EcoNews Vol. 48, No. 2 - Apr/May 2018 by EcoNews

47 Years of Environmental News

Arcata, California

Vol. 48, No. 2

Apr/May 2018

NEWS Published by the Northcoast Environmental Center Since 1971

Spring is for the

News From the Center Larry Glass, Executive Director, and Bella Waters, Admin & Development Director

As we write this, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors seems unwilling to hear the appeal of Mercer Fraser’s controversial project on the Mad River before the June election. The Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District (HBMWD) appealed the January 11 Planning Commission decision to approve the rezoning and permits for Mercer Fraser’s project. The project is for a proposed chemical extraction facility for cannabis (a.k.a. hash lab) right next to the Mad River, near the intake wells that provide drinking water for two thirds of the residents of Humboldt County. The site is also in the 100-year floodplain and well under the high water mark of the 1964 flood. By granting this zoning change, the Planning Commission permits Mercer-Fraser, or a surrogate, to construct a toxic chemical cannabis extraction facility too close to HBMWD intake wells on the Mad River. In fact, rezoning this parcel to heavy industrial would allow a litany of other potentially dangerous

NEWS

415 I Street, Arcata, CA 95521 PO Box 4259, Arcata, CA 95518 707- 822-6918 www.yournec.org EcoNews is the official bi-monthly publication of the Northcoast Environmental Center (NEC), a non-profit organization. Third class postage paid in Arcata. ISSN No. 0885-7237. EcoNews is mailed to our members and distributed free throughout the Northern California and Southern Oregon bioregion. The subscription rate is $50 per year.

The ideas and views expressed in EcoNews are not necessarily those of the NEC.

uses to occur on this parcel. If this zoning change is allowed to stand, we say the county is required to do a full environmental impact report in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act. The NEC has joined with seven diﬀerent public agencies, other environmental groups and the public at large in supporting HBMWD’s appeal of the rezoning of this parcel and ask the public to demand the supervisors hear this appeal in a timely manner before the June election. Please contact your supervisor. Their contact information can be found on page 13 in this issue. This is not the only questionable project of this type. A similar permit was approved by the Planning Commission for a cannabis extraction facility at Big Rock on the Trinity River in Willow Creek, near the popular swimming hole and a few feet from the 100-year flood zone. It also includes the unpermitted use of public lands (Six Rivers National Forest) and is close to an elementary school. These and other projects that are approved by the Humboldt County Planning Commission without appropriate environmental review and

community notification reiterate the need for local environmental groups as watchdogs, like your Northcoast Environmental Center. Enclosed in this issue of EcoNews is a Board of Supervisors Candidate Questionnaire, organized by the NEC. This questionnaire was sent to the two candidates in the fifth district, Ryan Sundberg and Steve Madrone, and the three candidates in the fourth district, Virginia Bass, Dani Burkhart and Mary Ann Lyons. All were given ten days to respond to the ten questions and a 100-word limit per question. Our goal with this questionnaire is for you to be informed regarding the position of the candidates on important environmental issues aﬀecting Humboldt County. Don’t forget to vote on June 5! The NEC continues to be on guard and closely watching the Trump administration’s multipronged attempts to exploit the North Coast’s

Editor/Layout: Morgan Corviday morgan@yournec.org Proofreaders: Midge Brown, Claire Roth, Kris Diamond, Authors: Jennifer Kalt, Larry Glass, Bella Waters, Tom Wheeler, Felice Pace, Dan Sealy, Anne Maher, Rebekah Staub, Morgan Corviday, Ryan Henson, Claire Roth, Patty Clary, Julia McLeod, Gary Graham Hughes, Stanton Wood. Cover Photo: A female yellow-rumped warbler (Myrtle) near the mouth of the Elk River. Photo: Ken Burton.

NEC Board Of Directors

NEC Staff Executive Director: Larry Glass, larry@yournec.org Administrative & Development Director: Bella Waters, bella@yournec.org EcoNews Editor, Web Director: Morgan Corviday, morgan@yournec.org Coastal Programs Coordinator: Madison Peters, madison@yournec.org Programs Coordinator: Anne Maher, anne@yournec.org Office Assistant: Tiﬀany Perez, tiﬀany@yournec.org Bookkeeping Assistant: Anita Gilbride-Read, volunteer

President - Larry Glass, Safe Alternatives for our Forest Environment, larry@yournec.org Vice-President - Dan Sealy, At-Large, dan.sealy@yournec.org Secretary - Jennifer Kalt, Humboldt Baykeeper, jkalt@humboldtbaykeeper.org Treasurer - Chris Jenican Beresford, AtLarge, thegang7@pacbell.net Gary Falxa, Calfornia Native Plant Society, garyfalxa@gmail.com CJ Ralph, Redwood Region Audubon Society, cjralph@humboldt1.com Richard Kreis, Sierra Club, North Group. rgkreis@gmail.com Alicia Hamann, Friends of the Eel River, alicia@eelriver.org Briana Villalobos, Environmental Protection Information Center, briana@wildcalifornia.org Bob Morris, Trinity County Representative, At-Large, bob.morris@wildblue.net

Humboldt Baykeeper Fiscally sponsored by the NEC Director: Jennifer Kalt, jkalt@humboldtbaykeeper.org Bay Tours Coordinator: Jasmin Segura, jasmin@humboldtbaykeeper.org

natural resources. In particular focus at this time is the attempts to open up our coast for oﬀshore oil drilling. Our best opportunity, considering the universal opposition to this folly on the North Coast, appears to be blocking any attempt to have onshore support facilities located in our region. We strongly support the resolution sponsored by Supervisor Mike Wilson and unanimously supported by the Board of Supervisors (see page 7). This resolution gives direction...

NEC Member Groups Humboldt Baykeeper

www.humboldtbaykeeper.org

Sierra Club, North Group, Redwood Chapter www.redwood.sierraclub.org/north/

California Native Plant Society North Coast Chapter www.northcoastcnps.org

Redwood Region Audubon Society www.rras.org

Friends of the Eel River www.eelriver.org

Safe Alternatives for our Forest Environment (SAFE) www.safealt.org

Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC) www.wildcalifornia.org

NEC Affiliate Members Friends of Del Norte www.fodn.org

Zero Waste Humboldt www.zerowastehumboldt.org

Californians for Alternatives to Toxics www.alt2tox.org

News from the Center

Continued from previous page ...to incorporate anti-offshore oil policy into Humboldt County’s Local Coastal Plan (LCP) update. As Supervisor Wilson points out, the current LCP (circa 1985) has over 1000 acres around Humboldt Bay designated to support offshore oil development. This includes onshore processing and constructing oil derricks for other places. This will require our vigilance and needs to be changed. The NEC will participate and keep you informed about the LCP update process to ensure that our beautiful coast is protected. Because the U.S. Navy restricted areas to our south and greenlighted our offshore region as “Compatible with Navy and Marine Activities,” there are proposals coming forward for offshore wind projects. We will continue to review these as they are proposed, as well as any onland wind projects. When it becomes clear which of these projects are actually viable, we will keep our members informed as to possible environmental effects and benefits. For more information, see page 4. In February, the NEC board of directors had a successful strategic planning meeting which helped reaffirm our previous decisions and the direction we need to continue on, like serving as a hub for environmental groups and as a gateway for getting young/new people involved in the environmental movement. We also will continue to engage with the next generation on local environmental issues by creating a youth council of high school to college age students. We will also improve our outreach via single-item email action alerts and an improved news section on our new website (coming soon!). Our Spring dinner, dance and silent auction was a successful fundraiser—thanks to Kingfoot for the great music and to all who came out for a fabulous evening! Photos of the event can be found on our website (http://yournec.org/events/ dinnerauction2018). With summer right around the corner and another HSU semester ending, the NEC will be posting summer internships for GIS, Coastal Cleanup Day (Media and Planning), EcoNews Journalists and Special Projects. We’ll also be hiring a part time Office Assistant/Programs Coordinator as we’ll sadly be saying goodbye to Anne Maher as she focuses on the next phase of her career. Be sure to check our website for these internships and job descriptions. These successful and ongoing efforts wouldn’t be possible without you, our supporters. Thank you very much!

Check out our

Volunteer Spotlight on page 20 EcoNews Apr/May 2018

We’re Hiring Office Support and Programs Coordinator The Office Support and Programs Coordinator is a half-time position (20 hours a week). Responsibilities include volunteer coordination, event planning (including the All Species Parade, Endangered Art Show, and more), community outreach and media assistance, recruiting and supervising interns, and helping with the day-to-day operations of the NEC. Please visit the link provided below for position details and application instructions. Applications due by April 12. Anticipated start date is May 15.

www.yournec.org/programscoordinator

Interested in serving on the NEC Board of Directors? The NEC is potentially looking to add a couple of at-large board members. Desirable attributes include financial and/or legal expertise. Please email resume and letter of interest to board president Larry Glass Larry@yournec.org

Write a Letter to the Editor! Letters should be 300 words or less, be relevant to EcoNews readers and material covered in EcoNews, and must include the writer’s address and phone number. Letters may be edited and shortened for space. The NEC reserves the right to reject any submitted material for any reason (e.g., size, content, writing style, etc.).

In This Issue 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 21 22

Humboldt Offshore Wind Potential 48th Earth Day & Beach Cleanup Fourth Annual Birdathon Great Redwood Trail Bill 23rd Godwit Days Where are They Now? Ryan Henson Oil Tanker Spill Risks Logging Old Growth in Mattole Kin to the Earth: Aldaron Laird Eye on Washington Get to Know the Players: Part Two Zero Waste Humboldt Humboldt Baykeeper EPIC Sierra Club, North Group California Native Plant Society Creature Feature: Birding 101 Kids’ Page: Exciting Eggs

Bouquets to all who came out to make our second annual Spaghetti Dinner FUN(d)raiser a heel-kicking success! Bouquets to Nick Frank for our striking new window sign—now people can easily find the NEC! Bouquets to our Spring interns for the energy and support they bring the NEC: Nathaniel Israel, Sarah Duffy, Emma Trockey, and Erik Seguara. Bouquets to everyone who donated to our dinner and silent auction—this event wouldn’t have been possible without your support. View a listing of donors on page 3. Bouquets of trumpet vines to Kingfoot, Jett Hagerty, Lily Worthington, Chris Cervi, and Jeff Kelly for providing the excellent music during the fundraiser. Bouquets to Andie Ullsmith of Humboldt Land Title Company for going above and beyond (for several years) helping the NEC with the required supporting documentation for the private sector portion of our funding for our ongoing 9th street clean up.

Send to editor@yournec.org. www.yournec.org

Good Times Had by All at Our Spaghetti Dinner FUN(d)Raiser! Thanks to everyone who came out and enjoyed delicious food, good company, and great music with the NEC at the Bayside Community Hall on March 24! Lots of spaghetti was consumed, beverages were imbibed, auctions were won, and the floor filled with dancing feet! Top: Clockwise from left, Madison Peters, Shohei Morita, Jensen Green, Nat Israel, Anne Maher, Michelle Crocker and Katelyn Peakes have fun in the photo booth. Center: Marsha Davenport and Mark Fritzke show oﬀ their auction winnings. Below: Kevin Johnson, Joe King, and Kevin Johnson of Kingfoot. Photos: Sarah Duﬀy.

Auction Items

Arcata Core Pilates • Beachcomber Cafe • Benbow Historic Inn Blue Lake Casino • Bob Morris • Bubbles California Native Plant Society • Carol Laurence & Tom Cackle Carter House Inn • Chris & Richard Beresford • David Imper Dan Sealy • Dan’s Custom Metals • Dandelion Herbal Center Deborah Boni • Donna Thompson • Eleanor Jenikin • EPIC Ferndale Repertory Theatre • Fire & Light • Friends of the Eel River Heart Bead • Hot Knots • Humboldt Baykeeper Humboldt Herbals • Gail Crosby • The Garden Gate Godwit Days • Historic Requa Inn • HSU Center Activities HSU Natural History Museum • Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center Humboldt Bay Oyster Tours • Humboldt Distillery John & Darsty McAlinn • Jonsteens Tree Company Kayak Trinidad • Kayak Zak • Living the Dream Ice Cream Mad River Gardens • The Madaket • Madison Peters Marcia Mendels • Mark Peters • The Minor Theater Moonstone In Bloom • Northtown Books • Om Shala Pen & Pine • Peoples Records Plaza: Be Inspired • Rob Diperna • Scott North SCRAP Humboldt • Singing Tree Gardens • Siren’s Song Tavern Skin Illustrations • Soul to Soul Spa • Thea Gast Turtle Rock Inn • Trinidad Trading Company

Dinner Items Beck’s Bakery • Costco • Dutch & Dewey Eureka Natural Foods • Henry’s Olives • Humboldt Creamery Loleta Cheese Factory • Lost Coast Brewery • Mad River Brewery Moonstone Crossing • Nonna Lina • North Coast Co-op Rumiano Cheese Company • Six Rivers Brewery • Sue Leskiw Tofu Shop • Tomaso • Violet Green Winery Wildberries Marketplace

www.yournec.org

Apr/May 2018

EcoNews

Offshore Wind Energy project Proprosed for Humboldt Coast

Humboldt County

Above: A floating oﬀshore wind turbine located oﬀ Aqucadoura, Portugal. Photo: Untrakdrover, Wikimedia CC.

Jennifer Kalt Director, Humboldt Baykeeper While the Trump Administration is proposing the first new offshore oil leases in California since 1969, the Humboldt Bay area may become the site of the first offshore wind energy project on the west coast of North America. Our local energy agency, Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA), could soon become the first local government entity to apply for a commercial offshore wind lease from the federal government. The pieces are quickly falling into place for RCEA to jointly submit a “lease bid” with an established offshore wind company for a pilot project 20-30 miles offshore that would include 10-15 floating wind turbines. Unlike land-based projects, this lease bid would be just the beginning of a series of studies and related permits that could culminate in project development in five to seven years.

