EcoNews Vol. 46, No. 4 - Aug/Sep 2016

Coastal Cleanup Day is September 17 45 Years of Environmental News

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Arcata, California

Vol. 46, No. 4

Aug/Sept 2016

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Published by the Northcoast Environmental Center Since 1971

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Biodiversity Decline | Cannabis Law Update | McClure Loses Election | Navy Sonar Restricted Oakland Says No to Coal | New Wolf in Lassen | Diane Beck: Kin to the Earth

News From the Center Larry Glass NEC Board President Recently I sent a letter on behalf of the NEC board to Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge Manager Eric Nelson, expressing our concerns about their decision to certify a Categorical Exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for use of the herbicides glyphosate and imazapyr at the Lanphere Dunes Unit of Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This was done with almost zero public notice or involvement This was a violation of the intent of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) which calls for full public involvement in these types of decisions. The excuse for this lapse was to treat the invasive European beach grass, Ammophila arenaria.

While we wholeheartedly support the restoration of this inherently dynamic ecosystem that shifts as weather and vegetation changes, the NEC believes strongly that there should be more public involvement and discussion if chemical treatments are considered in the future.

Though we understand the difficulty in removing beachgrass as a precursor to restoration with

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NEWS

1385 8th Street - Suite 226, Arcata, CA 95521 PO Box 4259, Arcata, CA 95518 707- 822-6918, Fax 707-822-6980 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 $35 per year.

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

Poison at the Dunes native plants, we seriously question the use of a Categorical Exclusion to accomplish this action. The Environmental Assessment/Finding of “No Significance” for this project contains no mention of herbicide use, and since chemical methods were not considered or proposed, the public has been denied the opportunity to comment on such methods.

The March 10, 2016 Categorical Exclusion states, we believe erroneously, that the project does not “have highly controversial environmental effects or unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources [NEPA section 102(2) (E)].” Use of this Categorical Exclusion is in conflict with the findings of the more complete Spartina Programmatic EIS, which found that the use of herbicides clearly raised public concerns. At minimum, use of the herbicides should certainly have triggered a more robust public discussion and, in this case, where the treatment area was extremely small, alternatives such as volunteers to remove the new sprouts might have been adequate. We cannot

find that any such notification or discussion ever occurred.

We believe the action is based primarily on expediency of the timing for treatment and ignores the full spirit of NEPA by neither clearly identifying the size of the area to be treated (usually critical to limiting the nature of the action) nor limiting this to a one-time application for circumstances that cannot be predicted for future treatments (i.e., lack of funds or staff ).

By adopting a Categorical Exclusion, the agency chose to minimize public input and response to concerns that have clearly been identified during previous public comment periods.

The Northcoast Environmental Center has formally requested that U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reach

Editor/Layout: Morgan Corviday morgan@yournec.org

NEC Board Of Directors

EcoNews Intern: Rebekah Staub Advertising: ads@yournec.org Proofreaders: Karen Schatz, Midge Brown, Kris Diamond Authors: Larry Glass, Dan Sealy, Jennifer Kalt, Sarah Marnick, Delia Bense-Kang, Tom Wheeler, Madison Peters, Sue Leskiw, Anne Maher, Rob DiPerna, Dierdre Fulton, Monte Merrick, Lauren McCauley, Tanya Chapple Cover Photo: Delia Bense-Kang

NEC Staff

Executive Director: Larry Glass, larry@yournec.org EcoNews Editor, Web Director: Morgan Corviday, morgan@yournec.org Office Manager: Sydney Stewart, sydney@yournec.org MPA Outreach Coordinator: Delia Bense-Kang, delia@yournec.org Coastal Cleanup Coordinator: Madison Peters, madison@yournec.org Office Associate: Anne Maher, anne@yournec.org

President - Larry Glass, Safe Alternatives for our Forest Environment, larry@yournec.org Vice-President - Dan Sealy, At-Large, rangerdans@msn.com Secretary - Jennifer Kalt, Humboldt Baykeeper, jkalt@humboldtbaykeeper.org Treasurer - Chris Jenican Beresford, AtLarge, thegang7@pacbell.net Gary Falxa, Calfornia Native Plant Society, gfalxa@suddenlink.net 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 Tom Wheeler, Environmental Protection Information Center, tom@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

out to all stakeholders including the NEC and its member groups, well in advance of any future chemical treatments associated with this restoration plan. This type of full public discussion would certainly be educational and might, in fact, lead to alternative treatments. In addition, the NEC Board of Directors has invited staff of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge to participate in a meeting with members of our Board to further discuss our concerns.

NEC Member Groups Humboldt Baykeeper

www.humboldtbaykeeper.org 707-825-1020

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, rras@rras.org

Friends of the Eel River www.eelriver.org, foer@eelriver.org 707-822-3342

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

Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC)

www.wildcalifornia.org, epic@wildcalifornia.org 707-822-7711

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

Mattole Restoration Council

www.mattole.org, mrc@mattole.org (707) 629-3514

Zero Waste Humboldt

www.zerowastehumboldt.org contact@zerowastehumboldt.org

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Letters to the Editor To The Editor: A friend of mine forwarded the letter that you wrote to Eric Nelson of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge re: the herbicide spraying project that was carried out at Lanphere Dunes awhile ago.

Thank you for sending the letter and pointing out the fact that by claiming a CatEx the public was essentially shut out of the public review process and the ability to express their concerns and ask questions about the use of herbicides on the European beach grass at Lanphere Dunes.

I am writing this email to ask you to please publish the letter you sent to Mr. Nelson of HBNWR in the next edition of EcoNews, as many of us in the public were wondering why the other environmental groups were not speaking up about this controversial project, especially since herbicide use is so controversial in this county.

Many of us in the environmental community are wondering about the long-term impacts of this spraying project and how it might have impacted the native seeds or plants in the area or the water or how long the herbicides will persist in the ground?

Thank you for standing up for the environment and for the public’s right to know about these projects so they can participate in the decision-making process about these controversial projects.

Regards, Kim Tays, NEC Member

Japan Tsunami Marine Debris

Monitoring & Beach Cleanups Since 2013, in collaboration with the California Coastal Commission and the help of our dedicated volunteers, the NEC has regularly monitored Samoa Beach in Humboldt and Point St. George in Del Norte for marine debris that may have originated from the devastating tsunami that hit Japan in March 2011.

save the Date! movie night

• hosted by the nec •

september 8

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Global Biodiversity in Decline Cannabis Out of the Shadows Coastal Cleanup Day New Wolf in Lassen US Navy Sonar Restricted McClure Loses Reelection Oakland Bans Dirty Coal Export BioBlitz Captures CA Coast Kin to the Earth: Diane Beck No Salmon for Klamath Festival Eye on Washington Zero Waste Humboldt Humboldt Baykeeper EPIC Sierra Club, North Group California Native Plant Society Creature Feature: Limpets Kids’ Page: Buzzing Bees

@ Arcata Playhouse

•movie

& time TBA•

Calling all Coastal Cleanup Day Volunteers past and present!

The NEC is looking for t-shirts from past Coastal Cleanup Days to creat a quilt We are also looking for volunteers for the making of the quilt!

Contact coastalcleanup@yournec.org

A big kid-friendly bouquet of crosswords to our volunteer Kids’ Page writer Sarah Marnick!

SInce May 2009, her activities and articles have entertained and informed eco-kids of all ages! Even after moving to Michigan several years ago, she continued to contribute the Kids’ Page content. This issue features her last article for EcoNews. We wish her well in all future endeavors!

Ann Marie Woolley, a long time NEC supporter, recently lost her lengthy battle with cancer. A musician (cello) of note, she performed at local NEC fundraisers, had been the editor of a local anti-aerial herbicide spraying newspaper called the Drift Dodger in the late 70s, produced Songs for Environmental Education for her Masters Thesis, which is still used in the California’s Environmental Education guide. Humboldt County will greatly miss Ann Marie and her many contributions.

As the program has now ended, we would like to thank everyone who volunteered their help over these past few years. Thanks to you, we were able to help collect data on potential tsunami debris that made it to our shores, while keeping our beaches clean!

Thank You! EcoNews Aug/Sep 2016

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Invest in the Future Konrad Fisher Director, Klamath Riverkeeper

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

Welcome to the ‘Ecological Recession’: Global Biodiversity on Unsafe Decline Deirdre Fulton CommonDreams.org, CC A global assessment of ecosystems across the planet shows that “exploitation of terrestrial systems”—in other words, human land use from road-building to industrial agriculture—has pushed biodiversity below “safe” levels.

The study, published Thursday in the journal Science, finds that for 58 percent of the world’s land surface, which is home to roughly 71 percent of the global population, the level of biodiversity loss is “substantial enough to question the ability of ecosystems to support human societies.”

The researchers cite “land use and related pressures” as the cause of this decline, with grasslands, savannas, and shrublands most affected by biodiversity loss, followed closely by many of the world’s forests and woodlands.

“Biodiversity supports a number of functions within ecosystems, things like pollination, nutrient cycling, soil erosion control and maintenance of water quality,” lead author Tim Newbold of the United Nations Environment Programme and University College London told the Washington Post. “And there’s evidence that if you lose biodiversity, these functions don’t happen as well as they would have done in the past.”

Newbold added in a press statement: “The greatest changes have happened in those places where most people live, which might affect physical and psychological wellbeing.”

As the Christian Science Monitor explains, the assessment “was based on a Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII), which measures changes in species

abundances across the globe and places a safe limit of species decline at 90 percent of the total population that would exist in a pristine version of that habitat—one free of human activity. Once populations drop below that threshold, scientists

“Decision-makers worry a lot about economic recessions, but an ecological recession could have even worse consequences.

Until and unless we can bring biodiversity back up, we’re playing ecological roulette.” fear there will be a tipping point at which one species goes extinct, causing a domino effect that leads to the collapse of the ecosystem.”

Indeed, co-author Andy Purvis, a professor at Imperial College London and research leader at the Natural History Museum, told the BBC: “Once we’re on the wrong side of the boundary it doesn’t mean everything goes wrong immediately, but there is a markedly higher risk that things will go badly wrong.”

“Decision-makers worry a lot about economic recessions,” Purvis said. “But an ecological recession could have even worse consequences—and the biodiversity damage we’ve had means we’re at risk of... that happening. Until and unless we can bring b i o d i v e r s i t y. . .

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In June 2016, the Bramble Cay melomys Melomys rubicola was declared extinct, having lost 97 percent of its habitat in a decade due to climate change and sea level rise. It was endemic to a very small low-lying island in the Great Barrier Reef.

Photo: Queensland Government Environmental Protection Agency, Australia.

For more information, call the NEC at 707-822-6918 or email nec@yournec.org www.yournec.org/donate 3

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Aug/Sept 2016

EcoNews

A Brave New World: Cannabis Industry Out of the Shadows State Law Update: Water Diversions and New Excise Taxes

Tom Wheeler, EPIC

Legalization on the Horizon?

A ballot initiative to legalize recreational cannabis, Proposition 64, will be sent to voters this November. A previous attempt to legalize marijuana in California, Proposition 19, failed in 2010, with the Emerald Triangle voting overwhelming against legalization. Unlike the state’s current medical cannabis regulation, Proposition 64 does not include size restrictions on cultivations. Concerns have been raised that the failure to include size restrictions will result in the consolidation of cannabis farms, a move away from the so-called “Mom and Pop” operations.

Under the law, local governments can impose additional regulations, such as size restrictions, as they see fit. As of press time, Proposition 64 has not been endorsed or opposed by major environmental groups.

Look for more information on Proposition 64 in the Oct/Nov EcoNews as the election approaches.

EcoNews Aug/Sep 2016

The state legislature passed a trailer bill, SB 837, to the state budget which further regulates how cannabis farmers can use water. The bill requires the State Water Resources Control Board and Department of Fish and Wildlife to set up a joint task force to assess damages from cannabis operations and gives the taskforce the authority to collect fees from cannabis cultivators to pay for corrections.

SB 837 also requires that cannabis cultivators obtain a statement of diversion, including the amount of water, from the State Water Resources Control Board.

The State Water Resources Board will only issue such statements of diversion if the diversions do not cumulatively impact the instream flows needed for fish spawning, migration and rearing, and the flows needed to maintain natural flow variability—not an easy task.

The legislation further authorizes the State Department of Food and Agriculture to designate appellations, a legally defined geographic region, for cannabis grown within the state. SB 837 is supported by CalTrout, the Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, and the California Grower’s Association.

