45 Years of Environmental News
Arcata, California
Vol. 46, No. 5
Oct/Nov 2016
Published by the Northcoast Environmental Center Since 1971
the Return of the
Condor
Yurok Tribe and Redwood National Park Plan to Reintroduce Condors on the North Coast Coastal Cleanup Wrap-up | Hiking into Headwaters | Klamath Dam Removal Update Bilboard Removal Update | Dakota Access Pipeline | Kin to the Earth: Dave Feral | Ban the Bag Again!
News From the Center New Administrative/Development Director - Bella Waters Larry Glass
Executive Director We have big news at the NEC this month. We’ve taken what I predict is a big step forward and have hired an Administrative/Development Director. We’re very excited about the candidate we selected—Bella Waters! I have asked Bella to introduce herself to you. Please come by the NEC to welcome Bella to our team!
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.
The Northcoast Environmental Center epitomizes my thoughts of regionally-focused environmental action with an eye on issues that affect us all. I’m thrilled to be a part of the NEC. My return to the NEC helps complete a circle that I’ve been working toward. I grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska and while at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, pursuing a degree in Communications with a minor in Environmental Studies, I was the president of Ecology Now! (our youthful version of EarthFirst!), and worked at the Environmental Resource Center. I also spent time working as the Education Assistant for the National Arbor Day Foundation, which is based in Nebraska. My experience at both organizations helped me realize that passionate activism requires solid office support to be truly successful.
Around that time I met my future husband and together we moved to Humboldt County. I sought out an internship with the NEC, enrolled at HSU and packed my car for a winter move. My weekends were then spent exploring our vast beaches, discovering hiking trails and how to waterproof everything. Fast forward fifteen years, throw in a wedding at Moonstone Beach, a house purchase, two boys and my weekends are still filled with outdoor activities. I’ve spent the majority of my professional life providing support to food cooperatives. I was hired as an Administrative Assistant to Karen Zimbelman, who was the Executive Director for four regional cooperative grocer associations. Those merged into the National Cooperative Grocers
Editor/Layout: Morgan Corviday morgan@yournec.org
NEC Board Of Directors
Advertising: ads@yournec.org Proofreaders: Karen Schatz, Midge Brown, Kris Diamond, Rebekah Staub
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
Authors: Larry Glass, Dan Sealy, Jennifer Kalt, Delia Bense-Kang, Tom Wheeler, Madison Peters, Rebekah Staub, Morgan Corviday, Felice Pace, Rob DiPerna, Anne Maher, Brandon Drucker, Felice Pace, Joe Barnwell, Neal Latt, Kate Rowe, Margaret Gainer Cover Photo: Gavin Emmons, NPS
NEC Staff
Executive Director: Larry Glass, larry@yournec.org Administrative/Development Director: Bella Waters, bella@yournec.org EcoNews Editor, Web Director: Morgan Corviday, morgan@yournec.org MPA Outreach Coordinator: Delia Bense-Kang, delia@yournec.org Coastal Cleanup Coordinator: Madison Peters, madison@yournec.org Office Associate: Anne Maher, anne@yournec.org
Humboldt Baykeeper
Fiscally sponsored by the NEC Director: Jennifer Kalt, jkalt@humboldtbaykeeper.org Bay Tours Coordinator: Jasmin Segura, jasmin@humboldtbaykeeper.org
Association, where I became the Operations Manager of the Grocers’ support website, the Cooperative Information Network. Desiring to support my own cooperative, I was next hired to be the Membership Coordinator and Board Assistant at the North Coast Co-op. For the past five years I’ve worked to streamline the board’s work, create materials regarding the Co-op’s membership system and support the Co-op’s growth.
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
Zero Waste Humboldt
www.zerowastehumboldt.org contact@zerowastehumboldt.org
When people think of environmental organizations, the events held by the organizations, lobbying, activism and passionate individuals come to mind. But to truly help an organization accomplish those goals and do great work requires an efficient office and admin staff. These can be considered the less ‘glamorous’ jobs in the environmental world, but, in reality, it’s these jobs that help bring together the passionate with the accomplished. I strongly believe in cooperatives as a business model and will continue to support the amazing work that they do, but I jumped at the opportunity to work for the NEC. I feel blessed to be here working to strengthen and streamline the office support at the NEC so we can continue providing the necessary education and awareness that will protect our north coast and forests. I look forward to meeting you and encourage you to stop by the office to introduce yourself! Write a Letter to the Editor! Letters should be 300 words or less, be relevant to EcoNews readers and material covered in EcoNews, and must include the writer’s address and phone number. Letters may be edited and shortened for space. The NEC reserves the right to reject any submitted material for any reason (e.g., size, content, writing style, etc.).