Why Off the Humboldt Coast? Why here? In short, we have wind, and lots of it. While this is not news to anyone, it may come as a surprise that this stretch of coast has some of the highest wind energy potential in North America. And when the U.S. Navy raised concerns about new offshore wind along most of the California coast last November because of potential conflicts with military activities, federal waters off Humboldt and Mendocino Counties (two of the few places that the Navy greenlighted) became the focus of wind energy proponents. Humboldt Bay is regarded as a good fit for such a project, with docks for building the floating wind turbines, a coastal population center and power grid tie-in, and no barriers to block barges needed to tow the 600-foot tall windfloats from the docks to the open ocean. Many are hopeful that floating offshore wind can help move the state away from fossil fuels. In 2015, the State of California adopted requirements to shift energy production to 50 percent renewables by 2030, along with other energy goals aimed at slowing climate change. State legislation also requires the state to double energy efficiency savings by 2030. In California, solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal are considered renewable energy sources, while large hydropower from dams and nuclear power are not. Solar energy systems, which have expanded exponentially in recent years, stop producing at night—so until better electrical storage capacity is developed, wind energy is one option for generating electricity at night.

EcoNews Apr/May 2018

The Department of the Navy conducted a “mission compatibility assessment” in anticipation of potential oﬀshore wind energy proposals along the California coast. The Humboldt and Mendocino coasts were the only areas where oﬀshore wind projects were determined to be compatible with Navy and Marine Corps activities. Source: U.S. Department of the Navy. [Humbodlt County highlighted by the EcoNews editor for context.]

Next Steps The offshore energy lease bidding process is unlike the process for development projects in California. Federal waters are regulated by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), which also manages the lease sales for offshore oil and gas drilling and exploration. RCEA is moving quickly to submit a lease bid. By jointly submitting a lease bid with an offshore energy company, RCEA is able to retain some measure of local control over potential offshore energy development. If a lease is granted, RCEA will have

www.yournec.org

the exclusive right to seek BOEM approval for development. The lease grants the right to use the lease area to develop Site Assessment Plans for surveys and studies. That plan must be approved by BOEM before studies can be conducted. Only after these phases are complete can construction plans be submitted for approval. Although there are concerns for marine mammals, seabirds, fisheries, and impacts to commercial fishing, local environmental advocates are cautiously optimistic about the potential for a major shift away from fossil fuels. Continued on page 20

Earth Day Still Needed After 48 Years “You know, it’s a cliche, there’s that bumper sticker that says, “Every day is Earth Day!” But I just live that way now.” - Bob Morris Claire Roth The importance of Earth Day has not waned in the 48 years since its inception. In fact, the importance of caring for our planet has risen to a new level of urgency with the challenges of climate change, and as the Trump administration seeks to undo much of the environmental progress that has been made over the years. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin kicked oﬀ the event on April 22, 1970 as a teach-in on environmental issues in response to a lack of a presence of the environment in the political or media spheres. The first Earth Day attracted the participation of 20 million people worldwide; by its 20th anniversary in 1990, the number of participants skyrocketed to 200 million people across 141 countries. In 2016, it was estimated that over one billion people around the globe participated. Earth Day continues to be a reminder that stewardship of the earth is important not just on one day, but every day. Bob Morris, the Trinity County Representative on the Northcoast Environmental Center’s board, recounts a 2010 NEC board meeting where, when he brought up that it was Earth Day’s 40th anniversary and suggested that the board of directors share their first Earth Day memories. He was met with silence and then laughter, as several folks around the table stated that they either weren’t born yet or were very young when the first Earth Day happened. Morris, however, remembers it like yesterday. “It’s very vivid to me,” Morris says. “I was a freshman in college and it was kind of a big deal on campus. There were speeches given, banners and parades, and it was a real eye-opener. Kind of like, “Whoa, something’s going on with this environmental stuﬀ.” Morris had attended Sierra Club meetings during his senior year of high school and was exposed to topics of environmental awareness there, but says that Earth Day proved something was truly brewing in the environmental corner. Dan Sealy, NEC’s Legislative Analyst, also remembers the first Earth Day. “I grew up in Oklahoma and my first recollection is in high school. A friend of mine and I had discovered a fairly significant fish kill on a creek that flowed into a small river in about 1969 and it was about the same time as the Santa Barbara oil spill, which of course had national headlines everywhere. We were really naive but wanted to do something.” “We asked our school if we could organize a school assembly about Earth Day and have people come and talk about various topics about environmental concern,” Sealy says. “Because of our

work with the fish kill, we knew some people at the water quality board, and one of our teachers worked at the Oklahoma City Zoo. We had speakers come and it was packed with people. We had all of these great speakers on weather and water and wildlife. Kind of naive stuﬀ at the time, nothing as complex as it is now, but from that we wound up getting a bunch of people to do water quality monitoring on streams in the area where we lived.” Ideas about how to spend it have evolved over the years. Some have argued that individual action is the way to go, while others claim that structural and systematic changes are the ones that count. Sealy states, “Like so many things that are good, it has become, probably by necessity, somewhat institutionalized. And in doing so, it loses some of that initial, real grassroots, activist spirit. It’s not that people care any less, it’s just that it’s become kind of like an expected thing rather than a mobilization thing.” Sealy continues, “Environmental messages have gone from overly simplistic, like “save the whales” or “save the rainforest,” to extremely complex things like climate change and carbon sequestration and energy budgets. To me, Earth Day is an opportunity to really broaden the subject and grab people’s hearts. So that it’s not all about the science, not all about the data, it’s about why it’s important when you walk out the door every morning.”

U.S. Senator Edmund Muskie, author of the 1970 Clean Air Act, addressing an estimated 40,000-60,000 people as keynote speaker for Earth Day in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia on April 22, 1970. The image on the podium was the oﬃcial logo of the first Earth Week. Photo: Wikimedia, CC.

Samoa BeachCleanup 10 am - NOon

coffee and bagels will be provided Meet at the Samoa Beach Power Pole Parking lot

Earth Day -Sunday, April 22 www.yournec.org

Apr/May 2018

EcoNews

Raise funds for the NEC and Audubon by birding! Anne Maher Have you been looking to do a little stint in birding? Do you have eyes like a hawk? You’re a lucky duck—the Fourth Annual Tim McKay Birdathon is upon us! Similar to a walk-a-thon, a birdathon is a way to raise donations by recruiting pledges for each bird species spotted within 24 hours. After finding pledgers and creating a fun team name, participants of all ages head out to bird as a team or on their own. Donations are collected by the team captains after the birding period, and are split between the Redwood Region Audubon Society (RRAS) and the NEC. Last year, teams spotted over 400 species of birds and raised more than $7,000 to support the programs of the NEC and RRAS. We are looking forward to another successful year! The Birdathon runs from May 5-13, and you can bird for any 24 hour period within those dates. Participants can sign up to be a team captain or join a team by April 28 at www.yournec.org/birdathon, by visiting our table at Godwit Days, or by stopping by our office. There will be a team captain meeting on April 26 at 9:30 a.m. in the NEC office that all Birdathon participants are welcome to attend. You’ll be bittern if you miss this year’s Birdathon! Take the day to enjoy looking and listening for some of Humboldt’s most infamous avian friends, while making some new friends of your own. Support RRAS and the NEC by getting out in the ruff and birding! It’s your tern to bird!

Interested in getting into birding? checkout Page 22 for Birding 101!

Adopt-A-Block Help the NEC keep our streets clean and prevent debris from entering our stormdrains by adopting a block near you! Contact us to sign up and get involved!

707-822-6918 • www.yournec.org/adoptablock EcoNews Apr/May 2018

www.yournec.org

Visionary Great Humboldt Says No to Offshore Oil Redwood Trail Bill Introduced Jennifer Kalt Humboldt Baykeeper

Patty Clary Californians for Alternatives to Toxics (CATs) A bill proposed by state senator Mike McGuire promises to have a profound impact on the environment, recreation, and economy of the North Coast. It is a visionary plan to create the Great Redwood Trail from Arcata to Willits within the railroad corridor and through some of the most awe-inspiring landscape of North America. McGuire’s bill, SB 1029, comes after a lawsuit against the rail authority filed seven years ago that now sits before the U.S. Supreme Court. The court will decide whether to take it up in the coming months. The bill would abolish the North Coast Railroad Authority (NCRA), a “rogue” state agency established in 1998 (after California purchased the lines) to oversee the 300 miles of the century old rail corridor. NCRA fought lawsuits brought by North Coast groups over a flawed environmental assessment by claiming that federal law, not the state, controls it, losing this argument in California Supreme Court last summer. The Great Redwood Trail would pass by Humboldt Bay, through redwood forests and the Eel River Canyon, over bridges and through tunnels along the Eel River, reaching the northern edge of the Russian River watershed at Willits. The trail would ultimately reach San Francisco Bay by continuing south parallel to commuter rail tracks as operated by Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART). The existing rail around Humboldt Bay would remain intact for potential use as an excursion train. Construction of a parallel path along the bay’s east side is currently underway. If passed into law, SB 1029 would provide 150 miles of pedestrian and bicycle trail in the northern half, much of it through remote and biologically diverse environments attractive to outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. NCRA would be replaced by the Redwood Trail Agency, which would lead the eﬀort to raise funds for the trail’s design and construction. NCRA’s Board of Directors piled up debt and flouted rules and regulations when inconvenient throughout its history. Decades of refusing to face the reality of the decrepit state of the railroad infrastructure—with toxic chemicals leaching into soil and water, railroad engines and cars littering the river bed, tracks hanging unsupported in the air where soil had slid out underneath—finally made Continued on page 19 the accumulation of...

In February, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an anti-offshore oil resolution, which was submitted to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in response to the Trump Administration’s call for the largest offshore oil expansion in modern history. The County’s anti-offshore oil resolution is precedent-setting. For the first time, Humboldt County has taken an official stand against offshore oil and gas drilling and exploration, joining nearly all other coastal California counties, the Platform Holly, an offshore oil platform near Santa Barbara, California. Photo: Cities of Arcata and Eureka, and more than U.S. Department of Energy, Wikimedia CC. 20 other coastal communities. Commission. Currently, the County has over 1,000 County Supervisor Mike Wilson, who acres designated to support offshore oil development, sponsored the resolution, said at the hearing that including onshore processing and derrick construction. it’s not just about taking a stand against the federal Although some of these areas were recently approved offshore oil proposal. “We’re currently doing our for other uses on a temporary basis, the anti-offshore local coastal planning process, and this stance oil resolution sets the stage for environmentallywill inform that process. This is a message to our protective economic development on derelict industrial planning department, as we move forward, and properties around Humboldt Bay. the community of where the Board of Supervisors Stay tuned for opportunities for public input stands on this and it should be reflected in our land on this important process that will guide future use policies,” Wilson said. development and environmental protection! For These land use policies include the County’s 1985 more information, visit the County’s Humboldt Bay Local Coastal Plan for the Humboldt Bay Area, which Area Local Coastal Plan Update webpage at https:// is finally being updated with grant funding from the humboldtgov.org/1678/Local-Coastal-Plan-Update. Ocean Protection Council and the California Coastal

Jim Steinberg, Mediator 19 South G Street Arcata, CA 95521 707-476-0440 steinberg@humbodlt1.com

www.steinberg-mediator.com

Adopt-a-Beach

Be a part of our growing team of site captains Visit our website for more information and a list of available sites.

www.yournec.org/adoptabeach 707-822-6918 www.yournec.org

Apr/May 2018

EcoNews

23rd Annual Godwit Days at the Arcata Community Center

Godwit Days is a spring migration bird festival that celebrates the Marbled Godwit and all birds of Redwood Coast forests, bays, marshes, and mudflats. The Arcata Community Center serves as the departure hub for most trips and houses an art show and Bird Fair. Choose from nearly 100 field trips, lectures, workshops, and boat excursions. Pre- and postfestival trips can extend your experience from April 18 to 24. Some trips have already been filled, with new ones being added. For the most current information, visit www.godwitdays.org. The festival again oﬀers two featured speakers. On Friday night, following the free opening reception, Dr. Jack Dumbacher, curator of birds and mammals at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, will speak on the future of deep forest owls in California. Other sessions where you can interact with Jack are a five-hour birding trip on Saturday and an iNaturalist Bioblitz and iNaturalist workshop on Sunday. The Saturday night keynote is Sharon “Birdchick” Stiteler, author of three books, including “1001 Secrets Every Birder Should Know: Tips & Trivia for the Backyard and Beyond.” Sharon is known for her Birdchick podcast and blog (at www.birdchick.com). Other sessions where you can interact with Sharon are Birding the Blue Lake Cottonwoods on Saturday, a six-hour birding trip on Sunday, and a tech birding workshop on Sunday. All Basic Festival registrations include a keynote ticket, while the cost is just $10 for non-registrants.

Something for Everyone Trips range north to Del Norte County, south to Petrolia, and inland to Willow Creek. New trips visit Snow Camp & Bald Mountain Roads near Korbel, the lower Mad River

EcoNews Apr/May 2018

April 20-23

Free Events Free events for everyone include an opening reception, Friday night lectures, a presentation of the fifth annual Humboldt County Bird of the Year award, Bird Fair vendor booths, an art show, live birds of prey from Bird Ally X/Humboldt Wildlife Care Center, family nature crafts sponsored by Friends of the Arcata Marsh (FOAM), and some field trips (note: price is $0.00 on event list, but sign-up is required to reserve a spot). All entries in the 15th Annual Student Bird Art Contest by Humboldt County students in grades K-12, which is cosponsored by FOAM and Redwood Region Audubon Society (RRAS), will be on display, with awards for it and the RRAS Children’s Nature Writing Contest presented on Saturday, April 21.

Godwit Goodies (Buy & Bid) Look over Silent Auction goodies on display in the main hall. To donate, call 707-8267050. Come in to Registration to purchase 2018 Godwit Days T-shirts featuring a design by Patricia Sundgren Smith, whose art incorporates a wide range of printmaking techniques, as well as painting, photography, drawing, and collage.

Godwits in flight. Painting by Patricia Sundgren Smith.

riparian, McKinleyville (Humboldt’s “Birdiest City”), and a Bike & Bird Trip along the new Humboldt Bay Trail North. Many popular annual field trips will be oﬀered, including Spotted Owl trips (divided according to the diﬃculty of the hike in to see the birds) and Shorebird Spectacle at the Marsh. The program is not limited to birds, with sessions focusing on dragonflies, reptiles and amphibians, conifers and other native plants, and dune ecology. www.yournec.org

Registration & Important Info On-site registration hours:

Friday, April 20, 3-6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 21, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, April 22, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit the website below for event descriptions and to register. Advance registration is strongly recommended, as trips are selling out fast!