The state legislature is now considering a bill, AB 2243, which would impose state excise taxes on cannabis and cannabis products to fund watershed restoration and law enforcement efforts. While the exact tax amounts are still being worked out in the legislature, the draft bill would direct 30 percent of all tax revenue to the “Watershed Enforcement Team,” a joint task force of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the State Water Resources Control Board.

Funds generated would be designated as follows: 30 percent would be directed to the Natural Resources Agency for environmental remediation efforts of problem cannabis operations, 30 percent would be devoted to local law enforcement of illegal operations, eight percent to the Open Space Subvention Payment Account of the California Land Conservation Act of 1965, and two percent will fund www.yournec.org

and create Regional Marijuana Enforcement Officers who shall coordinate enforcement efforts between various law enforcement agencies, including the DEA, Department of Wildlife, and local law enforcement.

Humboldt Cannabis Tax Sent to Ballot By a 4-1 vote, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors sent a proposed cannabis tax to the voters this November. The tax is based on the size of operations—$1 per square foot of growing space for outdoor plants, $2 per square foot of mixed-light, and $3 per square foot of indoor plants. This amount is far less than staff proposed. After reviewing telephone polling, county staff recommended a progressive tax with small outdoor operations in the lowest tax bracket while large indoor operations would be in the highest. Voting against the proposed tax, Third District Supervisor Mark Lovelace noted that other communities were charging between $20– $30 per square foot of cultivation.

HUMMAP Lawsuit Settled Shortly after Humboldt County adopted its cannabis land use regulations, the Humboldt Mendocino Marijuana Advocacy Project (HuMMAP), which represents small cannabis farmers, filed suit alleging violations of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). HuMMAP ultimately settled with the county based on the county’s commitments to improve the land use ordinance by: ensuring the county would conduct an Environmental Impact Report, which the county will begin work on later this summer; clarifying provisions related to noise restrictions and carbon credits; providing a process to examine prior unpermitted 3-acre timberland conversions; and clarifying and refining minor flaws in the ordinance.

Mendocino Regulations Shuttered As Result of Lawsuit Mendocino County passed its own local ordinance attempting to regulate cannabis production. The Mendocino County ordinance allowed for a set number of plants based on the size of the growing parcel, with a maximum of 99 plants on a 10+ acre parcel. The Mendocino County Blacktail Association, a hunting non-profit organization, filed suit against the county, arguing that Mendocino County’s ordinance violated CEQA. Like HuMMAP, Mendocino County ultimately settled, agreeing to stop processing new applications, although it would honor those that it had Continued on page 19 already processed.

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Coastal Cleanup Day Saturday, September 17 Saturday, September 17

How to get involved:

will mark the 37th anniversary of the Northcoast Environmental Center’s Coastal Cleanup Day and the 32nd international anniversary. As many of our readers know, Coastal Cleanup Day began as a program of the NEC in the late 1970s. With the help of the California Coastal Commission and the Ocean Conservancy it has since grown to be the largest volunteering event centered on the care of the environment in California and across the world.

• Be a site captain! Site captains are the main points of contact for the cleanup teams at each site. Captains work with the NEC’s Cleanup Coordinator to recruit teammates, gather supplies, oversee the successful cleanup of their site and report cleanup data back to the NEC. If you would like to be a captain, choose a cleanup site on our website and sign up with the form link. If a captain is already designated for the site you’ve chosen, choose a different site or join their team!

• Join a team! Choose the site you would like to help clean up and sign up with the link!

We will put you in contact with the site captain.

• Sponsor Coastal Cleanup! This is a fantastic way to support local cleanup efforts and publicize your business or organization as a friend to the ocean and clean waterways. The NEC has a number of sponsorship packages available. All include your logo on county-wide

Last year, with the help of over 400 Humboldt County Coastal Cleanup Day volunteers, we removed more than 7 tons (14,000lbs) of trash and recyclables from our beaches, rivers, bay and estuaries!

Statewide, California picked up a total of 1,142,997 pounds and Internationally over 18 million pounds of debris were picked up by over 800,000 volunteers. This just goes to show what we can accomplish by all working together to make our planet a cleaner and better place.

This year a primary focus of Coastal Cleanup Day is addressing the top ten trash offenders, which have remained nearly the same since the cleanups began: cigarette butts being #1 and various forms of single use plastics being #2 through #10.

The NEC will again organize cleanups at more than 40 sites throughout Humboldt County with hopes to double participation and clean up even more trash off our beaches.

Coordinating such a large event requires an immense amount of staff time and community coordination. In addition to site captains and volunteers, financial sponsorships are also needed for a successful Coastal Cleanup Day. Contact Madison Peters at madison@yournec. org for details on benefits to fit your budget.

posters and recognition at a special Ocean Night event following Coastal Cleanup Day. Email madison@yournec.org to find the support level right for you.

FLICKED ALONG (The street name)

• Spread the word!

Pass info on to colleagues, friends, family, school teachers and civic minded groups. The more hands we have on deck, the more impact we can make!

• Stand together to put a stop to trash! If a product can’t be reused, repaired,

rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted, then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production.

Saturday after the cleanup, please stop by the NEC’s booth at the North Country Fair!

Then join us Sunday, September 18 for the All Species Parade!

For more information, contact us at: 707-822-6918 coastalcleanup@yournec.org www.yournec.org/coastalcleanup

littered butts end up on our coast and waterways where they leach lead, arsenic and other harmful chemicals. help us get them off our shorelines.

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Aug/Sept 2016

EcoNews

Another Suspected Wolf Spotted in Lassen County

The new suspected wolf captured on a wildlife cam in 2015.

Photo: California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Press Release: Center for Biological Diversity New evidence released by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife suggests there may be a wolf in Lassen County. The information—not yet conclusive—includes photos from four trail cameras between August and May and a hair sample from one of the sites. While DNA test results were inconclusive as to whether the animal is a wolf, dog or wolf-dog hybrid, the fact that the animal persisted through the winter in this remote location leads agency officials to believe the animal is likely a wolf. The animal is not wearing a radio-collar, so its movements will be detectable only by trail camera, tracks, scat and sightings.

“We’re crossing our fingers that another wolf has arrived in California as part of the ongoing recovery of wolves across the West,” said Amaroq Weiss, West Coast wolf organizer with the Center for Biological Diversity. “Wolves continue to prove what scientists have said all along—that California has great habitat for wolves.”

The first wolf in nearly a century to enter California was OR-7, a radio-collared wolf from Oregon that dispersed from the Imnaha pack in northeastern Oregon and entered California in late 2011. OR-7 ranged across seven northeastern counties in California before returning to southwestern Oregon, where he found a mate and has now had litters of pups for three consecutive years. Then, in August 2015, California’s first known wolf family was confirmed from trail camera images captured in Siskiyou County. Named the Shasta pack, the all-black wolf family was comprised of two adults and five pups.

And in December 2015, another wolf originally from the Imnaha pack, OR-25, also crossed the border into California...

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EcoNews Aug/Sep 2016

A Victory for Marine Mammals: Court Rules to Restrict U.S. Navy Sonar Use

Anne Maher In 1972, the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) was enacted, among other reasons, to prohibit the take of marine mammals in U.S. waters.

This month, it worked again in defense of our ocean’s whales, seals, dolphins and walruses by strongly restricting the use of sonar by the US Navy; a win for both environmentalists and marine life.

Since 2012, the Navy has been permitted by the courts to use explosives and low-frequency sonar in peacetime training exercises throughout the Mediterranean Sea and the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. It was considered acceptable to affect around 30 whales and 24 pinnipeds each year, as long as the Navy delayed the use of sonar if marine mammals were known to be nearby. This was ruled to be a safe option for marine life.

But on July 15, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals came to the conclusion that it wasn’t. After a lawsuit filed by several environmental groups led by the Natural Resources Defense Council, the appellate court ruled 3-0 that the previous ruling

failed to adequately protect marine mammals.

According to the MMPA, peacetime operations must have the “least practicable adverse impact on marine mammals”, which had not been the case for the use of sonar in the past.

Sonar, which uses sound propagation to navigate and detect objects, is known to create a sound disturbance to mammals capable of hearing it, causing them to react as if a threat is present. Impacts include beaching en masse, deafness, or animals returning from the deep too quickly out of fear, making the use of sonar fatal. It is so detrimental to marine mammals because of their ability to use sound for many aspects of life—including finding food, mating, escaping predators, social interaction, and navigation.

The appellate court ruling requires the U.S. Navy to limit or eliminate the use of sonar in certain regions. Signed in Honolulu, the deal restricts sonar from biologically important areas, such as wellknown habitats or feeding zones, and requires that the National Marine Fisheries Service investigate all sonar-related animal injury or death.

An orca pod exhales in relief after the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Navy was failing to adequately protect marine mammals during sonar use in biologically important areas. Photo: Andrew A. Reding, Flickr.com CC.

Adopt-a-Beach

Be a part of our growing team of site captains and volunteers helping to keep our coast clean!

Visit our website for more information and a list of available sites.

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

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Power to be Replaced by Renewables, Efficiency, Storage

Jennifer Kalt Del Norte County Board of Supervisor Martha McClure lost her re-election bid on June 7 by a 2 to 1 margin to Lori Cowan, whose stated goals as Supervisor are “to expedite a resolution for Last Chance Grade, support a full service hospital and bring more specialists to our area, clean up and revitalize our community, expand our airport, and support term limits.”

As a result of her resounding defeat, McClure’s appointment to the California Coastal Commission will expire 60 days after her Board term ends in December, though the Governor could remove her at any time.

McClure has been embroiled in controversy for her actions on the Coastal Commission, most notably the firing of Executive Director Charles Lester without cause. McClure is one of several Commissioners accused of ethics violations since the

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Press Release: Friends of the Earth An historic agreement has been reached between Pacific Gas and Electric, Friends of the Earth, and other environmental and labor organizations to replace the Diablo Canyon nuclear reactors with greenhouse-gas-free renewable energy and energy storage resources. Friends of the Earth says the agreement provides a clear blueprint for fighting climate change by replacing nuclear and fossil fuel energy with safe, clean, cost-competitive renewable energy.

The agreement, announced today in California, says that PG&E will renounce plans to seek renewed operating licenses for Diablo Canyon’s two reactors —the operating licenses for which expire in 2024 and 2025 respectively. In the intervening years, the parties will seek Public Utility Commission approval of the plan which will replace power from the plant with renewable energy, improved efficiency and energy storage resources. Base load power resources like Diablo Canyon are becoming increasingly burdensome as renewable energy resources ramp up.

Flexible generation options and demand-response are the energy systems of the future.

By setting a certain end date for the reactors, the nuclear phase out plan provides for an orderly transition. In the agreement, PG&E commits to renewable energy providing 55 percent of its total retail power sales by 2031, voluntarily exceeding the California standard of 50 percent renewables by 2030.

"This is an historic agreement," said Erich Pica, president of Friends of the Earth. "It sets a date for the certain end of nuclear power in California and assures replacement with clean, safe, costcompetitive, renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy storage...

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Coastal Commissioner Martha McClure Loses Re-Election Amid Controversy

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Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant to be Shut Down

controversial February 10 vote to fire Lester behind closed doors (see “Livid Over Lester” in the Apr/ May EcoNews and “Del Norte Supervisor Martha McClure Under Scrutiny for Coastal Commission Ethics Violations” in the June/July EcoNews).

Governor Jerry Brown appointed McClure to the Coastal Commission in 2011 to represent the North Coast counties of Humboldt, Del Norte and Mendocino, replacing Humboldt County Supervisor Bonnie Neely.

The 2015 Coastal Commission report card compiled by ActCoastal, the California Coast Accountability Project, ranked McClure at the bottom of the list, tied with Commissioner Gregory Cox of San Diego for the worst voting record (32%). The report card compiles monthly and annual summaries of issues with the most impact on the coast or those that could set important Continued on page 19 statewide precedents.

Coho Confab August 26-28, 2016

Jug Handle Creek Farm on the Mendocino Coast

For more information or to register

visit www.calsalmon.org or call 707-923-7501 Presentations

Spatial and Temporal Variation in Structure and Abundance of Coho Salmon in CA Monitoring Coho Salmon Population in Coastal Mendocino County An Overview of Collaborative, Strategic Restoration on the North Coast

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Field Tours to ExploreAug/Sept 2016

EcoNews Recovery of Fisheries and Watersheds in the Usal Redwood Forest

www.yournec.org

Evolution of Large Wood Augmentation in Pudding and Noyo Creek

Students! Check out HSU’s Green Clubs

Oakland Ban on Dirty Coal Kills Plan for Massive Export Terminal

Anne Maher

Lauren McCauley health risk to both workers at the planned terminal CommonDreams.org, CC and West Oakland residents, who already suffer from high levels of asthma and other respiratory illnesses,” The City of Oakland, California took a bold step the Mercury News reports. towards protecting the health of its citizens and The ordinance, which requires a second vote the global environment on in July after city council on July 19 to become finalized, was proposed by members voted unanimously to ban the storage and Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and Councilman Dan handling of coal and petroleum coke in the city.