Send letters to editor@yournec.org.
The headstone for former EcoNews editor, Sidney Dominitz, was unveiled on August 27, 2016 at his resting place in the Trinidad Cemetary. From his obituary published September 19, 2015 in the Times-Standard, “A fixture on the North Coast for roughly 40 years, Sid is remembered as a man whose sharp wit and warm heart spilled through his editing pen as he improved the work of those around him. A born copy editor, he devoted nearly three decades of his life to editing the Northcoast Environmental Center’s EcoNews, using his mastery of the English language and wealth of newspaper experience to fight for the forests, waterways and wildlife he loved.” We’ll never forget you, Sid. Your influence lives on.
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Coastal Cleanup Day - Success! Applications Filed for Dam Removal Plan to Return Condor to North Coast Dakota Access Pipeline Protest Hiking into Headwaters Prop 67 & Prop 64 LA Times Writer Visits Ma-le’l Adventures for Former NEC Intern Judi Bari’s Revolutionary Ecology Kin to the Earth: Dave Feral Eye on Washington Zero Waste Humboldt Humboldt Baykeeper EPIC Sierra Club, North Group California Native Plant Society Creature Feature: California Condor Kids’ Page: River Otters
A bouquet of blackberry popsicles and crocheted hats for Susan Anderson, who passed away on August 7, 2016. A forever supporter of the NEC and the entire north coast community, Susan was a jam maker, musician, health care professional, one of the founders of the North Country Fair, and all-around volunteer—a truly wonderful human being who is and always will be sorely missed. Pictured below, Susan with her husband Carl Chatfield, who passed in May of this year.
Catch the NEC’s EcoNews Report
Every Thursday, 1:30pm on KHSU - 90.5FM Tune in for a half hour of environmental interviews and discussion on a variety of topics on the EcoNews Report! Featuring rotating cast of NEC and Member Group representatives. Past shows are archived on our website for download or streaming
www.yournec.org/econews-report EcoNews Oct/Nov 2016
www.yournec.org
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YOU made a difference 6 1 for our and 0 Coasts Waterways 2
on
Coastal Cleanup Day Madison Peters, Coastal Programs Coordinator On one special day a year, thousands upon thousands of people converge on beaches all around the world to participate in Coastal Cleanup Day. This year Coastal Cleanup Day was Saturday, September 17, and drew over 51,000 people statewide who cleaned up over 278 tons of debris from the coast! The Northcoast Environmental Center is proud to have founded what started out as a few impassioned beach-goers in the late 70s trying to beautify our beaches but eventually became an international event! Adopted statewide by the California Coastal Commission in 1985 and coordinated internationally by the Ocean Conservancy, Coastal Cleanup Day is the largest volunteering event world wide!
Our 37th Coastal Cleanup Day attracted some wonderful results as usual! As the data still trickles in, our current count stands at over 700 volunteers, about 60 site captains and 65 sites in Humboldt County. All these wonderful volunteers cleaned up over seven tons of debris from our watersheds and coastline! Many of our volunteers have been participating in Coastal Cleanup Day for several years and even decades and we love them coming back every year! And not just the volunteers—we would like to thank our sponsors for all of the support we receive, helping to make this event possible year after year! We cannot thank all of you enough for your commitment to making this event such a success and keeping our watersheds clear of unwanted debris!
With 70% of the cleanup sites reporting, the statewide count stands at 51,895 volunteers. Those volunteers picked up 514,844 pounds of trash and an additional 49,458 pounds of recyclable materials, for a total of 564,302 pounds or 278 tons.