707-826-7050

www.godwitdays.org 8

Where are they now? Former NEC Intern

Arcata High School Surfrider club Julia McLeod A new Surfrider club made its debut on the Arcata High School campus this year! Members include students that are interested in the protection and conservation of our local ocean and beaches. The mission of the global Surfrider organization is “the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches through a powerful activist network”. The Arcata High chapter is working to spread this message on campus by educating the student body on current local and global issues regarding the ocean. Julia McLeod, the chapter head, got the club rolling last summer with previous Humboldt Surfrider chair, Delia Bense-Kang. As the school year kicked oﬀ, the club saw great turnout with lots of interested students and signups. The club currently has about 12 consistent members who meet weekly with advisor Reid Kitchen. So far, they have helped support the No Straws November campaign, approached local businesses to put up signs encouraging consumers to think twice about using a straw, and worked with their student store to get rid of straws. Next, the club approached the school administration and got recycling bins for the school parking lot donated— these are in the process of being painted in preparation of being put out for use. Another great addition to the campus in the past year was the ocean friendly garden by the gym, but students were unaware of its purpose. Therefore, AHS Surfrider had a sign made that will be hung on the gym wall to educate students about the purpose and perks of ocean-friendly gardens—not only for people but for the environment. The high school club is happy for the opporunity to influence the younger generation about environmentally-conscious living, while immersing in and enjoying the natural places that are available here in Humboldt. On April 7, the AHS Surfrider club plans to pair with the Trinidad Land Trust to have a beach and trail restoration work session at Houda Point. As the club grows and establishes itself on campus, it hopes to gain more members and make great connections in the community so that the school can work to help raise students who are aware of the global and local issues surrounding our ocean. For more information, contact jmcleod@ nohum.k12.ca.us.

Ryan Henson

Ryan Henson I was an intern at the NEC while serving in the U.S. Navy Reserve and attending College of the Redwoods in 1987 and 1988. The experience of working alongside NEC legend Tim McKay made an indelible impression on me. [Editor’s note: Tim McKay was Executive Director of the NEC from 1976 until his death in 2006.] Like many NEC interns, Tim kept my 19-year old self busy cutting stories out of newspapers and filing. But I was also treated to something that I never had from my parents: intelligent, fact-based discussions about life and politics. I was raised with very conservative political beliefs that ran contrary to Tim’s. Over the course of a year and a half, Tim introduced me to the Socratic method as we discussed politics and Tim made me explain and defend the reasons for my beliefs and political positions. I likewise cross-examined Tim. It was stimulating for a young mind, one that values ideas and ideals, and it helped push me over the “edge” toward an eco-progressivism that I already felt in my heart. I was also treated to Tim’s stories about his decades of conservation work, and these stories were an inspiration that lasted throughout the subsequent years as I transferred to the University of California at Davis and moved on in life. While a student at UC Davis, I began an internship with the California Wilderness Coalition (CalWild) in 1989. CalWild works to protect and restore the wildest remaining portions of California’s public lands. I decided to start working for CalWild full-time in 1994. Since that time, I have been deeply involved in the passage of several public land protection bills and in the establishment of six national monuments. Working to pass a public lands bill for the North Coast from 2001-2006 gave me an opportunity to work with Tim many times over the course of those years. Sadly, Tim passed away in 2006 just shortly before the Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage Wilderness Act of 2006 was signed in to law.

www.yournec.org

Former NEC intern and current Senior Policy Director at California Wild Ryan Henson snowshoeing in the Sierras. Photo courtesy of Ryan Henson.

After Tim’s passing, I went on to work on what would become the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009 that protected over 779,000 acres of wilderness and 104 miles of stream as wild and scenic rivers in California. I was also involved in the establishment or enlargement of several National Monuments, including San Gabriel Mountains, Mojave Trails, Sand to Snow, Berryessa Snow Mountain, California Coastal and Cascade-Siskiyou. I was also deeply involved in the 2016 Desert Renewable Energy... Continued on page 19

Apr/May 2018

EcoNews

Proposed Offshore Oil Drilling Threat Brings New Attention to Tanker Spill Risks

Unentered Old Growth in Mattole at Risk Stanton Wood

Gary Graham Hughes Senior California Advocacy Campaigner, Friends of the Earth–U.S. As coastal communities along the length of California are organizing to stop a Trump administration proposal to expand offshore oil and gas drilling in federal waters off the coast of the state (read more on pages 7 and 12), the proposal has also reawakened concern about the dangers of industrial oil spills and accidents in marine environments. Though receiving less attention than current and proposed offshore oil drilling operations, marine deliveries by oil tanker remain a standard for the petro-chemical industry in California, and an ongoing threat. California sets records for foreign crude oil imports to refineries in the state, which also receives significant amounts of crude oil from the Alaskan Arctic. The 1969 Santa Barbara Channel spill is often invoked as a historical reminder of the damage that can be done when fossil fuel infrastructure fails and massive amounts of unrefined crude is spilled into the surrounding environment. Further catalizing the California environmental movement was another oil spill disaster just two years later. In January 1971, two oil tankers owned by Standard Oil (now Chevron) ran into each other in dense fog just outside of the Golden Gate Bridge. The ensuing spill wreaked havoc on beaches both inside and outside San Francisco Bay. This disaster accentuated the already existing public outrage about oil spills on California’s coast after the Santa Barbara accident. More recently, the Cosco Busan freighter ran into the main structure of the San FranciscoOakland Bay Bridge on a typically foggy day in 2007, dumping tens of thousands of gallons of bunker fuel, fouling beaches and wildlife throughout the area. As public attention regarding the risk of oil spills increases, one oil tanker expansion project

EcoNews Apr/May 2018

An oil tanker berthed at the Phillips 66 marine terminal in Rodeo, CA. Photo: Gary Graham Hughes.

in particular warrants the attention of coastal protection advocates: Phillips 66 is currently pursuing permission to more than double oil tanker deliveries to their refinery in the community of Rodeo on San Pablo Bay, at the northern extent of San Francisco Bay. Such an increase in oil tanker traffic would also increase the risk of an oil spill in the San Francisco Bay and along the coast. The response of California coastal communities to the threat of expanded offshore oil drilling proposed by the Trump Administration is commendable. These same communities would be well-served to oppose the California oil industry’s plans to expand crude oil deliveries by tanker to refining facilities in the state, specifically the proposal by Phillips 66 to double oil tanker traffic to their SF Bay refinery. Our failure to halt the fossil fuel industry’s expansion in California could result in unacceptable consequences. Take action: Contact your state legislator (see page 13 or visit http://findyourrep.legislature. ca.gov/) to tell them that increased oil tanker deliveries to refineries in California are incompatible with California’s aspiration to be a global climate leader.

www.yournec.org

The revived conflict over logging of ancient and unentered forest on Rainbow Ridge continues to approach the intensity of a full blown timber war. In the North Fork headwaters of the Mattole River, Humboldt Redwood Company (HRC) threatens to build a new logging road to open up the largest unprotected coastal old growth Douglas Fir forest in California. For 20 years, these same forested slopes have been fiercely defended by activists using nonviolent tactics to disrupt logging operations. In October, near the tail end of the successful five-month blockade of the only access road, HRC proposed a new road. They filed Major Amendment No. 6 to the Long Ridge Cable THP (1-12-026 HUM). The site of this proposed road sits directly above the headwaters of Sulphur Creek and a pristine mixed forest containing old growth Douglas Firs, giant Madrones, Tan Oaks, and Canyon Live Oaks— an unforgettable forest that many Earth First!ers and others fought to protect in 1998. Although HRC boasts itself as being “sustainable” and “eco-friendly,” last May the company “hack’n’squirt” herbicided over 170 acres of “unmarketable” hardwoods in a previously untouched mixed species ecosystem in the Mattole headwaters. Horrified by the devastation, local activists responded by building an aerial road blockade and established tree sits to stop logging traﬃc and protect the North Fork zone from continuing to be poisoned by HRC. The road blockade held strong from June until October of 2017, borrowing skills and concepts from a similar action held in the same spot for four months in the summer of 2014. In the proposed major amendment, HRC states the new logging road is needed because the current access road is “extremely narrow” and that a new road would “provide better access for timber management and fire... Continued on page 20

Kin to the Earth: Jennifer Kalt Humboldt Baykeeper Aldaron Laird is well-known as a local sea level rise expert and environmental consultant, but his career began long before rising seas became a concern. I first began working with him on the Humboldt Bay King Tides Initiative in 2011, when he suggested that it would be a good way to turn the public’s attention to the bay during the annual extreme high tides that will soon be the norm. An avid kayaker, hiker, and photographer, Laird is also known for his extensive knowledge of historical ecology and the complex regulatory framework that governs environmental protection and restoration. He is a long-time proponent of the Public Trust Doctrine, the ancient law adopted by California in 1850 that declared that no one can own the seashore, the air, the oceans, or navigable waterways—these public trust resources belong to all of us. Laird began his environmental career as a tree planter after graduating from Humboldt State University in 1978. He was a founding member of the Northcoast Reinhabitation Group, a natural resources/forestry contracting and consulting firm based in Blue Lake. Among the Group’s work was some of the first watershed restoration projects in the Redwood Creek expansion area of Redwood National Park in the late 1970s. They also planted millions of trees in Humboldt and Trinity Counties to reverse the damage done by clearcutting, logging roads, and landslides. According to Don Allan, one of Aldaron’s greatest professional accomplishments was the idea to create a restoration manual to help streamline permitting for restoration projects. “Everyone who works in fisheries restoration knows the California Aldo the fire master, Trinity Alps. Photo: Riley Quarles.

Aldaron Laird

Department of Fish & Wildlife’s California Salmonid Stream Habitat Restoration Manual. But very few people know that it was Aldaron’s brain-child,” he said. The project was handed over to CDFW in 1989. Now in its 4th edition, it is widely used throughout California. Laird served for 20 years as a public official, although he never ran a campaign since he was unopposed in every election. As an Arcata Planning Commissioner from 1996 to 2006, he led the effort to incorporate policies protecting public trust lands into the city’s General Plan. These policies were designed to protect and enhance coastal areas below the mean high tide line and the waters of Humboldt Bay for the use and enjoyment of the people of California—including former tidelands converted to grazed or farmed wetlands. The Public Trust Doctrine also applies to the beds of navigable lakes and rivers, which are owned by the people of California up to the ordinary high water mark. Aquatic ecologist Darren Mierau said that Laird had a big hand in bringing attention to the gravel mining reclamation plans developed for the Tuolumne and Merced Rivers in the Central Valley, which were being destroyed reach by reach with each passing year. Laird proposed and developed plans to integrate wetland and waterfowl habitat into mining reclamation plan designs. Aldaron was the primary author of the 2004 Habitat Conservation Plan for the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District—the first California water district to have such a plan. This 50-year conservation plan outlines measures to minimize the District’s impacts to protected salmonids in the Mad River. In 2007, he became a Director of the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District, which supplies drinking water for 88,000 residents in seven cities and unincorporated communities. He was instrumental in the District’s “Tap the Mad” campaign to promote tap water instead of bottled water. In 2013, under a grant from the State Coastal Conservancy, Aldaron completed a 102mile survey of the Humboldt Bay shoreline— almost entirely on foot or by kayak—to assess areas most vulnerable to sea level rise. Christy Laird described her husband’s project as not just a labor of science, but a labor of love regarding Humboldt Bay. The resulting map of the bay’s most vulnerable shoreline is used in current sea level rise planning efforts. The project also culminated in a 2014 photography exhibit at Eureka’s Morris Graves Museum, Aldaron’s Walkabout: An Artistic and Scientific Exploration of Humboldt Bay. The Elk River Estuary Enhancement Project in Eureka is another major effort being led by www.yournec.org

Aldaron Laird crossing a snow melt swollen Canyon Creek tributary on a log, June 2010. Photo: Don Allan.

Laird. One of the larger restoration projects around Humboldt Bay, it will restore over 100 acres of salt marsh, riparian habitat, and slough channels supporting eelgrass habitat, along with a one-mile extension of the California Coastal Trail. Laird’s work has brought much-needed attention to Humboldt Bay, particularly the hazards of failing to plan for higher sea level as the bay rises to reclaim most of its historic footprint. Laird is currently working with Humboldt County, with funding from the Ocean Protection Council and Coastal Commission, to coordinate meetings in the low-lying communities of King Salmon, Fields Landing, and Fairhaven to discuss how best to plan for sea level rise. His commitment to education and outreach about sea level rise includes engaging HSU students in classrooms, field trips, and projects. Laird recently inspired the formation of HSU’s fledgling Sea Level Rise Initiative to coordinate research, train future generations of planners and scientists, and provide an institutional home for Aldaron’s legacy to ensure that coordinated eﬀorts related to sea level rise assessment and planning in Humboldt Bay continue well into the future. Professor Laurie Richmond said, “If Aldaron Laird were not here in Humboldt County— developing research projects and continuing to work with planners and interests groups throughout the county—I honestly do not think that we would be anywhere near where we are at in terms of understanding and planning for the risks of sea level rise in our community.”

Apr/May 2018

EcoNews

The

andpiper APRIL/MAY 2018

Redwood Region Audubon Society www.rras.org APRIL/MAY FIELD TRIPS

Every Saturday: Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. These are our famous, rain-or-shine, docent-led field trips at the Marsh. Bring your binocular(s) and have a great morning birding! Meet in the parking lot at the end of South I Street (Klopp Lake) in Arcata at 8:30 a.m. Trips end around 11 a.m. Walks led by: Cédric Duhalde (Apr 7); Cindy Moyer (Apr 14); Michael Morris (Apr 21); Christine Keil (Apr 28). If you are interested in leading a Marsh walk, please contact Ken Burton at shrikethree@gmail.com. For some of our more far-reaching trips we would like to suggest donating gas money to drivers on field trips. A good rule of thumb is $5 per ½-hour drive time to field trip destination. Sunday, April 1: Shorebird Workshop, Part I at Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. Still wondering which is a whimbrel and which a willet? This series of three workshops focuses on one of Humboldt Bay’s greatest treasures, our shorebirds! You may attend one, two, or all. Meet at 11 a.m. at the foot of I St (Klopp Lake) as the tide rises, bringing in dowitchers, curlews, godwits, willets, peeps, yellowlegs, and perhaps avocets. Workshop ends around 2 p.m. Led by Alexa DeJoannis, formerly of HSU’s Shorebird Ecology Lab (202-288-5174).