Kalb, who argued that such projects pollute the air The ban, sought by local environmental groups and pose serious risks to workers and community for over a year, is expected to derail plans for a massive members. While the new rule specifically pertains to export terminal on the city-owned waterfront, known as the Oakland Bulk and future projects, the council also voted Oversized Terminal (OBOT). unanimously on a resolution to apply Port developers were the ordinance to OBOT. According to the San Francisco chapter of the Sierra The proposed terminal had quietly planning new Club, the port developers sparked fierce local debate, which port facility which developersa and “have been quietly soliciting other supporters of the would have shipped up project framed as a choice between a partnership with four Utah counties to export up to to ten million tons of local jobs and the environment. ten million tons of coal out Following the vote, councilmember coal out of Oakland Rebecca of Oakland each year. The Kaplan deemed it “a proud each year, increasing day for democracy.” partnership would make Oakland the largest coal-export “I think what this vote proves is national coal exports facility on the West Coast, and that we understand the importance of by 19 percent. would increase national coal protecting the health and safety of our exports by a whopping 19 percent.” community,” Kaplan said. “It also shows that we were Community members opposed to the planned able to push back against the lies from the industry facility rallied both in and outside Monday’s overflow that were so deceptive.” hearing. The San Jose Mercury News reports: “When I heard about the possibility of coal coming Hundreds of people filled the council chambers, through this port I just had a really bad feeling come spilling into overflow rooms, and offered several over me,” said Derrick Muhammad, a representative hours of commentary frequently punctuated by of the International Longshore Workers Union. cheers, applause and outbursts from audience “Oakland families are already worried about asthma members on both sides of the issue. Following the and other sickness because of highways and port vote, audience members burst into song, filling the activities. It’s not right to ask them to take on the chambers with a chorus singing, “No more coal in worry and risk of nine million tons of coal passing Oakland, I’m going to let it shine.” through their neighborhoods on trains each year.”

“This is what grassroots organizing looks like,” “Allowing coal exports through Oakland not Bruce Nilles, senior campaign director for Sierra Club’s only harms the community and the environment, Beyond Coal Campaign, declared on social media. but is also inconsistent with the progressive The vote came three days after city staff released climate goals set by the City of Oakland and State a long-anticipated report that recommended the ban of California,” added Irene Gutierrez, an attorney based on its findings that OBOT “would pose a serious with Earthjustice.

Welcome back Humboldt State University students!

With the start of a new semester, HSU’s clubs, groups, and environmental advocates are getting back to their plans and projects to make HSU a greener school.

This semester, the Office of Sustainability is expected to complete a draft of the Climate Action Plan, a policy adopted throughout the California State University system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020. The long awaited Food Waste Diversion Program will again give HSU the ability to compost large amounts of food and paper products from campus.

The Waste Reduction and Resource Awareness Program (WRRAP), funded and lead by students and dedicated to educating peers and reducing waste on campus, is hosting a Zero Waste Conference this October. Open to the public as well as students, this two-day event will incorporate speakers, workshops, films, tours, and performances about the concept of waste diversion, education, inclusiveness, and awareness.

The Campus Center for Appropriate Technology (CCAT) hosts a variety of workshops and classes each semester, including topics such as solar power, herbalism, green building and organic gardening.

Get involved! Visit the campus Office of Clubs and Activities for more information on other environmental clubs, groups and events, and contact us at the NEC for volunteer opportunities like Coastal Cleanup Day!

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8

Big Flat Blitz Removes Invasives and Debris

Delia Bense-Kang From sea level to the skyline, a group of volunteers spent a week in July working hard to restore wilderness character to a section of the King Range Wilderness.

The target area was Big Flat, about nine miles north of Black Sands Beach. This “Big Flat Blitz,” was the first joint operation with Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Northcoast Environmental Center, and the Big Flat Trust.

The objectives were to remove invasive plant species and invasive marine debris. Non-native Monterey pines have begun to sprout up all over the hillside adjacent to Big Flat and are a concern as they could take over Douglas fir habitat. The crew gallantly battled through heaps of poison oak and used hand saws to weed out the trees.

Big Flat is also a Marine Protected Area. The crew held a beach cleanup along the three-mile stretch of beach that parallels the protected waters. Given the remoteness, the amount of marine debris collected was rather unnerving. All items appeared to have been at sea for a long time and were not left behind by hikers. The most common items were plastic water bottles, followed by pieces of hard plastic, rope, fishing gear, and a few odd flip flops. Much of the debris had Japanese characters on it. The material could be from the 2011 Japan Tsunami, or could be stray fishing gear.

The BLM rangers reported that they see an abundance of marine debris like this daily, which suggests it could be collecting due to offshore currents.

Some of the marine debris removed from the beach along Big Flat.

Photo: Delia Bense-Kang.

9

Smartphones Capture the California Coast in BioBlitz

Delia Bense-Kang During the week of June 4 to June 12, the Marine Protected Area Collaborative Network and California Academy of Sciences partnered in an effort to document coastal biodiversity and provide the first ever “snapshot” of the entire California Coast. The goal was to cover at least one Marine Protected Area in each coastal county. To do this, they hosted a series of grassroots, smartphone powered bioblitzes across the state. The data was then combined to provide a comprehensive look at the California Coast.

A bioblitz is an intensive one-day biodiversity study in a specific location. This series of bioblitzes was powered by smartphones using the iNaturalist app. Through the app you can record what you see in nature, share your observations online, get help identifying what you have seen, meet other naturalists, and learn about the natural world around you.

Locally, the Humboldt MPA Collaborative organized two events to cover different coastal habitat types: rocky intertidal and sandy beach. The first was June 5 at Old Home Beach in Trinidad and the second was June 11 at the Manila Dunes in collaboration with Friends of the Dunes. People of all ages and skill levels participated and had the chance to be citizen scientists. Although close in proximity, results showed just how different and rich in biodiversity each of these areas are.

Taking advantage of the negative two-foot low tide, the rocky intertidal team collected 84 observations and 66 species at Old Home Beach.

Species observed ranged from giant green anemones (Anthopleura xanthogrammica) to dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) to sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca) to harbor seals (Phoca vitulina).

Trading in tide pools for open sand dunes, dune forest, and the waveslope, the sandy beach team of observers collected 109 observations and 64 species at the Manila Dunes. Observations at the dunes were largely land plants and included many native dune species such as yellow sand verbena (Abronia latifolia) and sea thrift (Armeria maritime).

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Sea thrift at the Manila Dunes, photographed as part of the 2016 Bioblitz. Photo: Jennifer Kalt.

Data collected from these events as well as bioblitzes all over the coast were consolidated and added to the larger Snapshot Cal Coast 2016 initiative. In total, 372 people participated, collecting 7,029 observations and 933 species. The top three species observed were the ochre sea star (Pisaster ochraceus), striped shore crab (Pachygrapsus crassipes), and starburst anemone (Anthopleura sola). This year was the first time a project like this has been attempted on such a large scale and was a great success.

In addition to being a fun way to get people out in nature and to be citizen scientists, the data collected is invaluable to managers and scientists for determining long-term trends and monitoring of California’s MPA network.

Delia is the NEC’s MPA Outreach Coordinator, and also writes Your Week in Ocean for the Lost Coast Outpost.

Aug/Sept 2016

EcoNews

Adopt Your Beach Today!

Madison Peters Adopt-A-Beach had its humble or “Humboldt” beginnings over 35 years ago with the NEC, later becoming a statewide program coordinated by the California Coastal Commission. The annual international Coastal Cleanup Day sprang from the success of Adopt-A-Beach!

With Coastal Cleanup Day around the corner on September 17, consider adopting a beach to help keep it clean all year! If you are a site captain for Coastal Cleanup Day or participate with a group of friends or coworkers, why not adopt your beach site and commit to cleaning it a few times a year? You can help us keep more waste out of our oceans for the protection of ocean life—and so we can all enjoy and appreciate our beautiful, clean beaches.

Four Steps to Adopt Your Own Beach!

1. Create a team (or be your own team!)

2. Choose a beach.

3. Email or stop by the NEC to fill out adoption forms.

4. Get out there and clean!

For more information or to adopt a beach, contact adoptabeach@yournec.org or call the NEC at 707-822-6918.

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Pokémon Go Inspires #PokeBlitz

Scientists offer to help identify real creatures Morgan Corviday An estimated 7.5 million people are suddenly spending more time outdoors thanks to a new game app involving an assortment of fictional creatures called Pokémon. The game, called Pokémon Go, isn’t played by sitting at home—players have to walk around their neighborhoods and cities in search of Pokémon to catch—which provides an opportunity for players to also engage in the real natural world.

In a creative take off the BioBlitz concept (see page 9 for more about BioBlitzes), some scientists have begun offering their identification services for

Screech-owlet Gets a Second Chance

Monte Merrick, Bird Ally-X/Humboldt Wildlife Care Center Most anywhere there are people, wild animals are born into a world that isn’t the one evolution prepared them for. The breakneck expansion of the human-built world has re-made huge swaths of what was formerly wild land over the last 200 years.

Bird Ally X/Humboldt Wildlife Care Center (BAX/HWCC) admits for care those wild animals who are found injured in the conflict. A barn swallow that had been swatted by a roaming house cat in Rio Dell, a young river otter from Crescent City whose mother had been hit by a car, or an osprey with tail and flight feathers singed bare when her nest caught fire on an electric pole north of Weaverville—each of these are recent cases.

The nestling western screech-owl featured on this month’s BAX/HWCC donation jar fell from its nest in Rohner Park, Fortuna. Up and away from the heavily used open area of Rohner Park is a forested low ridge of old redwoods that makes an attractive fragment of habitat. This isn’t the first time we’ve raised a young screech-owl found in that park.

A fall to the ground leaves a youngster stranded in a strange world with only one outcome: death. The only chance this fallen owl had was to be found by someone who knew what to do, and called the HWCC.

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Thin and dehydrated upon admission, the owl quickly accepted the offered bits of mouse we fed, gaining weight daily. New feathers are growing in. If an attempt to return the youngster to its parents fails, he/she will learn to hunt at the HWCC before release.

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players of Pokémon Go who encounter real critters while out questing for imaginary ones.

Morgan Jackson, a PhD candidate at University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, began with a post on Twitter in July (above). Since then, other scientists from various fields have chimed in using the #PokeBlitz hashtag to also offer assistance in identifying a variety of interesting creatures in the real world.

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10

Kin to the Earth:

Diane Beck

the Lost Coast just north of Shelter Cove. In order to accomplish this, she Diane Beck has long been an traveled widely, speaking at public inspiration as a member of the North meetings, where she was (in the Coast environmental community. beginning) one of the very few who Known for her fierce advocacy and were against motor vehicles on that reasoned approach to complex issues, beach. This was not a popular issue at her work (all of it volunteer) has had a the time. Similarly, she was a primary profound positive impact on the lives force—along with Sue Leskiw and the of everyone who is privileged to call the Redwood Region Audubon Society—in North Coast home. getting motor vehicles off of Clam Beach Raised in North Hollywood, CA, in 2006. This took years of documenting Diane received her B.A. from UCLA vehicle tracks, testifying at meetings, in European History in 1957. She moved and enlisting others to speak and write to Berkeley and then earned a Masters in about the dangers that speeding trucks, French History in 1960. Diane’s pursuits motorcycles, and ATVs posed to both were primarily literary, working with people and wildlife (primarily, the Bancroft Whitney as a copy editor for endangered snowy plovers). two years and then as a manuscript Diane served as the Sierra Club’s editor at the University of California North Group representative to the Press for 10 years in Berkeley. Following Redwood Chapter from 2000 to a year in Europe, Diane returned to 2005 and was Redwood Chapter become a founding member and owner Conservation Chair from 2005 until of a new bookstore, University Press 2016. As such she contributed to the Books in Berkeley. Always a champion successful campaign to stop logging for justice, Diane was active in the antiin Bohemian Grove (opposed by Vietnam War movement. some of the most powerful men in Along the way, she married and the US), was successful in preventing Diane Beck has been an inspiration for the North Coast environmental community, known for her among other activities, she and her many forest-to-vineyard conversions, fierce advocay and reasoned approach to complex issues. Photo: Sue Leskiw. husband enjoyed camping in Mexico and contributed to protecting over of her accomplishments have taken place under the in a VW bus. Long before it became cool, Diane and 1700 acres of coastal forests on the Mendocino and aegis of the Sierra Club. In that capacity, for many her husband were riding motorcycles (her beloved Sonoma county lines. She also worked (along with years she traveled bimonthly to Willits and Santa husband passed away in 1972). The bikes Diane many others) to help pass the Northern California Rosa for Redwood Chapter meetings and retreats, chose to ride—Ducatis—gives one an insight to her Coastal Wild Heritage Wilderness Act of 2006, which not to mention speaking at meetings including as far character. Ducatis are beautiful, mechanically and protects in perpetuity 42,585 acres of the King Range away as Southern California when the circumstances physically demanding, high-strung bikes that reward National Conservation Area. In addition, she found demanded. She also represented the Sierra Club as a commitment, expertise and fearlessness and punish an attorney and money to fight the disastrous practice member of the Board of Directors of the Northcoast (often painfully) ham-handed, overly cautious riders. of salvage logging in the Big Bar area after the Big Bar Environmental Center (NEC) from 1996 to 2006.

