularly accessible by private vehicles.
If taking driftwood from Noyo Beach, it should never be used for fires as the sea salt produces toxins when burned.
For more information, call the city of Fort Bragg at (707) 961-2823.