Sunday, April 8: Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This is a wonderful 2-to 3-hour trip for people wanting to learn the birds of the Humboldt Bay area. It takes a leisurely pace with emphasis on enjoying the birds! Beginners are more than welcome. Meet at the Refuge Visitor Center at 9 a.m. Call Jude Power (707-822- 3613) for more information. Sunday, April 8: Shorebird Workshop, Part II at South Spit. First we’ll look for beach-loving birds, then walk out on the South Jetty for birds of rocky habitats. Oystercatchers, surfbirds, and turnstones are usually seen on the jetty, and plovers and peeps ﬂock on the beach nearby. The tide will be low around 1:30 p.m., when we expect safe conditions on the jetty. Dress warmly in case it’s windy, and a water bottle is advisable. Wear shoes with soft-rubber soles (like sneakers) to walk on the jetty; we expect to go dry-footed. Meet at the foot of Table Bluff at 10 a.m. to carpool the poor road to the jetty. Workshop ends around 2 p.m. Led by Alexa DeJoannis, formerly of HSU’s Shorebird Ecology Lab (202-2885174). Heavy wind or rain cancels. Saturday, April 14: Willow Creek Bird Walks. Meet at Studio 299 (75 The Terrace, Willow Creek) starting at 9 a.m. We will depart promptly at 9:30 for our destination;

APRIL PROGRAM: FRIDAY, APRIL 13 The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta: Nature, Culture, and Conservation Dr. Jeff Hart will report on nearly 20 years of conservation and related work in one of California’s most controversial regions, the California Delta. The hub of California’s water supply, the Delta is an important, but little-known, area where meandering sloughs, industrial agriculture, fragile levees, and declining fishery resources vie for water resources coveted by special interests throughout the state. Sandhill Crane by Jeff Hart Jeff will talk about habitat restoration, innovative bioengineering techniques to improve levees, tidal marsh projects intended to improve fishery habitat, as well as working landscape projects for waterfowl habitat enhancement. He will develop a historical narrative of the Delta, its early settlement and relationship to nature, the impact of “reclamation” on natural resources, the never-ending battle over water, recent “fixes”, and underlying ethical and cultural issues regarding environmental conflict resolution.

Programs start at 7:30 p.m. at Six Rivers Masonic Lodge, 251 Bayside Road, Arcata. Bring a mug to enjoy shade-grown coffee, and come fragrance-free.

carpooling available. Walks generally run 2-3 hours. All ages, abilities and interest levels welcome! For more information, please contact Melissa Dougherty at 530-8591874 or email willowcreekbirdwalks@gmail.com. Saturday, April 14: Shorebird Workshop, Part III at Del Norte Pier. Meet at 10 a.m. to watch the rising tide at the foot of W. Del Norte St. bring in waves of godwits, willets, turnstones, and curlews. Tide will turn around noon; we hope to see a good show by then. Dress warmly in case it’s windy. Workshop ends around 1 p.m. Led by Alexa DeJoannis, formerly of HSU’s Shorebird Ecology Lab (202-288-5174). Saturday, April 14: Potawot Gardens Tour. Join group leader Moe Morrissette as we tour a gentle 1.2 miles through pastureland that has been transformed into a native plant garden by United Indian Health Services. Meet at 1600 Weeot Way in Arcata at 8 a.m. and expect the trip to take approximately 2 hours. For more information about this unique venue, please visit http://www. unitedindianhealthservices.org/client-services/potawotcommunity-food-garden. (Continued next page.)

MAY PROGRAM: FRIDAY, MAY 11 The North Coast Seabird Protection Network Trinidad is a regionally important area for roosting and nesting seabird species along the California coast. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Arcata Field Ofﬁce along with many incredible partners, including the Redwood Region Audubon Society, is spearheading the North Coast Seabird Protection Network (NCSPN), which aims to learn more about the seabird species in Trinidad and how to protect them from disturbance events. Shannon Brinkman, a seabird biologist with the BLM, will talk about the seabird species in Trinidad, the work the NCSPN has done since it started in 2017, and how the public can get involved in the NCSPN Citizen Science Program! Join Shannon for a Trinidad walk on May 12 (see p. 2).

Common Murres by Derek Lee, Point Blue

Programs start at 7:30 p.m. at Six Rivers Masonic Lodge, 251 Bayside Road, Arcata. Bring a mug to enjoy shade-grown coffee, and come fragrance-free.

RRAS programs are taking a hiatus June through August.

CHAPTER LEADERS

OFFICERS President— Alexa DeJoannis..….......... 202-288-5174 Vice President— Ken Burton............... 707-499-1146 Secretary — Sierra Huffman............ ....707-298-8608 Treasurer—Gary Friedrichsen............. 707-822-6543 Past President— Hal Genger................ 707-499-0887 DIRECTORS AT LARGE Ralph Bucher.............................................707-443-6944 Melissa Dougherty ….............................. 530-859-1874 Harriet Hill.................................................707-267-4055 Syn-dee Noel..............................................707-442-8862 Chet Ogan....................................................707-442-9353 Susan Penn.................................................707-273-5200 Gail Kenny..................................................707-601-1582 Denise Seeger.............................................707-444-2399 OTHER CHAPTER LEADERS Conservation — Jim Clark .............…... 707-445-8311 Eductn/Schlrshps — Denise Seeger ..707-444-2399 eBird Liaison — Rob Fowler ………..... 707-839-3493 Facebook — Cindy Moyer…………..…… 707-822-1886 — Rob Fowler ……………..…. 707-839-3493 Field Trips— Melissa Dougherty …... 530-859-1874 Historian — John Hewston .................. 707-822-5288 Membership — Susan Penn.…..............707-273-5200 NEC Representative — C.J. Ralph........ 707-822-2015 Nominations — Hal Genger.................. 707-499-0887 — C.J. Ralph..................... 707-822-2015 Programs — Ken Burton .......................707-499-1146 Publications — C.J. Ralph...................... 707-822-2015 Publicity — Harriet Hill......................... 707-267-4055 Sandpiper (Ed.)—Alexa DeJoannis..… 202-288-5174 Sandpiper (Layout)- Gary Bloomfield ..707-362-1226 Volunteer Coordinator- Susan Penn.....707-273-5200 Website — Susan Penn............................707-273-5200 Lake Earl Branch — Sue Calla............... 707-465-6191 RRAS Web Page...........................…....…..... www.rras.org Arcata Bird Alert ......................................707-822-5666 The Sandpiper is published six times each year by Redwood Region Audubon Society P.O. Box 1054, Eureka, CA 95502.

Thinking of Joining the National Audubon Society? If so, please use the coupon below. By sending in your membership on this form, rather than replying to solicitations from National Audubon, $20 is sent directly to RRAS. This is how NAS rewards local chapters for recruiting national members. (Otherwise, the RRAS dues share per new member is only a couple of dollars.) Thank you.

Chapter Membership Application

Yes, I’d like to join.

Please enroll me as a member of the National Audubon Society and of my local chapter. Please send AUDUBON magazine and my membership card to the address below. My check for $20 is enclosed. (Introductory offer)

NAME_______________________________________________ ADDRESS___________________________________________ CITY _____________________________________________ STATE_________ZIP_________________________________ email _____________________________________________ Local Chapter Code: C24 Please make checks to the National Audubon Society. Send this application and your check to:

National Audubon Society P.O. Box 422250 Palm Coast, FL 32142-2250 ----------LOCAL CHAPTER----------

REdWOOD REGION AUDUBON SOCIETY P.O. BOX 1054, EUREKA, CA 95502

April/May Field Trips, cont. Sunday, April 15: Eureka Waterfront. Meet at 9 a.m. by the fishing pier at the foot of W. Del Norte St., where we will scope for birds off the public dock until everyone assembles. We will then drive to the base of the Hikshari’ Trail at Truesdale Street and bird along the trail to the Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary. Leader: Ralph Bucher (707-4991247; thebook@reninet.com). Saturday, April 28: Southern Humboldt Community Park. The walk begins at 8:30 a.m. in Tooby Park with leader Kyle Keegan. Take Sprowl Creek Road for one mile out of Garberville and just past the park entryway (McKee Lane) you’ll see the Tooby parking lot on the right, which is well signed. If you’re late, you can easily catch up by walking towards the barn! The walk is an easy 2- to 3-hr walk. We generally have some extra binoculars. Organic, shade-grown (bird-friendly) coffee is usually provided. No dogs, please. Porta-potty is available on the trail. For information call Ann at 707-923-7227. Heavy rain cancels. Sunday, April 29: Alderpoint Trip. Join leader Tony Kurz at Ray’s Food Place in Garberville at 8:30 a.m. We will leave shortly after in carpool fashion, headed up Alderpoint Rd. The trip will include stops along the road for uncommon breeders in our county, like the Oak Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Lark Sparrow. This is the start of spring, so we look forward to seeing the first migrants headed north from the tropics: expect bright-colored birds and singing! There are no restrooms along the drive until we get to the town store which MIGHT have a public restroom. Once we have reached Alderpoint, we will take a walk south along the railroad tracks on the Eel River. We sometimes walk two miles to the old railroad trestle where we might see Rufouscrowned Sparrows (the only known area these occur in the county). We will surely see spring’s first wildflowers along our drive and on our hike. Trip ends around 3 p.m. Please bring a lunch, water, and sunscreen. For questions, email tonyk_71220@hotmail.com or call 559-333-0893. Sunday, April 29: College of the Redwoods. The College campus offers a variety of habitats: shrub hedges, fields, forests, marsh, and pond. Meet at 9 a.m. at the flagpole in front of Administration (take the south entrance). Parking is free on weekends! Led by Alexa DeJoannis (202-288-5174). Saturday, May 5: Bridgeville-Kneeland Road. David Juliano will be leading this exciting trip on Global Big Day (https://ebird.org/news/global-big-day-5-may-2018). Highlights from last year included Chipping Sparrow, Lazuli Bunting, Western Kingbird, Bullock’s Oriole, Acorn Woodpecker, and a vagrant Vesper Sparrow. If anyone is coming from further east on 36, they can meet up with the group in Bridgeville. The whole loop (starting in Eureka) is about 100 miles, with the road from Bridgeville to Kneeland about 35 miles. It is a public road, but passes through mostly private lands, so most of the birding is from the road, with very little hiking. Plan on spending 2-3 hours birding. To minimize cars on this busy road, please meet in the Party City parking lot immediately south of Bayshore Mall in Eureka at 8 a.m. to arrange carpooling. For more information please contact David at villosus1971@gmail.com or 707-601-2389. Sunday, May 6: Del Norte Spring Migration Field Trip. Let’s celebrate International Migratory Bird Day in the field! The group will carpool to several locations in Del Norte County, and keep walking to a minimum. Some of the species that may be seen or heard include Hermit Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Black-headed Grosbeak, Yellowbreasted Chat, Warbling Vireo, Bullock’s Oriole, Swainson’s Thrush, and lots of other spring arrivals. We’ll also look for seabirds. Bring binoculars or spotting scopes if you have them, drinking water, and snacks. Trip ends around 1 p.m. Meet at 8 a.m. at Charthouse Restaurant on Anchor Way. For more information, call Sue Calla 707-465-6191) or leader Alexa DeJoannis (202-288-5174).

Saturday, May 12: Willow Creek Bird Walks. See April 14. Saturday, May 12: Trinidad Head Seabird Walk. Visit the California Coastal National Monument in Trinidad, one of the most regionally significant areas along the California coast for roosting and nesting seabirds. Join an easy to moderate milelong hike around Trinidad Head, with breathtaking views of the Trinidad coastline, while also looking for and learning about the seabirds near Trinidad, their natural history, how to identify different species, and the importance of seabirds and their role as indicators for the marine environment. The trip will also provide a brief history of Trinidad Head and end with a visit to the historical and still operational Trinidad Lighthouse. Walk is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon. Please meet at the parking lot below Trinidad Head at 8:45 a.m. Dress appropriately for weather and walking, and bring snacks or drinks as desired. Contact Shannon Brinkman (semurphy@blm.gov) with additional questions. Sunday, May 13: Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Leader Ralph Bucher (707-499-1247; thebook@ reninet.com). See April 15. Sunday, May 13: Fort Bragg Pelagic Tour. The Mendocino Coast Audubon Society will offer an all-day, pelagic seabird expedition aboard the Trek II out of Noyo Harbor, Fort Bragg, led by Rob Fowler and Todd Easterla. We plan to assemble at 7 a.m. and depart soon after, spend about 10 hours at sea, and return around 5 p.m. The Trek II is the largest and fastest charter boat operating from Noyo Harbor, offering good views for up to 35 participants and getting us out to sea quickly. Ocean conditions permitting, we hope to go 30-40 miles offshore. The cost will be $150 per person and advance reservations are required. Contact Chuck Vaughn at cevaughn@pacific.net or 707-462-8137 or Tim Bray at tbray@mcn.org or 707 734-0791 for more information. Saturday, May 19: Southern Humboldt Community Park in Garberville. Leader Tom Leskiw. See April 28. Sunday, May 20: Eureka Waterfront. See April 15.

Anerican Redstart, Arcata Marsh, by George Ziminsky

President’s Column

by Alexa DeJoannis We enjoyed another wonderful Annual Banquet in February, and it was lovely to see everyone who attended! Doug Forsell shared some history of remote, Pacific, seabird-breeding islands, and we exchanged a fascinating wealth of art, books, and miscellanea through the auction. Our treasurer has calculated that we brought in $5,975 to the chapter’s coffers. This success is due in part to the kind contributions of time, auction items, flowers, and beverages, and we are grateful. I thank, in particular, Moonstone Crossing Wine, Lost Coast Brewery, Violet Green Winery, Mad River Brewery, and Sun Valley Group Flowers. New life is already springing up in our mild coastal regions, despite occasional snows frosting the heights. Yesterday, I saw three black feathers among the white on the belly of a dunlin, and this morning, two pairs of ospreys sitting nests. Spring is one of the most exciting moments in the natural world, and there’s so much to experience. It also tends to be a chilly, rainy, and windy season in Humboldt, so I’ve got to make the effort to bundle up and get out outside. Hope to see you there!