These are the very same traits that have made Diane Fire in 1999. She also worked diligently with other As a member of the Northwestern California so effective as an environmentalist; she is absolutely California Sierra Club Chapters to develop a position Bureau of Land Management Resource Advisory committed to a cause, up to the rigorous intellectual paper of recommendations on Klamath dam removal.

Council from 1998 to 2010, she worked on a number and physical demands of the work, is an expert in Diane has worked closely with Elk River and of issues. Of particular note is her success in getting the field, and is absolutely fearless when it comes to Freshwater Creek residents in trying to get Total motor vehicles off Black Sands Beach, located on Continued on page 20 protecting the environment.

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Her environmental activism started when Reagan was elected president and appointed James Watt (number six on Time magazine’s 10 worst cabinet members of all time) as Secretary of the Interior.

In response Diane joined the Sierra Club in 1981.

Her activism began when she moved to Humboldt Country in 1991.

Through the 90s Diane worked in various ways (along with EPIC, Earth First!, and many others) to save the Headwaters Forest. For her efforts, she was arrested twice for civil disobedience and saw the For more information, call the NEC at 707-822-6918 Headwater’s Forest Preserve established in 1999.

As those familiar with Diane’s work know, most Gregg Gold

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Aug/Sept 2016

EcoNews

S

The

andpiper

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Redwood Region Audubon Society www.rras.org 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. August 6: Ken Burton; August 13: Gary Friedrichsen; August 20: Chet Ogan; August 27: Larry Karsteadt.

For some of our more far-reaching field trips, we suggest donating gas money to drivers. A good rule of thumb is $5 per ½-hour drive time to field trip destination.

Yellow-headed Blackbird,

© Gary Bloomfield

Friday, August 5-Tuesday, August 9: Malheur NWR and Steens Mountain. Rob Fowler and Gary Bloomfield will lead this 5-day trip to this famed area in southeast Oregon. Birds we hope to see that we don’t get in northwestern California regularly include: Trumpeter Swan (breeder), Greater Sage-Grouse, large numbers of White-faced Ibis, Swainson’s Hawk, Franklin’s Gull, Black Tern, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Rednaped Sapsucker, Gray Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Loggerhead Shrike, Black-billed Magpie, Canyon Wren, Rock Wren, Juniper Titmouse, Mountain Bluebird, Sage Thrasher, Black-throated, Brewer’s, Sagebrush, and Vesper sparrows, Bobolink, and Yellow-headed Blackbird.

Pronghorn antelope and other mammals are sure to be enjoyed, too! Cost is $50 per person to help cover leader costs. More details can be seen on the RRAS yahoo group post here: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ rras/conversations/messages/1953.

Sunday, August 14: 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 or David Fix (707-822-3613) for more information.

FIELD TRIPS

Saturday, August 20: Southern Humboldt Community Park. Jay Sooter (707-444-8001) and/or John Gaffin will lead this monthly walk. All ages and experience levels are encouraged to participate and revel in the beauty of the park and its avian inhabitants on this easy 2- to 3-hour walk. Binoculars are not provided, and dogs are not allowed; field guides are usually available, but please bring your own if possible. Steady rain cancels. Meet at 8 a.m., parking at the Tooby Park parking lot, which is about 100 yards past the entrance to the park.

Saturday, August 27: Arcata Marsh Willow Walk.

Let’s take a closer look at willows and why they are so attractive to birds both summer and winter. This is a short walk but we will spend time looking at the wildlife and plants that depend on willows. We might even see the parade of woolly worms crossing the road! Join Pete Haggard at 1 p.m. at the first I street parking lot on the left just before crossing the railroad tracks. For more information, contact Pete Haggard at 707-839-0307 or phaggard@suddenlink.net.

Sunday, September 4: Blue Lake. The riparian zones along the Mad River are under-birded in fall; let’s see what’s out there! Meet leader Ken Burton (707-4991146) on Valley West Blvd. near Village Pantry in Arcata at 7:30 a.m. or at the end of Taylor Way in Blue Lake at 7:45 a.m. for this half-day outing.

Sunday, September 11: Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. See August 14.

Saturday, September 17: Southern Humboldt Community Park. See August 20. START TIME CHANGES TO 8:30 a.m.

Sunday, September 18: Eureka Waterfront. Meet at 9 a.m. 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 St. and bird along the trail to the Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary. Leader: Ralph Bucher (707-4991247; thebook@reninet.com).

September Program: Friday, Sep 9

BIRD HIGHLIGHTS OF 2016

FROM THE STATE OF JEFFERSON AND BEYOND

Green Heron, © David Price

Join us for an entertaining evening of pictures and tales by masters of photography and birding. Various folks will present interesting birds that graced our shores this past summer, pictures of amazing birds in exotic places, and bird and nature stories from our birding adventures near and far. On the agenda are world-class pictures, dessert offerings from members, and coffee and tea. Leslie Scopes Anderson, David Price, Rob Fowler, Jared Wolfe, and David Fix are among those who have agreed to present vignettes. If you would like to share some thoughts, a short poem, or some pictures, let C.J. Ralph (cjralph@humboldt1. com) know.

The program starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Six Rivers Masonic Lodge, 251 Bayside Rd., Arcata. Bring a mug to enjoy shade-grown coffee, and please come fragrance-free.

CHAPTER LEADERS

OFFICERS President— Hal Genger …………........... 707-499-0887 Vice President— Jim Clark …………….. 707-445-8311 Secretary Pro Tem — Ken Burton...... 707-499-1146 Treasurer—Syn-dee Noel........................ 707-442-8862 DIRECTORS AT LARGE Ralph Bucher …........................................ 707-443-6944 Jill Demers …………………........…………… 707-667-6163 Harriet Hill…………………………….......…. 707-267-4055 Chet Ogan …..............................................… 707-442-9353 Susan Penn..................................….......…. 707-443-9660 C.J. Ralph ..............................................….. 707-822-2015 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 Notes ............................................— HELP NEEDED Field Trips— Rob Fowler ………......….. 707-839-3493 Finance— Syn-dee Noel .........................707-442-8862 Historian — John Hewston .................. 707-822-5288 Membership — Susan Penn.…..............707-443-9660 NEC Representative — C.J. Ralph........ 707-822-2015 Nominating – Jim Clark …..................... 707-445-8311 Programs — Ken Burton .......................707-499-1146 Publications — C.J. Ralph...................... 707-822-2015 Publicity — Harriet Hill......................... 707-267-4055 Sandpiper (Editor)—Jan Andersen … 707-616-3888 Sandpiper (Layout)- Gary Bloomfield ..707-362-1226 Volunteer Coordinator- Susan Penn.....707-443-9660 Website — Susan Penn............................707-443-9660 Lake Earl Branch — Sue Calla............... 707-465-6191 RRAS Web Page...........................…....…..... www.rras.org Arcata Bird Alert ....707-822-LOON (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___________________________ ______________________________ STATE____________ZIP______________ email ______________________________ Local Chapter Code: C24

By Hal Genger

President’s Column

This is another active summer for Redwood Region Audubon Society. I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather this time of year and is getting outside to see some birds. RRAS is offering a trip to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in southern Oregon as well as many organized trips to view the birds and nature in our region. See the Field Trips section for more detail. Let us know if there is somewhere you would like us to lead a trip.

The Conservation Committee is active on several fronts. They are researching ways to enhance bird-friendly areas using native plants and helping to clean up areas of importance like the cottonwoods near Blue Lake and the Palco Marsh area behind the Bayshore Mall. RRAS is working with the City of Eureka on interpretive signs for the extension of the Hikshari’ Trail through this region (see article in this issue). The committee is also having discussions with the county planning department about the regulation of cannabis cultivation. If you are interested in helping RRAS with any of these projects, please attend the Conservation Committee meetings held the 2nd Thursday of the month at noon at Rita’s Margaritas and Mexican Grill, 1111 5th Street, Eureka. If you can’t make these meetings, please contact Jim Clark or Chet Ogan to let them know of your interest.

SCIENCE, POLITICS, AND CONSERVATION

By Jim Clark As a 501-(c)3 nonprofit, our chapter can’t advocate for any candidate for public office. We can, however, advocate for taking a stand for our chapter’s purpose.

As an organization, we can publish position statements; as individuals, we can vote.

One of the 3 principles of our methodology is science, not just the science of discovery of knowledge but logical thinking. Unfortunately, logical and systematic thinking to solve problems is rare in the political arena, and conservation is no exception.

As we slog through the miasma of political rhetoric, sound bites, and slogans to the upcoming election, our responsibility as citizens and Audubon members is to advocate for conservation and science and vote accordingly.

CITY

National Audubon Society P.O. Box 422250 Palm Coast, FL 32142-2250 WOOD REGION AUDUBON SOCIETY P.O. BOX 1054, EUREKA, CA 95502

Much of the information provided on candidates and ballot measures rises only to the level of hypothesis with little or no real data to bring it to the level of theory, much less fact. Nevertheless, it is often presented as fact, and doubts are attempted to be erased by simply repeating the non-facts. We can make a difference to birds by voting for conservation directly and indirectly. A ballot measure to approve one thing may result in a significant secondary habitat conservation effect.

So, fellow Audubon folks, let’s do the research, discuss with others, advocate for conservation, and put the science back into “political science.”

New Members

RRAS welcomes the following new members and subscribers: Arcata — L. Alan Lowry, Robert Stuart Bayside — Gay Gilchrist Crescent City — Jennifer Swedberg Eureka — Berti Welty Ferndale — Nancy Courtemanche McKinleyville — Kelli McPhaul, Keith Millard, Elizabeth Poston Redway — Wesley Stoft Willow Creek — Becky Cape

Please make checks to the National Audubon Society.

Send this application and your check to:

--------------LOCAL CHAPTER-------------

On another interesting note about birding, Thomas Palmeri, PhD, at Vanderbilt University, received a grant from the National Science Foundation to examine how perception and memory in birders differs between beginners and experts. The study wants to recruit birders of all experience levels, from beginners to experts. Their experiments are all online. Birders can simply register and participate by copying and pasting this link: http://expertise.psy. vanderbilt.edu into their browser. Once you register and complete a short survey of your birding expertise, you will be able to participate in any experiments that are available. They expect to add new experiments over time. Some future experiments may include modest compensation. If you have questions, please contact Professor Palmeri (mailto:thomas.j.palmeri@ vanderbilt.edu).

RRAS is always in need of more volunteers.

We especially need someone to help Harriet Hill with publicity, and we are still looking for a volunteer to take over as the editor of The Sandpiper. Please let me or any board member know if you are interested in volunteering. Your service would be greatly appreciated, and what’s more, you’d enjoy it.

REDYellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler, © David Price

We look forward to seeing you on field trips and at our monthly programs.

CONSERVATION COMMITTEE PROGRESS ON THE PALCO MARSH INTERPRETIVE TRAIL

fennel. Many of the non-native nuisance plants are being removed.

The trail will follow a trace of roads within the old mill complex. Near the south end will be built a playground composed mostly of climbing structures. Slattery also showed us where a trailside exercise area for joggers is proposed near the old drying kilns at the north end of the Bayshore Mall parking lot. ADA-accessible interpretive platforms are proposed at 3 locations along this trail; what may be interpreted and at which locations are still being discussed. Because this is a continuation of the Hikshari’ Trail where Wiyot tribal uses are described, more may be offered in this section.

Other signs will cover industrial use of the site starting about 1910 and perhaps include traditional and current fishing uses. Reference may be made to the graffiti-covered walls and recent transient occupants.

Laughing Gull, Eureka Waterfront, HUM, © Elias Elias

Other signage may be placed along the trail. For instance, we discussed including how invasive plants have filled roles that native plants could replace: kinnickinick or salal to replace English ivy; wax myrtle to replace Scotch broom.

Marbled Godwit & Short-billed Dowitcher, © Gary Bloomfield

By Chet Ogan

On July 12, 2016, representing RRAS, I met with Denise Newman from Redwood Community Action Agency and Miles Slattery and Donna Woods from City of Eureka Parks and Recreation Department to walk the trail route and look at proposed locations for interpretation and recreational opportunities.

The site has changed much from when we helped with the May 21 city-sponsored cleanup.

Gone are the walls of the structures, excavators, and hydraulic drills that were used to break up the concrete and pull out the rebar, old railroad tracks, and miscellaneous rods. Currently the concrete is being fed through a rock crusher and hauled to piles where the old drying sheds were. This concrete will be used for base rock for the trail. A workman was using a hydraulic drill to bore drainage holes through concrete bases, which will be left in place and covered up with some of the spoils.

Most of the area between Broadway Avenue and the bay shore is composed of fill that was brought in and spread on salt-marsh and mudflats, covering natural pickleweed, salt grass, Humboldt Bay owl’s clover, eelgrass, and hairgrass to create land for an industrial site. Since the mills were abandoned, the area has vegetated with a mix of native and invasive non-native vegetation. Some of the native plants currently on the site are wax myrtle, arroyo willow, red alder, and California blackberry. Non-native and invasive plants include Himalaya berry, cordgrass (Spartina), Scotch broom, English ivy, holly, cotoneaster, rattlesnake grass, vetch, periwinkle, wild radish and mustard, and

Denise and Donna proposed putting together a package to include the interpretive signs and presenting that to stakeholders and interested public before the decision about the final package is made.

Bullock’s Oriole, © David Price

Gray Jay, © Gary Bloomfield

Reminder: WFO 2016 Conference in Humboldt County The Western Field Ornithologists’ annual conference is being held in Humboldt County September 28 through October 2, 2016. This is a 4-day event that includes scientific presentations, workshops, field trips, experts’ sound and visual identification panels, and social activities. The conference offers the opportunity for motivated youths to meet those who earn their living and/or volunteer in field ornithology, bird conservation, biology, and other distinguished fields. For further details and conference registration, visit www. westernfieldornithologists.org/conference.php.

Keep Up-to-Date With RRAS.org

If you haven’t yet, check out the RRAS website www.rras.org. It has been thoroughly revamped and is now actively up-to-date. including a calendar of upcoming events and �ield trips.

Field Notes

By Ken Burton, Guest Reporter

Summar y of Uncommon and/or Rare Northwestern California Birds

May 1 to June 30, 2016

Field Notes is a compilation of reports of rare and out-of-season birds in Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties. Reports are acquired from eBird (www.ebird.org), the Northwest California Bird Alert (https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/ northwest-california-bird-alert), and nwcalbird (nwcalbird@yahoogroups.com) listserv. For more details, view these sources directly. Not all reports presented here have been vetted.

Editor’s Note: Field Notes is a long-running service provided by RRAS to the interested public and aspiring birdwatchers. Even with the many sources for avid birders to keep current on migrants, vagrants, and just WOW birds, we hope it is of interest to all bird lovers. It may even inspire out-of-town nature lovers to visit our area to experience the bounty of flora and fauna for themselves. If you can help us continue this service by becoming a Field Notes compiler and editor, please contact me (j.andersen.415@gmail. com or [707] 616-3888) .

Wedge-rumped Storm-petrel, HSU Wildlife Museum, Arcata, HUM, © Natalie McNear

Greater White-fronted Goose: 1 continuing, S. Arcata Bottoms/Arcata Marsh, May 1-27 (BE, MH) • Cackling Goose: 8, Alexandre Dairy, May 27 (DP, JP) • Tundra Swan: 1 continuing, Klamath River mouth, May 1-June 8 (LB) • Redhead: 1-6, Arcata Oxidation Ponds, May 3-21 (BE, CH, AL) • Harlequin Duck: 1, S. Humboldt Bay, June 23 (BE) • Black Scoter: 1, Crescent City Harbor, May 25 (DP, JP) • Ruddy Duck: Lewiston Lake, June 11 (JT) • Laysan Albatross: 1, offshore Del Norte County, May 20 (BR) • Murphy’s Petrel: 2, offshore Del Norte County, May 12 (PL) • WEDGE-RUMPED STORMPETREL (1st regional record): 1 dead, South Spit, May

Hudsonian Godwit, Clam Beach, HUM © Rob Fowler

1 (DK) • American White Pelican: 2, Salmon Creek Unit, Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, May 4-8 (BE) • White-faced Ibis: 1-3, Moxon Road Dairy, May 6-17 (BE, RF, CH); 1, Arcata Marsh, June 4-18 (AL) • ZONE-TAILED HAWK (potential 1st regional record): 1 unconfirmed, Benbow State Recreational Area, May 26 (CR) • Pacific Golden-Plover: 1, Mad River spit, May 16 (LF); 1, Centerville Beach, May 27 (LF) • HUDSONIAN GODWIT: 1, Clam/Little River/Mad River Beach, May 20-26 (RF, LF) • Surfbird: 1, North Spit jetty, May 30 (MM) • Dunlin: 1, Clam/Little River Beach, May 27 (EE) • Baird’s Sandpiper: 1, Alexandre Dairy, May 10 (TK, CR) • Pectoral Sandpiper: 2-4, Alexandre Dairy, May 6-13 (LB) • Semipalmated Sandpiper: 1, Alexandre Dairy, May 6 (LB) • Scripps’s Murrelet: 4, offshore Humboldt County, May 20 (BR) • Sabine’s Gull: 5, offshore Del Norte County, May 20 (BR) • Laughing Gull: 1, Eureka, June 4-25 (EE) • Franklin’s Gull: 1, South Spit, May 8 (NP, LF); 1, Clam/Little River Beach, May 20-23 (TK) • Mew Gull: 1, Crab Park, May 12 (BE); 1, Eel River Wildlife Area, May 20 (LF) • Thayer’s Gull: 1, South Spit jetty, May 4 (BE) • Common Nighthawk: 1, Arcata, May 12 (DK) • Chimney Swift: 1, Klamath Glen airstrip, May 21 (LB); 1, Terwer Valley, June 5 (CR) • Calliope Hummingbird: 1, Alexandre Dairy, May 10 (TK, CR); 1, Grizzly Camp Trailhead, May 13 (KB); 1, South Fork Mountain, May 27 (KB) • Lewis’s Woodpecker: 1, Lyons Ranch Trail, May 1 (GS, BC) • Northern Flicker (intergrade): 1, Friday Ridge Rd, June 12 (RF) • Least Flycatcher: 1, Bailey Road, June 30 (LB) • Gray Flycatcher: 1, McKinleyville, May 14 (RF); 1, Chimney Rock Trail, June 27 (LB) • Eastern Kingbird: 1, Orick, May 31 (CA); 1, N. Arcata Bottoms, June 7-9 (LB); 1, Kellogg Road, June 9 (BA, JG) • Red-eyed Vireo: 1, Klamath Glen Airport, June 21-27 (LB) • Whitebreasted Nuthatch: 2 nesting, Doctor Rock Trail, May 30 (LB); 1, Boundary Trail, June 27 (LB) • Rock Wren: 2, Doctor Rock Trail, May 30 (LB) • Mountain Bluebird: 3, Boundary Trail, June 27 (LB) • WHITE WAGTAIL (Black-backed): 1, Lakes Talawa & Earl, May 10 (CR, SM, GA) • American Pipit: 2, North Spit jetty, May 1 (CO); 4, South Spit, May 1 (NP); 7, Trinidad, May 1 (EM); 6, S. Arcata Bottoms, May 1 (CD); 1, Arcata Marsh, May

3 (AL) • Lapland Longspur: 1, Lake Talawa, May 10-27 (SM) • Orange-crowned Warbler (orestera): 3, Arcata Marsh, May 6 (RF) • Hooded Warbler: 1, Klamath Glen, June 8 (LB) • American Redstart: 1, Smith River, June 8 (AB); 1-2, Mad River County Park/School Road Trail, June 18-25 (CR, RF) • Northern Parula: 1, Terwer Valley, June 6 (TK); 1, Hammond Bridge, June 8 (TK) • Chestnut-sided Warbler: 1, Lyons Ranch Trail, May 29 (MC); 1, Terwer Valley, June 1-26 (LB); 1, Arcata Marsh, June 9 (RF); 1, Crescent City, June 23 (AB) • Fox Sparrow (Sooty): 1, Elk Head, May 30 (RF) • Summer Tanager: 1, Klamath Glen, June 28 (EE) • Indigo Bunting: 1, Klamath Glen airstrip, May 21-June 16 (LB); 1, Humboldt Bay Bird Observatory, May 25 (BO); 1, Terwer Valley, June 8-21 (LB) • Yellow-headed Blackbird: 1-6, S. Arcata Bottoms, May 5-14 (LF, LL, RF); 1-9, Alexandre Dairy, May 10-30 (TK, LF, LB); 1, Big Lagoon, May 18 (BW) • Great-tailed Grackle: 2, Crescent City, May 12-13 (SL); 1-3, Hoopa, May 13-24 (GD, EE, MD, KB); 1, Willow Creek, May 17 (BB); 1, Elk River Wildlife Area, June 4 (NM) • Red Crossbill (type 3): 1, McKinleyville, June 24 (RF) • Lawrence’s Goldfinch: 1, Korbel, May 22 (RF).

White Wagtail (Black-backed), DELN, © Sean McAllister

Observers: Bob Altman, Colin Anderson, Glenn Anderson, Alan Barron, Brian Boeing, Lucas Brug, Ken Burton, Mark Colwell, Britta Countryman, Gabe Dougherty, Melissa Dougherty, Cédric Duhalde, Elias Elias, Brad Elvert, Lizzie Feucht, Rob Fowler, Gary Friedrichsen, Joel Geier, Chris Heys, Michael Hunsinger, Deven Kammerichs-Berke, Tony Kurz, Alexandra Lamb, Laurie Lawrence, Paul Lehman, Sky Lloyd, Sean McAllister, Matthew McConnell, Natalie McNear, Elizabeth Medina-Gray, Brian O’Donnell, Rob O’Donnell, Chet Ogan, Nora Papian, Debby Parker, Jim Parker, Bruce Rideout, Casey Ryan, Gregory Schrott, Jaclyn Tolchin, Bill Wenger.

EcoNews Report Report Learn About the Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment for Eureka The

Every Thursday at 1:30 p.m., KHSU (90.5 FM, khsu.org) airs the NEC’s weekly half-hour EcoNews Report radio show. Each show features a rotating roster of hosts interviewing interesting guests and experts on a variety of environmental topics.

The July 23 episode of the EcoNews Report featured Jennifer Kalt of Humboldt Baykeeper interviewing Aldaron Laird, Adaptation Planner from Trinity Associates, about the Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment for the City of Eureka.

Sea level rise adaptation started for Humboldt Bay in 2010 and has since evolved to accurately portray the risks sea level rise poses to the area and how the City of Eureka can plan for these vulnerable areas.

Humboldt Bay will have the highest effective rate of sea level rise in California due to the combination of tectonic activity lowering the ground level around the bay with rising seas. The Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment includes key information to better plan for this drastic sea level rise, including inundation mapping and shoreline inventory around Humboldt Bay to assess vulnerable areas and what could be done to protect existing structures. Laird speaks in depth about possible adaptation and planning strategies to increase sea level rise resiliency for Humboldt Bay.

Listen to the whole episode to learn more!

Past shows are archived on our website for listening anytime. With the past five years of EcoNews Reports currently available on our website (four shows per month, 12 months per year), that’s nearly 450 shows online!

yournec.org/econews-report

For First Time in 54 Years, No Salmon Served at Klamath Salmon Festival Press Release, Yurok Tribe For the first time in the event’s 54-year history, the Yurok Tribe had to remove salmon from the menu at this year’s Klamath Salmon Festival, because of the record low fish run.

“This was a very difficult decision. We hope that all festival attendees understand that this was the only responsible option,” said Thomas P. O’Rourke Sr., Chairman of the Yurok Tribe.