25 Driving & Walking Routes

A Birding Guide

Ken Burton and Laurie Lawrence, 2017 Birdathon, photo by Gary Falxa

Fourth Annual Tim McKay Birdathon

by Gary Friedrichsen Though our chilly spring winds are still blowing and rain is pelting down, we can take heart because Spring is just around the corner and with it comes another opportunity to get out for a great day of bird-watching while you help support two wonderful local organizations. In May, individuals and teams will once again sally forth to amass a list of birds seen during a full day. With every different species tallied, the cash register “ka-chings” and money collected after the event will be donated to the Northcoast Environmental Center (NEC) and the Redwood Region Audubon Society (RRAS). Birdathons have been taking place throughout America for over thirty years now and they have proven to be a fun-filled activity that can make a huge difference to the volunteer organizations they support. This year, the Birdathon lasts from May 5-13, giving participants nine days to pick a single 24-hour period in which they can maximize their efforts. It’s not too early to begin putting your team together and planning your route for your “Big Day”. You could report your bird list on eBird to show off to your donors. We know that some people have difficulty asking anyone for money, but remember you are not pandering for yourself! You are working on behalf of two organizations that operate on a shoestring, and yet provide our community with amazing benefits to our environment. We are witnessing a continual stream of attacks on wilderness and wildlife that we all cherish. Groups like the RRAS and the NEC are at the forefront of the fight, helping to guard our resources and threatened ecosystems. Please help! Birding is the fun part, but signing up donors and following up is the real focus. Remember, you can either join a team or work on your own, either traveling or staying put in your yard. Register yourself or your team at http://www. yournec.org/events/birdathon and watch that site for pledge sheets and other information. Tim McKay worked his entire adult life as Director of the NEC and waged battle after battle on our behalf against overuse of our common resources. He began the local Birdathons back in the 80s, and we trust his motto (“endless pressure, endlessly applied”) for the continuing work we must all help accomplish.

International Migratory Bird Day in Orleans International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) will be celebrated on May 11-12 in Orleans as “Bigfoot Birding Day.” The event, a memorial to the late Forest Service wildlife biologist Tony Hacking, will kick off on Friday evening with a community potluck dinner at 5:30 p.m., followed by a slide show at 7:30 p.m. Genevieve Rozhon, a Master’s degree candidate, will present on her research on wintering habitat selection and behavior of Rough-legged Hawks. On Saturday, starting at 7:30 a.m., Tom Leskiw, Max Brodie, and Jaime Bettaso will lead a bird walk. Both events begin at the Panamnik Building, 38150 Highway 96, Orleans. For more information, call LeRoy Cyr at 530-627-3262.

New Birding Book Available at Godwit Café by Harriet Hill

The Redwood Region Audubon Society (RRAS) is to Humboldt County, proud to announce California the imminent publication of A Birding Guide to Humboldt County. This invaluable guidebook was written by local ornithologist and By birding guide, Kenneth M. Burton Kenneth Burton, Foreword by and designed by Dr. Stanley Harris Arcata-based graphic designer and photographer, Leslie Scopes Anderson. It links well-known and obscure birding sites, some of them only recently opened to the public, into 25 routes spanning the entire county. The book features gorgeous photographs by Anderson, Burton, and others as well as detailed maps and directions and aids for navigating by GPS. Well over 400 species of birds have been found in Humboldt County; this number exceeds that recorded in many entire states. The county is home to a large, vibrant, and accomplished birding community, but until now there has been no comprehensive birding guide to the area. This

book fills that gap and is aimed at local and visiting birders alike. It should appeal to non-birders as well since the routes it describes offer superb sightseeing and walking and mention little-known public-access opportunities. The book is based heavily on data derived from eBird, a website hosted by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology that has revolutionized birding over the last decade. It covers the vast majority of eBird “hotspots” in the county. The route descriptions include suggestions for finding the county’s less-common bird species and when they may be expected along each route. The book also features a table showing the route(s) on which each species is likely to be found and graphs illustrating overall species diversity by month for each route. Burton and Anderson have collaborated on two previous books: Common Birds of the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary (published by Friends of the Arcata Marsh) and Common Birds of Northwest California (published by RRAS). Burton is also the author of Hiking Humboldt, volume 1 (published by Backcountry Press). A Birding Guide to Humboldt County will be released April 21-22 at Godwit Days. It will be for sale at the Godwit Café in the Arcata Community Center, 321 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Parkway. After that, look for it at bookstores and visitor centers throughout the county. Proceeds from sales of the book will benefit RRAS’ conservation and education programs.

photo by Gary Bloomﬁeld

Godwit Days

Godwit Days Bird Migration Festival is quickly coming up over April 20-22! Check out ﬁeld trips at godwitdays. org; see bird art submitted by local kids, visit with vendors and bird-related organizations at the Arcata Community Center, and stay for evening talks by distinguished birders. And stop by the Godwit Café, run by RRAS, for coffee, donuts, bagels, a slice of pizza, or an RRAS mug from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. We still need volunteers for this fund-raising event! Contact Susan Penn (susanpenn60@gmail.com or 707-672-3346) to sign up.

photo by Alexa DeJoannis

Whose butt is this? ( Answer on next page)

Wigi Wetlands Cleanup and Invasive Plant Removal Behind the Bayshore mall lies an area, formerly known as the Devil’s Playground, and now called Wigi Wetlands. RRAS has an open-space easement over this property, to encourage its use as a recreational and natural space. Wigi Wetlands is a special kind of wetlands called a marsh. Marshes ﬁlter, purify, and store water, while protecting inland areas from tidal energy and ﬂooding. They also create habitats for a variety of native plants and wildlife. Native wetland plants are crucial in preventing erosion and maintaining wetlands health. Wigi was previously known as Parcel 4, the site of an abandoned timber mill. With the structures now removed and the new trail open (a segment of Eureka’s Waterfront Trail), we are partnering to enhance this wetlands. Join us this Saturday (April 7) from 9:30 a.m. to noon to help enhance this piece of shoreline by picking

up trash and pulling invasive plants. This is a kid-friendly event. We will provide supplies such as gloves, trash pickers, bags, buckets, weed wrenches, water, and snacks. You are encouraged to bring a water bottle, sun protection, any garden tools you love to use, and comfortable clothes. Meet us behind the Bayshore Mall in the Kohl’s parking lot and follow the signs to the restoration site. This is a great opportunity to contribute toward our community trail system! This event is sponsored by Empower Eureka, E.C.O Eureka, the City of Eureka Community Services Department, and the Redwood Region Audubon Society. Contact Susan Penn for more information at 707-273-5200.

There was only one day that would ﬁt into my schedule and I was able to secure a place in that day’s group. We met at a nearby intersection (again, to keep the location secret) and our guide, Tom Wurster, led us to the complex and introduced us to the manager, who joined us as we walked quietly between the buildings to the back corner of the property, hemmed in between tall walls in a parking lot. The bird spent most of its time on adjacent property and had to be coaxed into view with recorded songs, but eventually it showed up and ﬂitted from tree to tree, singing occasionally while we all admired, recorded, and photographed it. I learned later that ours was the last group to be allowed in, so I feel incredibly fortunate to have seen that bird.

A Trip to Southern California by Ken Burton In February, being between jobs, I took an extended roadtrip to the other end of the state. The trip was primarily social in nature, but I had a list of six target birds to see along the way. All six were potential “state” birds: that is, birds I’d never seen or heard in California. Each has its own story, and I thought it might be entertaining and informative to share these stories with you. My first target was a Curve-billed Thrasher that had taken up residence in a residential area in Woodland. The species’ range almost reaches California in southwest Arizona but this bird’s markings indicated that it was from the Chihuahuan population, which has expanded its range northward and individuals have shown up in some truly unexpected places in recent years – even Montana and Minnesota! This was the first curve-bill ever found in the Central Valley; apparently, it had been present for several months, eating chicken feed in a backyard, before someone figured out that it was noteworthy and got the word out in mid-January. It took me only a few minutes to find this bold, tame bird perched on a rooftop and I watched it for about half an hour as it moved from yard to yard, drank from a sprinkler, chased a scrub-jay, sunned itself, allowed approach to within a few feet, and generally showed that it didn’t feel out of place at all. I also chatted with the owner of the chickens, who told me that the neighborhood had adopted the bird as a celebrity and embraced its newfound fame; and that someone had even hosted a “watch-the-birders brunch”! This was one of those

Curve-billed Thrasher, Woodland, © Ken Burton

heartwarming examples of a rare bird introducing non-birders to the joy of birding. Target bird #2 didn’t receive quite such a warm welcome. California’s ﬁrst-ever Tropical Parula, probably from western Mexico, was found somehow by local hotshot birder, Jim Pike, in an apartment complex in Huntington Beach on January 5. Due to the sensitivity of the location, the local birding community worked quickly to contain the response, agreeing to keep the location secret (the eBird point is intentionally misplaced) and making arrangements with the manager to allow visitation only on weekends, by reservation, in small, guided groups observing strict rules of conduct. Even so, some of the residents weren’t too happy with the situation.

Tropical Parula, Huntington Beach, © Ken Burton

(Ken’s tale will be continued in a future issue. Check back for further adventures and more rare birds!)

The North Coast Seabird Protection Network

Black-tailed Gull among other gulls, 02/22/2018, Crescent City Harbor, © Frank Lospullato

An Asian Visitor

by Lucas Brug

On Sunday, February 11, at around noon I got to the Front Street Park overlook of the mouth of Elk Creek in Crescent City where a big ﬂock of gulls was roosting during low tide. This was the ﬁrst day of a herring run

Common Murre colony by Bob Wick, BLM

and learn from in the years to come. The NCSPN has also developed a citizen-science program which allows individuals to be directly involved in this scientific research, contributing their own scientific findings to a large-scale research project. NCSPN citizen scientists can inform current research by reporting human-caused seabird disturbances and contribute to long-term research on seabird health and reproductive success by reporting the number of roosting and nesting seabird species in Trinidad. NCSPN citizen scientists will not only contribute to a largescale research project, but they will learn more about seabirds and seabird natural history themselves! Citizen-science surveys are conducted at designated observation points between Little River and Patrick’s Point State Parks. The field protocol is simple: visit that brought unprecedented numbers of gulls to Crescent City. I estimated around 50,000 gulls during this first day. While scanning the gulls, I noticed a medium-sized gull with wings about the same darkness as the adult Western Gull standing next to it. It was clearly larger than the many Mew Gulls around it but smaller than a California Gull. The legs were dull yellow and looked short compared to other gulls, and the bird had a very attenuated shape with long, black primaries with small, white spots. The yellow bill was long, straight, and had a black ring around it and a red tip and gonys spot. This was an adult bird, already in full alternate plumage with a completely white head without any streaking, a pale iris, and a bright red orbital ring. The white tail had a broad, black, sub-terminal band. I immediately knew I was looking at a Black-tailed Gull, an East Asian coastal species with only six previous California records.

the observation point, count the birds you see, identifying them to species as best you can, and look for disturbances or potential disturbances to nesting and roosting seabirds. Data sheets, spotting scopes, and admission to Patrick’s Point State Park will be provided by the BLM Arcata Field Ofﬁce. Citizen scientists will be asked to contribute a minimum of 3hrs per month (i.e., one survey per month) monitoring seabird populations. If you want to learn more please contact Carol at Trinidad Coastal Land Trust and Trinidad Gateway: carol@trinidadcoastallandtrust.org or call 707-677-2501. Whose butt was that? Black Turnstone on South Jetty

by Shannon Brinkman Seabirds spend most of their life out on the open ocean, except when then settle on off-shore rocks in the spring and summer months to nest, and Trinidad is a regionally important area along the California coast for nesting seabirds. Seabirds are important because they have signiﬁcant interactions with the marine environment. Everything from a seabird’s diet, to their reproductive success, to their nesting locations can be used to help inform biologists about the marine environment, including sea level rise, estimates of ﬁsh populations, and changes in marine conditions over time. Therefore, it is not only important to monitor, appreciate, and keep learning about seabirds, but it is just as important to protect them. Seabirds are extremely sensitive to disturbance when they nest. Disturbance events can cause adults to leave their nest, exposing eggs and chicks to the harsh elements and hungry predators; repeated disturbances can cause an entire seabird colony, which can be thousands of birds, to abandon their nests. The North Coast Seabird Protection Network (NCSPN) monitors the seabird populations in Trinidad in an effort to learn more about these populations, to identify and decrease sources of human-caused disturbances, and to protect these populations for future generations to enjoy

Black-tailed Gull, 02/26/2018, Crescent City, © Larry Goodhew

This beautiful gull stayed in Crescent City for a full month and was last seen on March 11. It was very unpredictable during the ﬁrst week, but became very reliable later on, usually feeding on herring roe with Mew Gulls around the B Street pier.

Eye on

Washington Dan Sealy, NEC Legislative Analyst Just as surely as winter moves into spring, the dangerous Trump agenda moves into an election year. Congress knows that after spring, they will be facing a new political context. Those who are happy with the sweeping deregulation and environmentally poisonous legislation begin a season of cautious uncertainty with a seriously divided public. Here are a few of the changes we are tackling.

Opposition to Offshore Oil The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)—the agency within the Department of the Interior that permits seismic testing for potential oil and gas reserves along the coast of the U.S. as well as leases for development of offshore oil and gas resources—closed a comment period on the proposed Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program and Notice of Intent (NOI) to Prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on March 8. Over half a million individuals and groups from across the country took the time to weigh in with concerns and opinions regarding the proposed increased offshore oil and gas development along the entire Pacific coast, the Atlantic coast, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Arctic off Alaska. Looking at those public comments online, it is clear that an overwhelming number of the 572,211 comments were in opposition to offshore oil exploration. Comments were received from Maine to Florida and Washington to California. Seven governors signed letters in opposition—including some Republicans. The Texas legislature wrote a letter of support. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, along with 22 other Democrats, sent Secretary of the Interior Zinke a letter asking for an extension to allow for additional comments, but the BOEM Director under Zinke refused. Related: Interior Deputy Secretary Bernhardt announced that the Interior Department will begin the environmental review process for selling oil and gas leases within Alaska National Wildlife Refuge this spring. In an attempt to hasten the process they will try to cover all of the leases with an Environmental Assessment rather than an Impact Statement and will only allow a 60-day public review and comment period.