The Yurok Tribe puts on the annual Festival to provide an opportunity for the whole community to unite in celebration of the Klamath River. The famous chinook salmon lunch, a highlight of the long-standing event, has always been a part of the festivities. Sharing this best-quality salmon, cooked the traditional way over an open fire, is a point of pride for Yurok people.

“Salmon and hospitality are both traditional Yurok values,” Chairman O’Rourke explained.

Despite the lack of a salmon lunch, the Yurok Tribe would like to invite everyone to the festival for fun times with friends and family. The communityoriented festival is happening on Saturday, August 20 and typically draws about 4,000 people. Like every other year, the 2016 Salmon Festival will feature live music, games for kids and about a 100 vendors selling high quality, handmade gifts. A dozen fabulous food trucks and stands will be dishing out a diverse selection of fresh-cooked cuisines, ranging from tasty tri-tip to sumptuous sweet treats. There will also be a Classic Car Show, softball tournament, a parade and cultural demonstrations. Indian Card Game and Stick Game Tournaments will be going on throughout the day.

“This is always a very special day on the Yurok Reservation,” said Chairman O’Rourke.

The shortage of fish for this year’s festival is largely due to poor water management practices.

In 2014 and 2015 almost all of the juvenile Klamath River chinook and coho salmon died from a deadly parasite known as Ceratonova shasta, formerly called Ceratomyxa shasta.

“There are not enough fish to feed our families, many of which will need food assistance, as a result of this man-made catastrophe,” Chairman O’Rourke said.

Chinook salmon is a primary part of a seasonal diet that has served the Tribe since time immemorial.

The downturn in fish numbers has coincided with an increase in health issues, such as diabetes, among the Tribal membership. Cancelling the salmon lunch is just one of the sacrifices that the Tribe has had to make this year. The Yurok Tribal Council decided that there will be no commercial fishing this season.

The Yurok Tribe resides on the banks of the Klamath River in Northern California and is the largest federally recognized tribe in the state.

The natural resource-based Tribe is best known for its award-winning river restoration, language preservation and cultural protection programs.

Smoking salmon the traditional way at a prior year’s Klamath Salmon Festival. Photo courtesy of the Yurok Tribe.

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Eye on

Washington Dan Sealy, NEC Legislative Analyst

Before we begin...

I enjoy being NEC’s representative keeping up with activities in Washington D.C. and on the federal level. My reporting is both from what may be of interest to NW California conservationists and to a non-partisan point of view. I identify members of congress by party and state to assist the reader but not to assign support.

Hundreds of bills are in action at any given time, and while only a few of those directly impact the residents of our bioregion, many have the potential to affect us and our resources. Please let me know what issues on the federal level most interest you and I will try to cover those issues as they arise in the legislature.

Contact me at dan.sealy@yournec.org. Thank you.

Energy on the Rise Energy has been a heated topic in Congress and in California as another nuclear power plant is closed. Speaker Ryan had focused a great deal of his time and support to get an energy bill passed in this Congress. The Energy Bill, however, may fall victim to Congress’s increased focus on elections and popular positions vs. action.

The November elections could play strongly into the progress or non-progress of the Energy Bill.

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chair, Murkowski (R-AK) worked closely with ranking member Cantwell (D-WA) to include important measures in the bill resulting in strong 80-12 bipartisan passage of the bill in the Senate.

Now Chairman Murkowski is hoping a conference committee to resolve differences between the House and Senate bills will be convened before the long August recess. Members of Congress, however,

are often hesitant to vote on a controversial bill during election season. Members of Congress may equally fear the outcome of a bill that comes out of a lame duck-session after the November election results.

Approximately 64 amendments were added to the Senate bill including provisions of the environment-friendly Shaheen-Portman efficiency bill: upgrading energy infrastructure such as the power grid and repairing aging pipelines, measures to encourage use of renewable energy sources and a permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF.) The LWCF provides funds that are skimmed from off-shore oil and gas production profits which are then used to purchase public lands or given to states to increase recreation opportunities.

The House version H.R. 8, the “North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act,” passed with only nine Democrats voting for the bill; Rep. Huffman voted no. H.R. 8 does not include some of the conservation measures to reduce carbon emissions to tackle climate change, nor does it include some of the measures that conservationists support such as the permanent funding of the LWCF. Congress has not passed an energy bill for almost ten years, during which time the energy picture has changed drastically with widespread, controversial fracking, increasing use of natural gas, dropping oil prices and the repeal of the ban on exporting crude oil.

Meanwhile the move to close Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant by 2025, replacing the source with renewables, ratchets up the industry concerns about the future of nuclear energy. Importantly, there is an odd, uncomfortable split among some conservation organizations regarding nuclear energy—which is included in most descriptions of “clean energy sources” in spite of its unsolved nuclear waste problem. Nuclear is included in “clean energy” sources by such organizations as Bill McKibben’s 350.org because it reduces carbon. For those organizations that look at energy alternatives beyond

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the carbon equation, nuclear is anything but “clean.”

The question of which methods of carbon emission reduction to include in political party platforms has caused some party infighting. The Democratic party has discussed dropping or changing the “all of the above” strategy which includes nuclear energy while the GOP platform already embraces “all of the above” with a strong preference for all domestic sources.

Conservationist Work to Stop Nickel Mining in the Smith and Illinois River Headwaters Two efforts are moving forward to stop the reactivation of a nickel mine on U.S. Forest Service lands adjacent to the Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area and within the watershed of southwestern Oregon and Del Norte County, California. In 1990, the threat of the same mine drove the establishment of California’s Smith River National Recreation Area with support from the NEC and its member organizations.

New legislation was introduced in both the House and the Senate to stop nickle mine production.

However, conservation organizations and communities concerned about drinking water are afraid Congress will act too slowly. To give Congress time, they are supporting a Forest Service plan to delay the mining until 2022. It is hoped that by that time, the companion bills ( H.R. 682 Huffman, D-CA and DeFazio, D-OR) and Senate S. 346, (Wyden, D-OR, and Merkely, D-OR) titled the “Southwestern Oregon Watershed and Salmon Protection Act of 2015” will be passed into law, permanently banning the mining.

The Forest Service received over 20,000 comment letters on the plan that would lock the mining operations near Kalmiopsis. The Smith River Alliance, Friends of the Kalmiopsis and Earthworks, among others, reported that all but five commenters supported the federal proposal to temporarily ban mining on 95,806 acres of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and 5,216 acres of Bureau of Land Management tracts.

“This is a no-brainer. We have to protect these rivers,” said Grant Werschkull of the Smith River Alliance. “Putting a strip mine in the headwaters of the wild and scenic Smith and Illinois rivers absolutely makes no sense.”

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September 17 & 18 Volunteer shifts are only 3 hours! Work with friends, family members, or colleagues—get a group together!

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Humboldt Baykeeper Keeps Tabs on Projects Around the Bay Jennifer Kalt, Director Humboldt Baykeeper tracks many projects around Humboldt Bay, ensuring that water quality and coastal resources are protected for wildlife, recreation, and a healthy economy. Below is a small sample of ongoing issues we are following. For more information on these and other bay-related stories, visit our website, like us on Facebook, or join our email list. To get involved, or to sign up for action alerts, contact us at volunteer@ humboldtbaykeeper.org.

CalTrans’ coffers. The project, which failed to incorporate bicyclist and pedestrian improvements until required by the Coastal Commission, has been touted by CalTrans as a critical safety project driven in part by a lawsuit over fatal auto accidents before the speed limit was lowered to 50 mph.

CalTrans Funds Another East-West Rail Study

Highway 101 Interchange at Indianola Postponed

In 2013, the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation, and Conservation District feasibility study found that building a new railroad from Humboldt Bay to the Central Valley would cost more than $1 billion to build and another $20 million a year to maintain, requiring 3-10 long bulk cargo trains per day to remain economically viable. Yet last month, CalTrans District 2 in Redding awarded a $276,000 grant to Trinity County’s Transportation Commission to do yet another feasibility study. Critics question what products would be shipped on such a high-cost, high-risk route. While proponents talk of agricultural exports from the Central Valley, it is coal to China that is making all the headlines these days.

The controversial $38 million U.S. Highway 101 Corridor Improvement Project, which includes an interchange at Indianola Cutoff, was delayed for two years due to declining gas tax revenue as lower gas prices and the rise in fuel efficient vehicles depletes

Other ongoing issues include oyster expansion proposals, dredging disposal plans, development of a regional eelgrass management plan, wetland restoration, dioxin remediation, and the Community Choice Aggregation energy program.

Arcata Wastewater Facility Update After receiving more than 125 water quality violations since 2010 and being fined more than $400,000 by the Regional Water Board from 2006 to 2007, the City of Arcata is in the process of upgrading its sewage treatment system to bring it into compliance while enhancing its popular marsh treatment system.

Join us for a Humboldt Bay Tour

Thanks to generous grants from the California Coastal Conservancy and the Humboldt Area Foundation, we provide all the necessaries for a safe and exciting experience on Humboldt Bay! Space is limited and reservations are required. Call (707) 8251020 or email tours@humboldtbaykeeper.org for more info or to make reservations. Se habla español.

Motor Boat Tours:

August 27, September 23, and October 7 Humboldt Baykeeper has partnered with the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation, and Conservation District to provide free, docent-led motor boat tours of Humboldt Bay. Kids 8 and older are welcome.

Kayak Tours:

August 13 and October 1

We have also partnered with the Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center to offer kayak tours of the Elk River combined with guided walks along the Hikshari’ Trail in Eureka. Kayak tours are for ages 12 and older, and beginners are welcome.

We Need Your Support

Our programs depend on memberships and donations from individuals. Support from our community keeps us combing through the details of projects to make sure they are protecting Humboldt Bay and following environmental laws, while urging regulators to stand up to polluters. To support Humboldt Baykeeper’s work by donating or becoming a member, please click on the Donate button at:

www.humboldtbaykeeper.org

For more info about our work, visit our website and like us on Facebook, or sign up for action alerts and monthly e-newsletters by emailing us at alerts@humboldtbaykeeper.org. And don’t forget to tune in every third Thursday at 1:30 p.m. for the Baykeeper edition of the EcoNews Report on KHSU - 90.5 FM!

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Aug/Sept 2016

EcoNews

The Environmental Protection Information Center

ep c

Redwood Restoration, Reconnection, and the Humboldt Marten Rob DiPerna marten, but also facilitates expansion of two of the Some imagine the coast redwood forests of marten’s primary predators, the Pacific fisher and the Northern California as a remnant of paleo-history, bobcat, into the marten’s range. seemingly sheltered from the modern age by the pale To recover, the Humboldt marten requires the shadow of the redwood curtain. Sadly, the wild and restoration and reconnection of our coastal redwood iconic vision of a vast and vibrant forest is far more fantasy than present-day reality.

Once spanning some two million acres across Northern California’s rugged and scenic coastline, our coastal redwoods have been reduced to small, isolated, and disjunct remnant fragments. Today, it is estimated that only 120,000 acres, or five percent, of the original old-growth coast redwood forest remains. The other 95 percent of the land bears a scant resemblance to the forest that once was.

The story of the Humboldt marten is like that of the redwoods. The marten was trapped extensively for its pelts in the early years of European-American exploration and settlement in the redwoods. With the advent of aggressive logging of the vast majority of the old-growth, upon which the Humboldt marten depends, it was once thought that this small, cat-size member of the weasel family had been lost forever, extinct due to a loss of habitat and over-trapping.

But in 1996, this highly allusive creature was accidentally captured on a wildlife survey camera in Prairie Creek Redwood State Park.

Contemporary monitoring and research suggests that the Humboldt marten, like the old-growth Map of existing known Martin populations, shown in red.

Photo: CalFire FPGIS 2016. coast redwood forest, has been extirpated from 95 percent of its original range. The U.S. Fish and forests. At first glance, it may seem that the solutions Wildlife Service now estimates that less than 100 total to accomplish restoration and connectivity in the individuals persist in the wild today in only two very coast redwood forest are as stealthy and allusive as small, extremely isolated populations in California. the Humboldt marten. So little old-growth remains Because redwoods are degraded, the Humboldt and vast tracts of our redwood forestlands are now marten is in jeopardy. The remaining old-growth privately-owned and managed for industrial timber redwoods largely exist in parks and conservation production. Here, the Humboldt marten may easements, of which more than half are comprised unwittingly be the devisor of its own rescue plan, and of previously-logged stands of second and thirdthereby the rescuer of our old-growth coast redwood growth forest and not old-growth. Because of this, ecosystems as well. the remaining old-growth is in patches and pockets One of the key remaining small, but highly amongst young, homogenous and sterile even-aged isolated populations of the Humboldt marten is stands. The Humboldt marten relies on mature quietly hanging on along the interface between the forests—big trees, downed wood, standing snags. coast redwood forest and the Klamath-Siskiyou Logging and forest conversion not only reduce Mountains. Here, lands are owned and managed by the range and available habitat for the Humboldt the Redwood National and State Parks system, the

EcoNews Aug/Sep 2016

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Yurok Tribe, Six Rivers National Forest, and Green Diamond Resource Company. The martens, largely isolated on Six Rivers National Forest, need to reach the redwood parks by the coast. To do so, they must cross large swaths of young forests on both private and public land. To establish a permanent connectivity corridor between these blocks of mature forests will require a change in management—the setting aside of older forest stands and the development of future large, old trees—a change that the marten can help facilitate.

Since 2010, EPIC has advocated to protect and recover the Humboldt marten, and by extension, to create an impetus for landscape-level restoration and connectivity in the coast redwoods. EPIC’s 2010 petition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to list the Humboldt marten as an endangered species under the federal Endangered Species Act spurred the creation of the Humboldt Marten Conservation Group, a working group comprised of agency, land owners, and scientists. This group is now working to draft a long-term conservation and recovery plan for the marten, a vital underpinning that involves landscape level forest habitat restoration and reconnection to help marten populations stabilize, facilitate greater movement and dispersal, and eventually help facilitate recovery.

In 2015, EPIC also petitioned the California Fish and Game Commission to list the Humboldt marten as an endangered species under the California Endangered Species Act—in hopes of marshalling the resources and direct involvement of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and create greater opportunities for cooperation, collaboration, and more avenues for available funding through state-generated processes. The old quip that humans “can’t see the forest for the trees,” at times, serves as a sobering truism as we revisit the history and implications of past intensive logging of our oldgrowth trees in the coast redwoods. Fortunately, if we look closely enough, there yet remains, hiding quietly and patiently in the deep, dark shadows, the most unlikely of creatures that can serve as the impetus for us to restore, rebuild, and reconnect.

For more info visit

www.wildcalifornia.org 16

NORTH GROUP REDWOOD CHAPTER

Lucille Lovingly Remembered by Community

Sue Leskiw On May 22, a Celebration of the Life of Lucille Bartlett Vinyard was held in Arcata. North Group’s Sue Leskiw and Mary Gearheart of the Redwood Parks Conservancy planned the event at the request of Lucille’s sister, Ellicott.

Nearly 150 people attended, traveling from near and far to honor Lucille, who passed away last December.

Representatives from CalTrans and Redwood National Park, as well as those who collaborated with Lucille during the battles in the 60s and 70s to save North Coast ancient redwoods, were the featured speakers.

Their presentations were followed by a long line of attendees who came up to the microphone to share their remembrances.

Many spoke about how Lucille served as a mentor to them on coastal, forestry, and wilderness issues.

Visual highlights were provided by Dave Van de Mark’s wonderful oversized photos of Lucille in the outdoors and a sample of Lucille’s journals, papers, and photos that are currently being archived by Humboldt State University.

If you would like to make a donation in Lucille’s name, there are two venues: 1) HSU Library Lucille Vinyard/Susie van Kirk Trust (supports archiving Lucille’s records), https://library. humboldt.edu/giving/vankirk.html; and 2) North Group Environmental Education Fund (supports sending local children to camp). Send checks to PO Box 238, Arcata CA 95518 with “Camper Fund” in the memo line.

17

Events

One need not be a Sierra Club member to participate in these outings. Please join us!

Sunday, Aug. 7—North Group Redwood National Park Skunk Cabbage Trail Hike. Join us for a summer hike in the cool coastal zone. The trail follows the length of Skunk Cabbage Creek, with good views of the beach and coastline when we reach a high point at Gold Bluffs.

Bring water and lunch. No dogs. Medium difficulty, 7.5 miles, less than 1000 ft. elevation change. Carpools: Meet 9 a.m. Ray’s Valley West, 10 a.m. trailhead. Leader Ned, nedforsyth48@gmail.com, 707-825-3652.

Wednesday, Aug. 10—Prairie Creek State Park Miners Ridge Loop Hike. From Miners Ridge Trailhead off Beach Road, we gradually ascend through coastal rain forest into hillside redwoods. In two miles the Clintonia Trail connects north to James Irvine Trail and Fern Canyon. A mile south on the Coastal Trail closes our loop. Bring lunch, liquids, gear for wet woods, sun, wind. No dogs. Medium difficulty, seven miles, less than 1000 ft. elevation change. Carpools: 9 a.m. Ray’s Valley West. 9:45 a.m. at Elk Meadow day use parking area (off Davison Rd.) Leader Melinda 707-6684275, mgroomster@gmail.com. Rain or high winds cancel.

Saturday, Aug. 13—North Group Drury-Chaney Loop Trail, Humboldt Redwoods State Park Hike. This is a great beginner’s hike on a lovely loop off of the Avenue of the Giants. The trail twists through ancient redwood groves and California laurel trees (Pepperwood.) Learn why a redwood grove was named after a man named Chaney. Bring water, lunch and good walking shoes. No dogs. Easy hike, 2.3 miles, less than 1000 ft. elevation change. Meet: 10:00 a.m. Elk River Road/Herrick Park & Ride lot, off of Highway 101 south. Leader Allison 707268-8767, abronkall@yahoo.com.

Sunday, Sept. 11—North Group Prairie Creek State Park Ossagon Trail Hike. We will take an old overgrown road from Elk Prairie Parkway through majestic redwoods, spruce and alder to Ossagon Rocks on a remote part of Gold Beach. We will explore the beach, tides permitting, before returning. Bring water and lunch. No dogs. Medium difficulty, 5 miles round-trip, less than 1000 ft. elevation change. Carpools 9 a.m. Ray’s Valley West Shopping Center, 10:30 a.m. Ossagon trailhead, or by prior arrangement.

Leader Ned, nedforsyth48@gmail.com, 707-825-3652.

Please Join Us!

The North Group’s Executive Committee meets the second Tuesday of each month in the first floor conference room at the Adorni Center on the waterfront in Eureka. The meeting, which covers regular business and conservation issues, begins at 6:45 PM. Members and non-members with environmental concerns are encouraged to attend. When a new person comes to us with an environmental issue or concern, we often place them first or early on the agenda.

www.yournec.org

Wednesday, Sept. 14—North Group Redwood National Park Emerald Ridge Loop Hike. We descend

by Emerald Ridge Trail through lush forest to Redwood Creek, along gravel bars, with several shallow crossings, to reach the Tall Trees Area. After the one mile Tall Trees Loop we ascend by the main trail (700’) to our cars. Bring water, lunch, sun protection, and footwear suitable for trail, loose rock, and water. No dogs. Medium difficulty, 5 miles, less than 1000 ft. elevation change. Carpools: meet 9 a.m. Ray’s Valley West parking area. Trailhead: meet at 10:30 a.m. Tall Trees Parking Area (obtain pass at Kuchel Visitor Center, Hwy 101). Leader Melinda, 707-668-4275, mgroomster@gmail.com

Aug/Sept 2016

EcoNews

NORTHCOAST CHAPTER Evening Programs 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.

September 14, Wednesday. 7:30-9:00 p.m. “Hazelnut Speaks of the Wiyot Past.” Adam Canter, a biologist with the Wiyot Tribe, will share a story of rediscovery. Hazelnut does not often grow on the immediate coast. Recently the Wiyot Tribe documented hazelnut scrub in Humboldt County, extending its known range by ~200 miles into the North Coast. Adam will highlight Wiyot history in relation to hazelnut, research into herbarium records and possible past distribution, and share other important food plants the Wiyot Tribe cultivated. Current ethnobotanical research efforts help us better understand how California’s indigenous population managed, tended and helped contribute to the diversity of species we see today. In the absense of such management, these habitats are struggling to survive against forest encroachment, invasive species, and development.

Field Trips & Plant Walks

Outings are open to everyone, not just members. All levels of expertise, from beginners to experienced botanizers, are welcome.

Contact the leader before the trip to confirm details. Watch for updates on our website northcoastcnps.org or sign up for e-mail announcements Northcoast_CNPS-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

July 30, Saturday. Rare Plant Treasure Hunt for Wolf’s Evening Primrose (Oenothera wolfii) in roadside locations around Humboldt Bay and Trinidad. Oenothera wolfii struggles to survive due to road maintenance activities and hybridization with a similar non-native species. We’ll attempt to map locations of Oenothera wolfii and its hybrids. For details contact Greg O’Connell at gregoconnell7@gmail.com or 707-599-4887.

August 5-7, Saturday-Sunday. Del Norte Weekend. Botanical wonders are in every direction in Del Norte County. From headquarters in Rock Creek Ranch, a group-camping facility on the South Fork Smith River, some people will head out rare plant treasure hunting, while other people head for trail hikes.

Rare plant hunters will explore the Gasquet region (and possibly Lake Earl area) looking for several late-blooming taxa with historical records from the areas, including Little-leaf Huckleberry (Vaccinium scoparium), Great Burnett (Sanguisorba officinalis), and several sedge species (Carex spp.). For rare plant details contact Greg at gregoconnell7@gmail.com or 707-599-4887. For camping and hiking contact Carol at 707-822-2015 or theralphs@ humboldt1.com. Come for all or part, but please let us know.

September 25, Sunday. Cold Spring Day Hike. Only one hour away from Arcata, in Six Rivers National Forest along Forest Highway 1 (Titlow Hill Rd off 299) we will be breathing mountain air and gazing at mountain vistas. The Cold Spring area offers diverse habitats: White fir forest, oak woodland, azalea thicket, open meadow, rocky outcrop, and sunny seep. Both Jeffrey and Ponderosa Pines grow there, and at least five species of mycoheterotrophs (a.k.a. saprophytes). We will also assess the impact of cattle grazing. Expect to walk 2-3 miles on cow paths and cross country. Meet at 9 a.m. at Pacific Union School in Arcata.

Dress for the weather (at 4,800 ft elevation); bring lunch and water. Let us know you are coming: Carol 707-822-2015.

EcoNews Aug/Sep 2016

Fall Native Plant Sale

Saturday, September 24 10am - 3pm

We have plant diversity!

• For the flower collector: 9 species of penstemon (including two Keckiella), 4 buckwheats, 5 monkeyflowers, 1 California fuchsia • For the local habitat garden: California Beeplant, Checkerbloom, Common California Aster, Yarrow, Fringecups, Candyflower, Red Columbine, Common Mitrewort, , Western Boykinia, Sword Fern, Wild Ginger, Evergreen Huckleberry, Silk Tassle, Salal, Beach Buckwheat, Beach Strawberry, Coyote Brush • For the backyard pond or mini-swamp: Goatsbeard , Umbrella Plant, Cardinal Monkeyflower, Musk Monkeyflower, California Spikenard, Skunk Cabbage • For the herbal medicinal garden: Yarrow, Coastal Angelica, Yerba Buena, Cascara • For the deer-ravaged garden: 2 species of sage • And more! Our partner nurseries will bring numerous more species. Come see the diversity, be amazed, and find a surprise or treasure for your garden.

Members only pre-sale 9-10 am For more information: Call 707-826-0259 or visit northcoastcnps.org

Jacoby Creek Land Trust’s Kokte Ranch 2182 Old Arcata Rd., Bayside

Rare Native Iris Makes Mid Klamath Home Tanya Chapple, Article adapted from the Mid Klamath Watershed Council’s blog

**CNPS Editor’s note: The Northcoast CNPS Chapter is excited to explore rare, native plants through our sponsored hikes, field trips, and treasure hunts. In this article, Tanya Chapple describes a beautiful iris found only near Orleans.

Did you know that the Orleans iris or Ishi-Pishi iris (Iris tenax ssp. klamathensis) is a rare plant? It is! This special yellow blooming iris is only found in the Klamath River region, nowhere else in California or Oregon, or the entire world. In fact it is commonly seen only on the west side of the Klamath River between Orleans and Somes Bar. In the past few weeks the sides of Ishi Pishi Road have been bejeweled by this iris. But the irises you see up the Salmon River, or toward Weitchpec or Happy Camp are different species.

Orleans iris is an example of an endemic plant.

Endemism is when an organism has a restricted range, found in only one region and not outside of that location.

The Klamath Siskiyou biogregion is home to many endemic species because of its unique geography. And to me, the Orleans iris is the flower shaped shining star that reminds me how special this place we live really is. www.yournec.org

Photo: Tanya Chapple

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McClure

Wolf

The California Coastal Commission has 12 voting members appointed either by the Governor, Senate Rules Committee, or the Speaker of the Assembly.