EcoNews Apr/May 2018

Contact your elected oﬃcials and let them know what you think about these and other issues. Find contact information on page 13 of this issue, or online at https://www.usa.gov/elected-oﬃcials

Clean Air Under Attack The fox is, indeed, guarding the henhouse in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The attack on our environment continues with EPA Administrator, Scott Pruitt, setting aside air quality standards that have been in place for decades. Sources of major air pollution (such as power plants) that have been found guilty of cranking out poisonous gasses remain on a permanent watch list even when they have obtained a legally acceptable level of pollution. However, Pruitt has In this historic photo from April 1973, a coal barge on the Monongahela River moves past decided that these sources of a U.S. Steel Corporation coke plant at Clairton, Pennsylvania, 20 miles south of Pittsburg. air pollution no longer need to This plant had been cited numerous times for violations of the Clean Air Act. The Clairton Coke Works violated its air permit 6,700 times between 2012 and 2015 and was subject be classified as major sources to class-action lawsuits due to air pollution as recently as 2017. Plants like these will be and can be treated with a lesser under less scrutiny due to Pruitt’s rollback of air quality standards. Photo: Wikimedia, CC. degree of monitoring. John Coequyt, a Sierra Club global climate policy director, called Pruitt’s action an “appalling attack” on public health and clean air. “(President Donald) Trump and Pruitt are essentially creating a massive loophole that will result in huge amounts of toxic mercury, arsenic, and lead being poured into the air we breathe, meaning this change Don’t just get frustrated or angry with is a threat to anyone who breathes and a benefit what is going on in Washington. only to dangerous corporate polluters,” Coequyt Join the NEC’s Conservation said in a statement. It appears there are no current avenues for public input other than letters to Pruitt Action Committee! or lawsuits. Joining is easy, just send an email to Pruitt has also decided there is too much science Dan.Sealy@yournec.org being used to make decisions in the EPA. Pruitt told to have your name and email added to the conservative Heritage Foundation that he plans the action list members. to use only publicly available science to make new regulations and policies. Pruitt knows full that well many We have hosted Teach-Ins and attended research papers are covered by intellectual property Town Halls. Join us for letter-writing rights, including those by universities. Removing those events, meetings, rallies and teach-ins studies from decision-making means the best available plus some plans to use Arts to science will not guide policies and regulations that Save the Planet. protect public health and the environment.

Make Sure Your Voice is Heard and Effective

Tell EPA Administrator Pruitt what you think. Call 202-564-4700 or email pruitt.scott@epa.gov. Twitter users can contact him at @EPAScottPruitt. www.yournec.org

Watch our website and EcoNews for updates. Don’t be frustrated and angry—be effective!

www.yournec.org 12

Make your voice heard Save this list of contacts for your reference Humboldt County Supervisors 825 5th Street, Room 111 Eureka, CA 95501

1st District - Rex Bohn

707-476-2391 rbohn@co.humboldt.ca.us

2nd District - Estelle Fennell 707-476-2392 efennell@co.humboldt.ca.us 3rd District - Mike Wilson 707-476-2393 mike.wilson@co.humboldt.ca.us 4th District - Virginia Bass 707-476-2394 vbass@co.humboldt.ca.us 5th District - Sundberg 707-476-2395 rsundberg@co.humboldt.ca.us

U.S. Senators - California Senator Diane Feinstein https://feinstein.senate.gov/public 331 Hart Senate Oﬃce Building Washington, D.C., 20510 Phone: 202-224-3841 Senator Kamala Harris https://harris.senate.gov 112 Hart Senate Oﬃce Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: 202-224-3553 Look up other senators here: https://www.senate.gov/senators/index.htm

U.S. Representative - California District 2 Congressman Jared Huffman https://huffman.house.gov 1406 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C., 20515 Phone: 202-225-5161

Look up other representatives here: https://www.house.gov/representatives

California Governor

Governor Edmund G. Brown https://www.gov.ca.gov Governor Edmund G. Brown c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: 916-445-2841

Look up California state legislators here: or http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/

Looking for someone not on this list? www.usa.gov/elected-officials 13

Get to Know the Players: Part Two

Learn about the people in charge of our government’s environmental and public lands agencies. Dan Sealy, NEC Legislative Analyst In the Feb/Mar issue of EcoNews, we began a series to introduce the decision-makers in the current administration. President Trump has had a diﬃcult time getting some controversial appointees confirmed in all areas of his administration—including the environment. He and his cabinet have been using “Acting” designations and deputy appointments, which do not require Senate confirmation, to circumvent public and congressional scrutiny. Visit this article on our website for information on the directors of the U.S. Geologic Survey and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services that could not be included in this print edition of EcoNews.

Brian Steed Agency: Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Title: Deputy Director, Policy and Programs, Exercising Authority of the Director (not confirmed) Areas of responsibility: The BLM administers 245 million acres, or onetenth of America’s land base and 700 million acres of mineral estates. The BLM is a multi-use agency with priorities for mining minerals, managing grazing lands and providing for recreation. Contact information: Main Interior Building 1849 C Street NW, Rm. 5665 Washington DC 20240 202-208-3801 bsteed@blm.gov

Walter Cruickshank, Ph.D. Agency: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Title: Acting confirmed)

Director

(not

Areas of responsibility: The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is the agency in charge of offshore energy activity, including leases and permits for all oil and gas drilling, and is currently conducting the environmental analysis for the recently proposed offshore oil expansion. BOEM is also in charge of leases for offshore wind, such as the potential projects off the coast of Humboldt County, in addition to any other new marine-related energy programs. BOEM also permits the seismic testing for energy resources, which includes the use of explosives. This practice is very controversial due to its known (and yet unknown) effects on marine mammals and fish.

www.yournec.org

Official biography: https://www.blm. gov/bio/brian-steed Conservation background: Steed is a former staff member for Rep. Stewart (RUT) and has been active in campaigns to reduce Bears Ears and Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monuments. His background is primarily in economics and political campaigns. He co-authored a paper that concluded: there is “no evidence that wilderness land designations result in positive economic outcomes for local economies.” Rather, wilderness designations “impose costs on local economies” that call for the need to develop “a consensus-building approach to new wilderness area designations.” Steed shares BLM leadership with the Deputy for Operations, Michael Nedd, who is a career BLM employee. Neddd’s official biography can be found here: https://www.blm.gov/bio/michael-d-nedd.

Contact information: Director’s Office of Public Affairs Main Interior Building 1849 C Street, NW Washington, D.C 20240 202-208-6474 BOEMPublicAffairs@boem.gov Official biography: https://www.boem. gov/Deputy-Director/ Conservation background: Dr. Cruickshank is a geologist and has worked for BOEM and its predecessor, the Minerals Management Service, since 2002. He is a career professional rather than strictly a political appointee serving as temporary Acting Director under President Obama as well. Dr. Cruickshank seems to have stayed out of public controversies, though in his recent testimony he told Congress that the coast of Florida was still being considered for offshore drilling, in spite of the President apparently indicating otherwise to Florida Governor Scott.

Apr/May 2018

EcoNews

How Can Local Businesses go Zero Waste? Anne Maher Humboldt County is lucky to be home to a huge amount of local businesses, many of which incorporate sustainability into their practices. It is important not only for individuals, but also for business owners and shoppers to consider the waste resulting from their products and purchases. Many businesses in Humboldt are doing just that. All around Humboldt, we see individuals and businesses composting, encouraging reusables, rejecting plastics, and buying local. Beachcomber Café in Trinidad and Bayside doesn’t give out singleuse coﬀee cups and instead allows patrons to purchase mason jars. The Minor Theater has started using reusable popcorn bowls. Alchemy Distillery donates spent mash to local farmers and uses stale Los Bagels products in their fermenting process. Kernan Construction and Alves Inc recycle construction and demolition waste, allowing for the diversion of hundreds of pounds of bulk waste. “We don’t have much push-back at all…in general, it’s been really positive,” says Six River Brewery’s owner Meredith Maier, who has helped lead their Zero Waste initiatives. “It’s more about just bulk buying and paying attention to packaging.” Maier also reflected on how switching to compostable products saved them money, stating “they’re a little more expensive, but the immediate

decrease in landfill allowed us to go to only one waste pick up a week”, which reduces their waste services expenses. Northtown Coffee had similar takes on their Zero Waste strides. “‘I think customers, for the most part, respond really well,” says Holly Ameline, manager at Northtown Coffee. “We’re on our route to not offering single-use cups…we try not to purchase cups and to reuse. We don’t really buy any type of bulk mug.” So, what can your business do? It’s often best to start with a waste audit. These can allow you to reflect on what is being thrown away, where it is going, and what is preventable. Once an organization has an idea of where the waste is coming from, it can choose a food or vendor based on what will prevent the most waste. Buying local products is always preferable and often allows you to work A customer at the Beachcomber Cafe uses a reusable mug to reduce with the vendor directly to suit your waste. Photo: Emma Held. needs. Good signage and communication with the customer is essential to prevent confusion or to sell products with minimal-to-no packaging, or frustration. Training staff and employees is another that don’t use plastic at all. way to ensure that proper waste-sorting and customer As a customer, you can choose to support the communication is occurring. Stores can also choose businesses that are taking steps toward Zero Waste. Choose to vote with your dollars, and use them Zero Waste Humboldt wisely. Next time you stop by your favorite local business, tell them Zero Waste matters to you, and contact@zerowastehumboldt.org encourage them to make a difference.

NCCS

Inc.

North Coast Cleaning Services The Green Cleaning Specialists Commercial office cleaning, window cleaning, and carpet cleaning services. www.northcoastcleaning.com 707-269-0180 PO Box 177, Eureka, CA 95502 EcoNews Apr/May 2018

www.yournec.org

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300 2nd Street, Old Town, Eureka (707) 442-3541 • www.humboldtherbals.com “We Help You Understand Nature’s Pharmacy”

Mercury Levels in Humboldt Bay Fish and Shellfish Jennifer Kalt, Director

Fish Recommendations

Have you wondered whether it is safe to eat fish from Humboldt Bay? Humboldt Baykeeper has been testing mercury levels in local fish since July 2016 with grant funding from the California Environmental Protection Agency. We’ve found that most local fish are safe to eat in moderation— with a few exceptions. Eating fish has health benefits—as long as it is low in mercury, which tends to bioaccumulate in bigger, older fish. Although most mercury exposure in the U.S. is from eating fish, it’s important that people don’t avoid all fish because of the health benefits related to its high protein/low fat content, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, B, and D.

Best Choices - EAT 2 TO 3 SERVINGS A WEEK: wild salmon, Dungeness crab, black rockfish, smelt, surfperch, anchovies, sardines, oysters, mussels, and clams Good Choices - EAT 1 SERVING A WEEK: Locally-caught albacore, Lingcod under 10 pounds, California halibut AVOID fish with the HIGHEST MERCURY LEVELS: Shark, Lingcod over 10 pounds; Copper, China, and Gopher rockfish To download our guidelines for eating fish safely, visit www.humboldtbaykeeper.org.

Why study mercury in ﬁsh?

Mercury is a neurotoxin that is especially harmful to children. It can cause slight decreases in learning abilities, language skills, attention, and memory function. At lower levels, symptoms include fatigue, muscle and joint pain, memory loss, and numbness or tingling around the mouth. At higher levels, symptoms include loss of coordination, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, blurred vision or blindness, hearing loss, and speech impairment. During the study, we interviewed a Shelter Cove fisherman who suﬀered mild eﬀects from elevated mercury levels. He was eating local rockfish 3-4 times a week. Within three months of changing his eating habits, his mercury levels decreased.

Mercury in Humboldt Bay In 2012, a state agency reported on its survey of contaminants in coastal fish. The highest mercury levels in California were found in leopard shark from Humboldt Bay. High mercury levels were also found in bottom-dwelling copper, China, and gopher rockfish caught along the North Coast. We sampled species commonly fished for in Humboldt Bay and kept as a food source, as well as long-lived species already associated with methylmercury health advisories elsewhere: leopard shark, bat ray, California halibut, lingcod, black rockfish, walleye surfperch, and jacksmelt. We also sampled three species of clams (Martha Washington, littleneck, and horseneck), and farmed oysters. The source of mercury in Humboldt Bay is

Ross Taylor, fisheries biologist and primary consultant on the Humboldt Bay Mercury Assessment, weighs a California halibut caught for the study. Photo by Jennifer Kalt.

unknown, other than atmospheric deposition from coal-fired power plants around the world. High mercury levels have also been found in largemouth bass in Ruth Lake (Study Finds High Mercury Levels in Ruth Lake Fish, Oct/Nov 2010 EcoNews).

Results and recommendations The U.S. EPA sets lower levels of mercury exposure for children and women of child-bearing age (under 45) than for men and women over 45. Because of the risks to children and fetuses, it is especially important for women planning to get pregnant to lower their mercury exposure. The good news is that most caught fish and shellfish from Humboldt Bay have low to moderate mercury levels. However, lingcod over 10 pounds should not be consumed by women under 45 and children, whereas lingcod under 10 pounds are safe to eat once a week. Leopard shark should be avoided by everyone, regardless of age and gender. They are www.yournec.org

long-lived predators that eat high on the food chain, bioaccumulating mercury and other toxic chemicals like PCBs and dioxins. General tips for choosing low-mercury fish are to mostly eat smaller, younger fish or shellfish like crabs, oysters, clams, and mussels. A good general rule, when eating fish from a store or a restaurant is to only eat one serving of fish per week, unless you know it is high in mercury (in which case don’t eat it at all). Our final report will be completed in the near future—to receive updates about this project and other Baykeeper news, send an email to alerts@ humboldtbaykeeper.org. You can also like us on Facebook and Twitter, and visit our website: www.humboldtbaykeeper.org.