Each appoints four commissioners: two public members and two elected officials from specific coastal districts. In addition, the Secretaries of the Resources Agency, the Business and Transportation Agency, and the Chair of the State Lands Commission serve as non-voting members.

...for three weeks before returning to Oregon, and has made several more forays into the Golden State since that time.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife also reported this month that scat samples from the two adults and four pups of the Shasta pack collected last October have been DNA-tested, and the results indicate that both the breeding male and female adults are related to wolves from Oregon’s Imnaha pack. Of the four pups whose scat was tested, one is female and the other three are males Gray wolves (Canis lupus) are native to California but were driven to extinction in the state by the mid-1920s. After OR-7 dispersed from Oregon into California, the Center for Biological Diversity and allies petitioned the state to fully protect wolves under California’s state endangered species act. In June 2014,

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What’s Next?

The North Coast representative must be an elected member of a City Council or County Board of Supervisors within the district (Mendocino, Humboldt, or Del Norte Counties).

The Governor’s appointment process for new Commissioners involves calling for a list of interested candidates, followed by a 45-day period in which County Boards and City Councils can nominate colleagues.

In response to numerous recently-revealed ethics violations, state legislators have introduced several bills designed to increase transparency of Coastal Commission proceedings. A ban on ex-parte communications—private meetings with developers and other interested parties—is the subject of a pending bill in the state legislature (SB 1190).

Another bill would increase reporting requirements for lobbyists to the Coastal Commission (AB 2002).

Developers and their lobbyists are strongly opposing these proposed reforms.

Solutions for Small Business Located in the Greenway Building 8 th and N in Arcata

Call for an appointment

707-267-8759

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HELP WITH • QUICKBOOKS • XERO • PAYROLL

Cannabis

Continued from page 4

Trinity County Issues Moratorium on three Acre Conversions One of the most hotly discussed items in discussing cannabis regulations on the north coast is timberland conversions, the transfer of timberland to other uses such as residential or agricultural uses. The conversion of timberlands has major ramifications for wildlife species dependent on forests. Most timberland conversions occur through a CEQA-exempt process, known as the “Less Than Three Acre Conversion Exemption,” under which CalFire has virtually no discretion as to whether or not to approve a conversion application. With a large number of cannabis farmers moving into forested landscapes, CalFire has reported a surge in the number of CEQA-exemption three acre conversions.

On June 7, the Trinity County Board of Supervisors, alarmed by the number of three acre conversions related to cannabis, issued an emergency moratorium on three acre conversions of timberland to agriculture for 45 days. During press, the three acre conversion moratorium is expected to expire.

All expectations are that the Board of Supervisors will reissue the moratorium through the summer.

Cannabis Workshop Series and Compliance Handbook Because most new applicants are farmers and not policy wonks, EPIC, Mad River Alliance, Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District, California Growers Association, and Humboldt Green worked together to create a Cannabis Farmers’ Compliance Handbook, which simplified hundreds of pages of

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the California Fish and Game Commission voted in favor of the petition, making it illegal to intentionally kill any wolves that enter the state. In 2012 the California Department of Fish and Wildlife convened a citizen stakeholder group to help the agency develop a state wolf plan for California, and then circulated a draft version of the plan for public comment in early 2016. The agency anticipates releasing the final version of the plan sometime this year.

“With the potential confirmation of another wolf in California, we’re glad that these magnificent animals are fully protected under state and federal law because each new wolf we gain is critical for the species to be able to recover here,” said Weiss. “We drove this species to extinction here and we are extremely fortunate to get a second chance to see these ecologically essential and beautiful animals return.” regulations into 22 pages—the essence of what is needed for people to understand and comply with the law. Additionally, we began a series of workshops designed to help farmers comply with the new laws, in order to protect and restore the health of our forests, water, and quality of life here on the North Coast.

The workshops had presentations by the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and experts on state and county laws there to answer the public’s questions.

More than 500 people attended the workshops and more than 3,000 Compliance Handbooks were distributed.

Few Early Enrollers—More to Come?

Relative to the number of likely grows— somewhere between 3,000 and 10,000 cannabis farming operations—the number of cannabis farmers who have submitted completed applications to the county is low. As of July 8, only 91 have completed applications that have been received by the county. But a wave of new applications is expected. Currently, 527 individuals have completed pre-registration forms, the first step in compliance, but have not completed the lengthy application yet.

Even with the relatively low number of applications, county Planning and Building Department staff were overwhelmed and overworked; staff needed reinforcements. The Board of Supervisors responded to staff ’s concerns by authorizing five additional staff members to deal with the increased workload. The Planning Department further announced the creation of a specialized office, the Cannabis Services Division, whose five staff members will be solely devoted to implementing the new ordinance—answering questions, of which there are many, and processing applications.

Aug/Sept 2016

EcoNews

Kin to the Earth

Biodiversity

Diablo

...(TMDL) limits for their rivers from the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Among other things, this work requires exacting written comments made to public agencies. The task is unglamorous, unsung, and critically important.

Despite this, Diane has always stepped forward when needed and has written numerous comments expressing the Sierra Club position on local environmental issues. When it comes to protecting the environment, Diane unflinchingly does what is required—from being dragged off in handcuffs to the lonely task of writing comments hunched in front of the computer late into the night.

Diane has fought and continues to fight for our local forests, streams, and wildlife. She fights not for herself, but for the generations to come. She has not, will not, and cannot be intimidated by those who would destroy our rural way of life and our children’s legacy because of greed and selfishness. She does it because she cares and has never received a single dime of compensation for her thousands of hours of work. She does it because she loves this planet, the North Coast, and the plants, animals, and people who make it such a rare and special place to live. She is truly a Kin to the Earth.

...that happening. Until and unless we can bring biodiversity back up, we’re playing ecological roulette.”

Bradley Cardinale, the director of the Cooperative Institute of Limnology and Ecosystem Research at the University of Michigan, who did not take part in the study, told The Verge that the level of decline revealed in the study was a “little bit higher than we’ve estimated in the past.”

“But it’s also the most rigorous dataset,” Cardinale added, “so there’s no doubt that this is the correct estimate of where we’re at.”

Meanwhile, professor Bill Sherwin of the Ecology and Evolution Research Centre at Australia’s University of New South Wales, provided the following critique: “Future developments of Newbold’s model will hopefully add effects of climate change. To take an Australian example, it is forecast that soon many areas of Australia will have a combination of physical conditions that is unlike anything that currently exists anywhere in Australia.”

This means that currently existing biodiversity will need to show rapid adaptive changes, or move elsewhere. In other words, models such as Newbold’s cannot simply consider the biodiversity that is currently functioning in each area, but will need to think about the different array of species that will be able to function there in the future. This is likely to be true for all continents.

In any case, Newbold said, “We’re crossing into a zone of uncertainty.”

...It lays out an effective roadmap for a nuclear phase-out in the world's sixth largest economy, while assuring a green energy replacement plan to make California a global leader in fighting climate change."

A robust technical and economic report commissioned by Friends of the Earth served as a critical underpinning for the negotiations. The report, known as “Plan B,” provided a detailed analysis of how power from the Diablo Canyon reactors could be replaced with renewable, efficiency and energy storage resources which would be both less expensive and greenhouse gas free. With the report in hand, Friends of the Earth’s Damon Moglen and Dave Freeman engaged in discussions with the utility about the phase-out plan for Diablo Canyon.

NRDC was quickly invited to join.

Subsequently, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1245, Coalition of California Utility Employees, Environment California and Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility partnered in reaching the final agreement. The detailed phase out proposal will now go to the California Public Utility Commission for consideration. Friends of the Earth (and other NGO parties to the agreement) reserve the right to continue to monitor Diablo Canyon and, should there be safety concerns, challenge continued operation.

The agreement also contains provisions for the Diablo Canyon workforce and the community of San Luis Obispo. “We are pleased that the parties considered the impact of this agreement on the plant employees and the nearby community,” said Pica.

“The agreement provides funding necessary to ease the transition to a clean energy economy.”

Diablo Canyon is the nuclear plant that catalyzed the formation of Friends of the Earth in 1969. David Brower left the Sierra Club and founded Friends of the Earth over a disagreement about nuclear power and the Diablo Canyon plant specifically.

The plant was the first issue on the organization’s agenda and it has been fighting the plant ever since. This agreement is not only a milestone for renewable energy, but for Friends of the Earth as an organization.

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

. . . e n i g a m I

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e r e H d A r You

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ads@yournec.org EcoNews Aug/Sep 2016

www.yournec.org

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Limpets

“These teeth are made up of very small

fibres, put together in a particular way— we should be thinking about making our own structures following the same design principles.”

Patellidae family

Anne Maher For many years, spider silk has been Limpets have been known to literally the strongest biological material known bulldoze any other species out of their way, to man—even stronger than man-made whether they be barnacles, invaders or steel. Now, unexpectedly, a small tide pool other limpets. They also generate a slime dweller has emerged as the new biological trail left behind on the rock so they can tell beacon of strength: the limpet. where they’ve already been. The slime also Limpets are small gastropods with promotes growth of algae for future food. cone-shaped shells that live among rocks Some species of limpet have even been on the shore and in tide pools. Most are known to have a home ‘scar’—a portion of only a few inches in size. As a member of the rock indented by their teeth—that they the mollusk family, they are closely related return to at the end of feeding each day.

Volcano limpets (Fissurella volcano) are found along the Pacific coast of California. to snails and similarly use a single foot Creating an indentation fitted to their shell Photo: Jerry Kirkhart, Flickr.com, CC. under their shell to move. shape likely creates a more efficient seal Their shell protects them from predators such as against the air at low tide.

The limpet’s tongue, or radula, is bristled with sea stars, birds and crabs. By creating a mucus layer The ultra-thin nature of the limpet’s teeth fibers tiny but very powerful teeth that are used to scrape within the shell, a strong seal is formed between the is what allows for its strength, and some researchers algae from rocks for food. The teeth are less than a rock and limpet allowing them to lock themselves believe that engineers could use this information in milimeter long, but a new study published recently tightly to rocks—preventing predators from picking the future. According to Professor Asa Barber at the in the Journal of the Royal Society, Interface, them up. When attacked, limpets often try to catch University of Portsmouth, “These teeth are made reveals that the fibers creating the teeth are made a piece of their predator under the rim of their shell up of very small fibres, put together in a particular up of an iron-based material called goethite. The before clamping it down to the surface. way—we should be thinking about making our own research showed them to be five times stronger than Being able to cement themselves to rocks also structures following the same design principles.” most spider silk, with a tensile strength comparable comes in handy when the tide goes out; limpets are Perhaps limpets are on their way to being the next to a single string of spaghetti holding up 3,000 able to use this skill to avoid air exposure and stay wet. model in efficiency and strength engineering. one-pound bags of sugar.

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Aug/Sept 2016

EcoNews

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THE KIDS PAGE

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Buzzzzzzzing Bees

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Did you know there are 20,000 species of bees and wasps? Seven of those species are honey bees. Honey bees

live in groups in a hive. There are on average 60,000 bees in a hive including three different types of bees. There is only one queen bee. Her job is to lay eggs. There are several drone (male) bees, and their job is to fertilize the queen’s eggs so new bees will be born. The third kind of bee, and the most numerous, is the worker bee. Each one only produces a few drops of honey in their lifetime. How many bees do you think it takes to make a jar of honey? All of the worker bees are female and they are in charge of building the comb, cleaning the hive, taking care of the babies, collecting pollen and nectar, feeding the queen, cleaning the queen, protecting the hive, and telling others where to find food.

Honey bees have a long tongue, called a proboscis. This

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EcoNews Aug/Sep 2016

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helps them reach down flowers to collect nectar. They also have pollen baskets on their bodies in which to store pollen. They bring the pollen and nectar back to the hive.

The pollen is stored in cells and eaten for protein. The nectar is mixed with enzymes in the bee’s mouth in order to make honey, and it’s taken back to the hive. In the hive there is honeycomb made of beeswax. There are little cells in the beeswax where eggs are laid and where pollen and honey is stored.

Honey bees are very important pollinators. Flowers need to be pollinated in order to make fruit. If bees didn’t pollinate, we wouldn’t have most fruits and vegetables. The number of bees in the world going down every day. Pesticides and pollution are the two major causes for bee decline. What do you think you can do to help save the bees?

A honey bee uses its proboscis to collect nectar.

Photo: cygnus921 Flickr.com CC.

by Sarah Marnick

PROBOSCIS QUEEN WORKER

www.yournec.org

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