Earth Day Cleanup

In celebration of Earth Day 2018, Humboldt Baykeeper and the Wiyot Tribe will host the biannual Indian Island kayak paddle and cleanup on Sunday, April 22. It’s free—kayaks, gear, and guides provided—but RSVP is required. We’ll meet at the Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center in Eureka, get outfitted with wetsuits, safety vests, and kayaks (or bring your own), paddle out with trained guides, pick up garbage, load it on a boat, paddle back, feel all warm and fuzzy and maybe a little wet. If this floats your boat, contact Jasmin Segura at jasmin@humboldtbaykeeper.org to sign up, or call 707-407-6183.

Apr/May 2018

EcoNews

The Environmental Protection Information Center Photo By Jon Schledewitz

ep c Photo By Jon Parmentier

Beavers are Worth a Dam! to be converted into medicine and perfume, and because beavers’ tree harvesting and waterway flooding aﬀect urban and agricultural land uses. Now the primary threat to beavers is habitat destruction and degradation. Consequently, incised stream channels, altered streamflow regimes, and degraded riparian vegetation limit the potential for beaver re-establishment. For these reasons, preventing further habitat degradation and restoring degraded habitats are key to protecting and restoring beaver populations.

Ecosystem Engineers

Amber Shelton Beavers are nature’s engineers, building dams that increase groundwater and summer surface flows, and create ponds that help juvenile salmon get big and healthy. Yet, for all the good that beavers do, hundreds of beavers are killed each year in California—all paid for by taxpayer money! What if we could change this dynamic? What if, instead of killing problem beavers, we could relocate them to an area that would benefit from beavers? That is what EPIC is exploring in 2018. Beavers are a keystone species, playing a critical role in biodiversity and providing direct benefits to surrounding ecosystems as well as fish, wildlife and people. Dams created by beavers create wetlands that help decrease the eﬀects of damaging floods, recharge drinking water aquifers, protect watersheds from droughts, decrease erosion, stabilize stream banks, remove toxic pollutants from surface and ground water, and create habitat for many threatened and endangered species. Beavers also produce food for fish and other animals, increase habitat and cold water pools that benefit salmon, repair damaged stream channels and watersheds, preserve open space, and maintain stable stream flows. Over the last century, beaver populations in North America have declined from over 60 million to as few as six million. Historically, beaver populations declined due to aggressive hunting of their soft silky fur and castor glands, which were used for trade and

EcoNews Apr/May 2018

Beavers are unique because they can create or modify their habitat by building dams and lodges. Therefore, reestablishing beavers may help to restore degraded ecosystems. Relocating beavers is an eﬀective way to restore extirpated populations, expand current ranges, and bolster low population numbers. The beaver itself is one of the major sources for wetland development in the United States, and since 3 out of 10 endangered animals in the United States rely on wetlands, beaver restoration should be a priority. California has lost more wetlands than any other state. Agricultural and urban uses have altered our rivers by diking, levying, channeling, and canalizing waterways that were once extensively braided river systems. For example, in the Sacramento / San Joaquin Rivers only seven percent of historic floodplain area and nine percent of stream length remains. It’s time to rebuild those wetlands with a little help from our furry friends. Beavers are a costeﬀective and sustainable wetland habitat restoration tool overflowing with water conservation benefits www.yournec.org

of surface water storage and groundwater recharge. The ecosystem services that beavers provide cannot be replicated by humans and the benefits they provide are irreplaceable.

Beavers Need Our Help While the North Coast region has a beaver deficit, every year hundreds of beavers are killed in California’s Central Valley by Wildlife Services, a federal agency tasked with (lethal) “removal” of “problem” or “nuisance” animals because landowners view them as pests. These killings are paid for by the taxpayer. The Department of Fish and Wildlife also issues depredation permits for landowners to trap and kill nuisance beavers on their property. Instead of trapping and killing beavers that are unwanted in other regions, it is imperative that a relocation program is created so that beavers can be relocated to North Coast rivers and other places to help restore streams and wetlands. Beaver reintroduction is a sustainable, cost-eﬀective strategy, but we need to work with stakeholders to navigate the political, regulatory, and biological frameworks to safely restore their populations. Above right: A North American beaver (Castor canadensis). Photo: hehaden, Flickr CC.. Below: A beaver dam in Norway. Photo: Ole Husby, Flickr CC.

NORTH GROUP REDWOOD CHAPTER

Groundwater Planning Underway on the Northcoast & Klamath Basin • DWR provides access to plan submissions, Felice Pace, comments and lots more for each basins where Water Resources Chair a SGMA plan must be developed at https:// In valley and estuary basins across www.water.ca.gov/Programs/GroundwaterCalifornia, groundwater planning is getting Management/SGM A-Groundw aterunderway for the first time. Mandated by Management. the Sustainable Groundwater Management • The Nature Conservancy has guidance on Act (SGMA), the planning should result in Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems which adoption of management plans by 2024 for SGMA says must be protected at http://www. Northcoast and Klamath groundwater basins groundwatercalifornia.org/. stretching from Sonoma’s Santa Rosa Plain to • County government SGMA pages. the Smith River estuary, and from the mouth Sonoma County’s is exemplary: http:// of Eel River to Klamath headwaters in Siskiyou sonomacountygroundwater.org/. County. While the plans are developed locally, If you’d like to get involved in North Coast they must conform to criteria set out in or Klamath River Basin groundwater planning, SGMA. State agencies will review local plans or if you want to learn more, call Felice at and, if they do not meet state-wide criteria, 707-954-6588. are supposed to step in and create SGMAGroundwater pumping for irrigation lowers the water table dewatering the compliant groundwater plans. Scott River near Fort Jones. Photo: Felice Pace. SGMA mandates “sustainable groundwater management” defined as “management and use of by the state as sufficient for SGMA compliance. One need not be a Sierra Club member to participate groundwater in a manner that can be maintained Of even greater concern are actions by the in these outings. Please join us! during the planning and implementation horizon Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors. Acting as a Saturday, April 21—North Group South Fork Trinity without causing undesirable results.” Groundwater Flood Control and Water Conservation District, River (off Highway 299) Hike. Breathtaking vistas of Sustainability Plans (GSPs) developed to comply Siskiyou County’s Supervisors limited membership the river’s gorge. Trekking poles will be a plus. Expect an with SGMA are not subject to CEQA. However, on Groundwater Advisory Committees to “water abundance of wildflowers and songbirds. No dogs. Bring the legislation stresses enhanced “outreach and users with land ownership within the Basin’s water, lunch, sun/cold protection, and good footwear. communication” with diverse interests: boundaries” or “an authorized appointee of an We will cross a couple of small tributary streams and “The (local) groundwater sustainability agency irrigation district or public water service agency.” deadfall trees. Medium difficulty, 7.5 miles, less than 1,000 shall encourage the active involvement of diverse Because groundwater extraction in the Scott feet elevation change. Carpools: Meet 8:30 a.m. at Ray’s social, cultural, and economic elements of the and Shasta Basins directly impacts river flows, shopping center, Valley West. Leader Ned, nedforsyth48@ gmail.com, or 707-825-3652. Heavy rain cancels. population within the groundwater basin prior to downstream federal tribes, fishing and environmental and during the development and implementation of interests have a vital stake in groundwater plans Sunday, May 13—North Group Titlow Hill 5’n’10 Six the groundwater sustainability plan.” developed for those basins. Nevertheless, the Rivers NF Hike. From Forest Road 1, hike to Road 5N10 Groundwater plans must avoid “undesirable Siskiyou Supervisors are denying those interests a on an old logging spur, counterclockwise across Enquist results” of groundwater extraction which occur seat at the table. So far the Department of Water Creek, then hike south to Cold Spring and return. Experience large ancient trees, mountain meadows, after January 1, 2015 including: significant and Resources has refused to make Siskiyou County two water holes, and long views. No dogs. Bring lunch, unreasonable seawater intrusion, degraded water comply with SGMA’s mandate for the effective water, and protection from the sun or other mountain quality, land subsidence, and reduction of groundwater involvement of diverse interests, setting the stage for weather. Medium difficulty, 6.5 miles, less than 1,000 storage; chronic lowering of groundwater levels; and likely future conflict. feet elevation change. Carpools: meet 9 a.m. Valley West depletion of interconnected surface waters. As groundwater planning gets underway, it (Ray’s) Shopping Center. Leader Ned, nedforsyth48@ has become clear that achieving truly sustainable gmail.com, 707-825-3652. Heavy rain cancels. SGMA Shenanigans groundwater management will require citizen If they desire, county governments can become involvement. Fortunately, there is guidance available the Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) for for citizens who choose to get involved: groundwater basins within their borders, and most • The Union of Concerned Citizens’ Guide The North Group’s Executive Committee meets on the second Tuesday of each month in the first floor conference Northcoast and Klamath River Basin counties have to California’s Groundwater Sustainability Plans room at the Adorni Center on the waterfront in Eureka. The chosen that option. Certain counties, however, have is available in English and Spanish at https://www. meeting, which covers regular business and conservation acted in ways that call into question their commitment ucsusa.org/global-warming/ca-and-western-states/ issues, begins at 6:45 PM. Members and non-members with to faithfully implement SGMA. For example, Napa groundwater-toolkit#.WqBrcOZG30o. environmental concerns are encouraged to attend. When and Humboldt Counties are attempting to get • The USGS has excellent information on a new person comes to us with an environmental issue or concern, we often place them first or early on the agenda. existing groundwater management plans that local “sustainability indicators” at https://ca.water.usgs. activists say will not achieve sustainability accepted gov/sustainable-groundwater-management/.

Events

Please Join Us!

www.yournec.org

Apr/May 2018

EcoNews

NORTHCOAST CHAPTER Beginners and experts, non-members and members are all welcome at our programs and on our outings. Almost all of our events are free. All of our events are made possible by volunteer effort.

Field Trips & Plant Walks

April 7, Saturday, 8:30 a.m. Stony Creek Day Hike. A one-mile round-trip hike featuring diverse native vegetation. Dress for the weather; bring lunch and water. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Pacific Union School, 10:30 a.m. at the Gasquet Ranger Station, or arrange another place. RSVP with Carol Ralph by phone at 707-822-2015. April 15, Sunday, 1:00-3:00 p.m. “Conifers on Campus,” a plant walk with Dr. Dennis Walker. Learn what makes a conifer a conifer, and broaden your understanding of these trees and shrubs. Meet at the green front doors of the dome greenhouse on HSU campus. Weekend parking is free in campus lots. RSVP with Carol Ralph by phone at 707-822-2015. April 21, Saturday, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Native Plants in Gardens and Forest. A walk from the Arcata Community Center to Arcata Community Forest and back to see native plants in public and private landscapes and in a redwood forest. Call 707-8267050 to register for this free trip sponsored by CNPS at Godwit Days, or register for Godwit Days at www. godwitdays.org. April 28, Saturday, 10 a.m.-Noon. Ferns of the Dunes. View eight species of common ferns during an

easy walk of about 1/4 mile along the riparian edge of the dunes. Meet at Pacific Union School and carpool to the protected site. Co-sponsored by the California Native Plant Society and Friends of the Dunes. Reserve your space by contacting Friends of the Dunes at 707444-1397 or info@friendsofthedunes.org. April 29, Sunday, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Rohner Park: A Rich History and Flora. Join Wiyot Tribe botanist Adam Canter for an easy walk, about one mile, in a small, rich, old stand of second growth Redwood right in Fortuna. Meet at the Fireman’s Pavilion in Rohner Park. For information, call 707-822-2015 or send an email to theralphs@humboldt1.com. May 12, Saturday, 8:00 a.m. South Fork Trinity River Day Hike: Photographer’s Special. Ann Wallace will join this outing to coach photographers and share her enthusiasm for the region’s beauty. The South Fork Trinity River Trail (aka Hell’s Half Acre) is a long-time favorite wildflower destination in Six Rivers National Forest. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Pacific Union School or arrange another place. Tell Carol you are coming: 707-822-2015. May 20, Sunday 1:00-3:00 p.m. Botanizing the Hammond Trail Loop. Elaine Allison will lead this walk of about one mile along coastal bluﬀs and coastal prairie, through Beach Pine forest and streamside forest in McKinleyville. Meet at the west end of Murray Rd. For information: 707-822-2015 or theralphs@humboldt1.com.

Evening Programs

At the Six Rivers Masonic Lodge, 251 Bayside Rd., near 7th and Union, Arcata. Refreshments at 7 p.m.; program at 7:30 p.m. April 11, “New Calflora Tools for CNPS Users”. Calflora.org is one of the most useful websites for people working with, studying, or gardening with native plants. Join Calflora’s Executive Director Cynthia Powell and John Malpas to discuss new Calflora tools for CNPS Calflora users. Cynthia will highlight Calflora’s new planting guide, population monitoring tools, Great Places, email alerts, and speak more generally about the uses of Calflora for CNPS chapters. Join Cynthia Powell and Laura Julian for a rigorous and hands-on plant data collecting hike on Thursday morning after the talk, exact location TBD. May 9, “Northern Sierra Wildflower Adventures”. In June 2016, Donna Wildearth and Ann Burroughs set oﬀ on a wildflower expedition to the northern Sierra Nevada. They will share pictures of some of the wildflowers encountered and also provide information on good places to view wildflowers in the area.

Northcoast_CNPS-subscribe@yahoogroups.com For more details and later additions, visit:

WWW.NORTHCOASTCNPS.ORG

Spring Wildﬂower Show & Native Plant Sale

the North Coast celebration of wild California plants • Free, open to all!

Show: May 4 (1-5 p.m., show only) Sale: May 6 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) May 5 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) May 7 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) May 6(10 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Show Features: • hundreds of fresh wildflowers • plant ID of wild plants • invasive plant game • draw-a-plant and learn phenology • plant books for sale • drawing and painting workshop Friday, May 4 at 7 p.m.

You can help with the show! 707-822-2015 or theralphs@humbodlt1.com We need people to collect flowers near and far, identify them, arrange them, set up tables, work shifts at tables, lead school groups, and clean up! Most tasks require no botanical knowledge.

Jefferson Community Center, 1000 B Street, Eureka EcoNews Apr/May 2018

Sale features: • thousands of plants • lots of cheerful annuals • bulbs • trees, shrubs, and perennials • sun or shade, wet or dry • experienced gardeners to help you • cash, check, or credit card See a list of plants at www.northcoastcnps.org> Gardening>Native Plant Sales You can help with the sale! 707-826-7247 or thegang7@pacbell.net We need people to transport plants, arrange plants, label plants, advise customers, tally purchases, take money, and clean up! Most tasks require no botanical knowledge.

Find updates and details at www.northcoastcnps.org www.yournec.org

Where Are They Now

Trail Bill

...Conservation Plan (DRECP) that protected 6.5 million acres of Bureau of Land Management public lands in the California desert. Unfortunately, CalWild is now having to fight to keep the Trump administration from opening these desert monuments to energy development and mining. With the NEC and others, we are fighting to preserve our National Monuments from being stripped of their protections. On a happier note, my work has taken me back to northwest California. Along with the NEC, CalWild is currently working with Congressman Jared Huﬀman on legislation that would: • Establish a 700,000-acre “restoration area” in the South Fork Trinity River watershed and in the federal portions of the Mad River and North Fork Eel River watersheds where the ecological health of previously logged forests will be improved; • Protect over 326,000 acres of federal public lands as wilderness by expanding nine existing wilderness areas and establishing ten new ones; • Protect over 480 miles of stream on federal land as wild and scenic rivers; • Restore public lands aﬀected by illegal trespass marijuana grows; • Explore the possibility of establishing a “Bigfoot National Recreation Trail” that would highlight the immense ecological diversity of northwestern California’s ancient forests and other unique landscapes; • Direct federal agencies to conduct a trails study that would explore ways to improve recreation on public lands in Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino and Trinity counties. When not fighting for wild California, I spend my time with my wife Bonnie and a menagerie of animals in Shasta County. I am grateful for my experiences at the NEC that helped to shape my work for years to come.

...problems so obviously intractable that the California Transportation Commission recently demanded that NCRA provide a plan for shutting down. A California Supreme Court decision last summer that ruled against NCRA contributed to the realization among state agencies and the legislature that something needs to be done about the recalcitrant agency and the valuable but neglected northern half of the rail corridor. Californians for Alternatives to Toxics (CATs), an Associate Member of the NEC, and Friends of the Eel River (FOER) filed suit in state court in mid-2012, objecting to the inadequacy of NCRA’s Environmental Impact Report for its planned rebuilding and reopening of the railroad from northern Santa Rosa to Willits. CATs contends that reconstruction of the railroad, as planned, would release toxic pollutants such as dioxin and pentachlorophenol from the old rail infrastructure into hundreds of streams flowing into the Russian and Eel rivers. FOER claims that the EIR should analyze impacts of all the rail line north of Santa Rosa, including the Eel River Canyon, not just one piece at a time—an approach that limits a complete picture of environmental impacts to the whole corridor. The cases were consolidated and fought all the way to the California Supreme Court, with NCRA taking several unsuccessful detours to federal and state courts as it attempted to shake loose the legal action against it. Although it accepted $3 million from the state to write an Environmental Impact Report, NCRA argued through the long legal battle that it was exempt from state environmental regulations, and instead fell under federal railroad law. The board of NCRA even decertified its EIR to bolster this theory. Neither CATs nor FOER have been able to argue the claims of their cases, as the groups have instead had to argue for the state’s right to control its agency’s actions in requiring compliance with CEQA. Though NCRA’s rebellion against state authority was struck down by California’s Supreme Court, the agency didn’t hesitate to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, petitioning it to overturn the state’s decision. CATs and FOER recently responded. It will be months before the high court makes a decision on whether or not to take the case. Meanwhile, SB 1029 has begun its journey through the state legislature for the next few months. If and when it passes, and the governor signs the bill into law, any further legal action may be mooted—or not. Stay tuned. To voice your support of the Great Redwood Trail, contact Senator McGuire’s oﬃce at 707445-6508.

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Volunteer Spotlight Eric Gallegos: Golden Broom Award Winner The NEC held its second annual Adopta-Block Appreciation Party on February 9. The presentation of the Golden Broom Award at the event recognizes the hard work of a particular Adopt-a-Block volunteer. This year the recipient was Eric Gallegos, an employee of the Beneficial Living Center (BLC) who cleans up the area near the BLC and the nearby Arcata marsh parking lot. Even as a fairly new volunteer, he has submitted his data on time and has even expanded his adopted region. How long you have been volunteering with NEC? I’ve been volunteering with the Adopt-A-Block program since July of 2017. What inspired you to volunteer? My neighbor Sylvia came to the BLC on a sunny July day with a flyer for the Adopt-A-Block program. I was inspired by the chance to catch some sun while helping clean up my community. Every cleanup reminds me that I am helping to save the environmental splendor I moved across the state to live in. Words for future volunteers? I am proud to say I have saved hundreds of cigarette butts from washing into our ocean! Everyone can make a diﬀerence in their community. Whether it’s 15 minutes sweeping up cigarette butts around your home, a couple hours pulling invasive species in the watersheds, or an afternoon planting native plants. There is something that you will love doing and be proud of yourself for contributing to the health of our ecosystems and community! Eric Gallegos poses with the Golden Broom Award. Photo courtesy of Eric Gallegos.

Apr/May 2018

EcoNews

Mattole

Offshore Wind

...suppression eﬀorts.” However, it is clear that fire safety is not their main priority. Not mentioned in the amendment is the fact that logging blockades have historically been held on in this same dirt track since 1998, when the area was previously owned by notorious Pacific Lumber/ MAXXAM. As this is the only access point to about 8,000 acres of wild and lush forests, much of which are unentered stands of rare and valuable old growth, it’s not surprising that the company is trying everything in their power to get around current and future blockades. Long time local environmentalists observe that this is foreshadowing the company’s intention to further pillage this sensitive ecosystem and open up the North Fork Mattole watershed to further vulnerability from logging. Company representatives have stated that the ancient groves of Taylor Peak are in the next scheduled “cut block”, only a few years away. Dozens of public comments poured into CDF in opposition to this project. The location of the proposed road would damage tributaries feeding Sulpher Creek, threatening to contaminate the headwaters where spawning salmon have returned after 30 years of community restoration eﬀorts. Additionally, this zone sits on one of the most geologically unstable land-masses in the country and would require excavating steep, landslide-prone hillsides, quarrying a giant bedrock embedded into the mountainside that currently provides sheltered habitat for an incredible grove of mature Bay Laurels and moss-drenched Canyon Live Oak. This assault on the point on Long Ridge Road which they claim to be “too narrow” is the same site of over two decades of non-violent direct action campaigns to save this unique forest. HRC’s attempt to build a new road to circumvent activists only threatens to trigger another timber war flair-up. For two decades, activists have put their bodies on the line on this very patch of land that is now, once again, under attack. Road permit or no road permit, if HRC attempts to extract timber from this revered landscape they will once again meet an allout resistance from passionate earth defenders. To get involved with Save the Mattole’s Ancient Forest Campaign, contact mattoleactioncamp@ riseup.net or attend our monthly public meetings on the first Tuesday of each month, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Outer Space at 11th and M Streets in Arcata.

In Humboldt County, electricity is primarily produced by PG&E’s natural gas power plant, two biomass plants that burn wood byproducts of the timber industry, and a fair amount of rooftop solar. A wide range of studies will need to be done within the lease area since there is very little scientific information on wildlife populations so far oﬀshore. In addition, not a lot is known about impacts of floating wind turbines, since the technology is fairly new. But we do know that replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy is critical to slowing climate change—not just rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns, but the rate of sea level rise and ocean acidification as well. For more information on oﬀshore wind and other local energy projects, tune in to Jen Kalt’s February 22, 2018 interview with RCEA’s Executive Director Matthew Marshall in the KHSU EcoNews Report archives. You can also download the podcast on iTunes or any major podcast app.

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About the RCEA

Formed in 2003, the Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) is a local government Joint Powers Agency. Members include the County of Humboldt; the Cities of Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, Rio Dell, and Trinidad; and the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District. Its board is comprised entirely of elected representatives. Its purpose is to develop and implement sustainable energy initiatives that reduce energy demand, increase energy eﬃciency, and advance the use of clean, eﬃcient and renewable resources available in the region for the benefit of the member agencies and their constituents. Due to the region’s isolation and transmission challenges, RCEA’s priorities include local independence and energy sustainability. In 2017, RCEA became the eighth local jurisdiction in California to provide Community Choice Energy to its residents and businesses. Community Choice Energy allows RCEA to buy renewable, more locallyproduced electricity, which is fed into the power grid and distributed through the PG&E transmission lines.

Become a Member, Donate, Volunteer, or join our Monthly Giving Program

For more information, call the NEC at 707-822-6918 or email nec@yournec.org www.yournec.org/donate

Carol Ann Conners 707-725-3400 654 Main Street, Fortuna carol@pattersonconners.com CA License #0E79262

EcoNews Apr/May 2018

We Need You! Invest in the Future

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Birding 101 Morgan Corviday Birds—while often unnoticed—live all around us. Ranging from the very tiny, like hummingbirds, to extremely large, like ostriches, birds are an incredibly diverse group of creatures that can be found in virtually every habitat type around the world—including in our towns and cities. Some may live in a specific region year-round, while others migrate great distances for breeding, over-wintering, or to find food. Some birds are bright and flashy, while others are more drab and camouflaged. A great many, particularly of the smaller songbird variety, seem so similar and non-descript to the untrained eye they fall into a category my ornithology professor called “the little brown blur.” [Ornithology is the name of the branch of zoology dedicated to the study of birds.] Upon closer inspection, however, unique markings distinguish between a variety of species.

Why watch birds? Getting to know what birds can be found where you live or visit and observing their behavior can be a great way to explore the outdoors, while also providing a sense of discovery and accomplishment. Watching a warbler flit about on a branch while foraging, or a hawk soaring in the sky looking for prey, can be captivating. While some birds are easy to spot, others are much more diﬃcult and may require dedication, patience, and some skill to determine where to look in order to find them.

Seasoned birders often keep lists of birds they’ve seen and have yet to see in person. It’s a thrill to spot the first of a species seen in a given season, or a rare bird usually not found in a given area. Detailed records kept of birds sighted can help track changes in populations as well as helping others locate specific birds again. On the North Coast and in the Klamath-Siskiyou bioregion, we are lucky to have a wide variety of habitat types that attract a diverse range of birds. Our region is also on the Pacific Flyway—a route taken by many bird species as they fly north or south depending on the season–and birders from all over the world travel here specifically for the reknowned birdwatching opportunities.

What do you need to bird?

The first things you need are simply some time and a sense of curiosity. When you are out in nature, listen. Be still and try to follow the sounds of birdsongs or calls. If you can locate where the sounds are coming from, you might be able to catch the movement of the bird. Be aware that birds are often frightened oﬀ by loud noises such as talking or tromping through the woods. It’s best to keep your dog (if you have one) on a leash, unless they are very well trained to stay close, calm, and A male Townsend’s warbler. Photo: © Rob Fowler, used with permission. quiet. It’s important to be respectful both of the birds (and other wildlife) and other people in the area who may also be birding. A pair of binoculars or a spotting scope can be very helpful in order to see birds more closely without getting close enough to disturb them. This is especially important for identification, since markings may be diﬃcult to discern from a distance. (FYI— binoculars can be rented from the Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center for use inside the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Refuge—one

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of the many amazing local birding locations!) It is also helpful to learn some of the identifying characteristics that distinguish bird species from each other, including color, size, shape, and wing and head markings. There are several good bird identification guidebooks that provide a wealth of information, photos, and illustrations to help you identify birds that you have found, and most are small enough to carry with you on birding excursions. A small notebook and pen to note where, when, and what is also helpful so you can refer back to your observations later. Special notebooks with waterproof paper can also be very useful for birding in areas or seasons prone to mist or rain, or around waterways. Being able to pick out who made those quick, tiny footprints on the beach, whose blue-and-black feather floated down from a nearby redwood tree, or whose hoot echoed through the starry night, are skills that can help to connect you with the natural places around you. For more information on bird watching in the area, check out the Redwood Region Audubon Society’s Sandpiper, included in each issue of EcoNews. The Godwit Days Spring Migration Bird Festival is also coming up in Arcata, April 18-24 (more information on page 8 and www.GodwitDays. org). If you’ve already caught the birding bug, join the NEC and RRAS for our Fourth Annual Birdathon in May (more information on page 6 and www. yournec.org/birdathon). Additional information on binoculars and guidebooks can be found by visting this article online at www.yournec.org/econews/creature/ aprmay2018.

Apr/May 2018

EcoNews

E xc i t i n

â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S D I K E TH GE PA

Did you know that dinosaurs laid eggs millions of years ago? Eggs are laid by female animals of many different types, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and fish. Eggs are round in shape and are mostly even in size all the way around. Most eggsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but not allâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;are surrounded by a thin, protective shell made of calcium, the same material that makes bones strong. Inside the shell is where baby animals grow. Some eggs are important to humans for food, especially bird eggs. Birds like chickens, ducks, and geese make eggs that humans can eat in many different ways. (Have you ever had scrambled or sunny-side-up eggs?) Eggs give

humans protein, which helps our brains stay focused and our bodies full of energy. Bird eggs are laid in nests, which birds make out of things they find like twigs, tree branches and leaves. Eggs are kept warm by the mother bird for a long period of time, and after the baby birds have grown big enough inside, they will break out of the egg using their beaks. Birds lay eggs in all sorts of sizes and colors! Most are shades of tan or brown, but some are bright colors like blue, and some even have spots. The largest egg, from an ostrich, is about the size of 20 chicken eggs! The smallest egg, from a hummingbird, is about the size of a quarter.

Whose Egg is That? Match the bird to its egg! goose duck

quail

chicken

ostrich

Story by Rebekah Staub. Quail image by silhouettegarden.com; Duck egg image by maxpixel.com, CC; Goose image by Commons: Pearson Scott Foresman. ANSWERS: a. quail b. chicken c. duck d. goose e. ostrich

EcoNews Apr/May 2018

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Please check here if you would rather remain anonymous. The Northcoast Environmental Center is a 501(c)(3), not-for-proﬁt organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. EIN 23-7122386.

Arcata Theatre Lounge 1036 G St, Arcata

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NEC HATS!

Arts!Arcata

Limited number available

May 11

$25

6-9pm

enjoy live music and wine with NEC staff!

the Garden Gate 905 H St

Arcata

415 I St, Arcata

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