Preliminary Totals for the North Coast:
~ 60 site captains ~ 65 cleanup sites ~ 700 volunteers ~ 7 tons of debris collected For more information visit:
yournec.org/coastalcleanup
2016 Cleanup Site Captains • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Kim Tays - Redwood Creek Beach County Park Marco Amezcua, HSU Free Radicals Chemistry Club - Freshwater Lagoon Michelle Bisgrove, Kokatat - Big Lagoon County Park Lee Rusconi - Big Lagoon County Park Sierra Burr - Agate Beach Sawar Young-Tripp - College Cove Rebecca Lueck, Trinidad Union School - Trinidad State Beach Kiley Hudson - Trinidad State Beach Carol Mone - Indian Beach/ Old Home Beach Jacqueline Lee - Indian Beach/ Old Home Beach Greg Gibbs - Baker Beach Ben Morehead, Trinidad Coastal Land Trust Luffenholtz Beach Katie Burkart - Luffenholtz Beach Kristina Watson - Luffenholtz Beach Peter Cohan - Luffenholtz Beach Charlie Notthoff, Humboldt Skindivers - Trinidad Harbor (Underwater) Carolyn Sunseri - Camel Rock Beach/Houda Point Shannon Kresge - Camel Rock Beach/Houda Point Jennie Warmack, Ocean Squad - Moonstone Beach County Park Tina Horan - Moonstone Beach County Park Haley Houghton - Moonstone Beach County Park Katie Koscielak - Clam Beach County Park Dawn Nystrom - Hiller Park Shana Langer, Coastal Grove School - Mad River Beach County Park Ted Halstead - Liscom Slough George Ziminsky, Friends of Arcata Marsh (FOAM) Arcata Marsh Nancy Stephenson - Arcata Marsh Cassidy Alves - Arcata Marsh Brenda Harper, North Coast Co-op - Mad River Slough at Hwy 255/Samoa Blvd. Dave Feral & Ishan, Mad River Alliance - Mad River Melissa Berg - Ma-le’l Dunes: North Dave Haller, Freshwater Elementary - Ma-le’l Dunes: South Jess Barger, Friends of the Dunes - Manila Dunes/ Humboldt Coastal Nature Center/Friends of the Dunes (Stamps Lane)
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Stacey Becker & Hannah Kelly, HSU - Manila Beach (Manila Community Center parking lot - Ocean-side) Dale Unea, Samoa Volunteer Fire Dept - Vance Ave to Samoa Boat Launch Tanya Huneycutt, USCG - Samoa Blvd: Beach to USCG Station Annalise Von Borstel, Lost Coast Rotaract - Samoa Beach: Power Poles Tim Haywood, PacOut Green Team - Samoa Beach: Power Poles Delia Bense-Kang, Surfrider - North Jetty Amanda Austen, Sequoia Park Zoo - Sequoia Park Sue Foppiano - South Jetty/South Spit Heather Brown & Dan T. , East High School - South Jetty/ South Spit Jan Hawkes - King Salmon Beaches Rachel Montgomery, PG&E Vegetation Management - Table Bluff County Park Beach to Eel River Mouth Diane Senestraro - Table Bluff County Park Beach to Eel River Mouth Bruce Slocum - Eel River Mouth and Estuary/Pedrazzini Boat Ramp/Cock Robin Island Alex Blessing, Eel River Estuary Preserve - Eel River Estuary Preserve Lynn McCullough, Ferndale Elementary School - Centerville Beach County Park RJ Rueber - Centerville Beach County Park Pam Halstead, Fortuna Creeks Program/ High - Fortuna Creeks - Rohner Creek, Strong’s Creek, Eel River Unity Minton, Mattole Restoration Council/Mattole School/ Honeydew School and Triple Junction High School - SevenMile (Stretch of Wildcat North of Petrolia) Monica Scholey, Mattole Youth Environmental Stewards Mattole Estuary/Petrolia Beach Lori Murphy - Shelter Cove Tanya Thompson - Shelter Cove Liz Ballou, Whitethorn Elementary - Whitethorn Elementary Georgianna Wood, Explore North Coast - Woodley Island northwest side, Eureka Slough, Mad River Slough Vivian Matuk - Eureka Waterfront Miles Slattery - Eureka Waterfront Jen Kalt & Jasmin Segura, Humboldt Baykeeper, Wiyot Tribe, Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center, and Hog Island Oyster Company - Indian Island Robert Thoman, Daves Outdoor Adventure (DOA) - Eureka Slough/Fay Slough
Can’t Get Enough?
Adopt-a-Beach!
Unable to make it out for Coastal Cleanup Day but still want to do your part? Have a passion for preventing debris from entering our waterways? Adopt-A-Beach through the NEC and give our beaches some love year round! We provide bags, gloves, and other supplies. You clean up your adopted site on your own schedule! Contact us for more information:
707-822-6918 adoptabeach@yournec.org
yournec.org/adoptabeach
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Become a Member, Donate, Volunteer, or join our Monthly Giving Program
For more information, call the NEC at 707-822-6918 or email nec@yournec.org www.yournec.org/donate 5
Press Release: The Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee is proud to announce that it will be honoring environmental and community activists Chris Beresford and Larry Glass at the 32nd annual Democrat of the Year dinner on October 14, 2016 at the River Lodge in Fortuna. A no-host cocktail hour begins at 6:00 p.m. with dinner to follow. A highlight of the dinner will be the keynote address by nationally known climate activist Tom Steyer. Larry Glass and Chris Beresford have been chosen to be this year’s Democrats of the Year. Each has worked vigorously for a healthier environment during their involvement with the Northcoast Environmental Center (NEC). Larry Glass has participated as a longtime member of the NEC Board and currently serves as President and Exectutive Director. Larry previously owned “The Works”, a business selling recorded music with branches in Eureka and Arcata and has served on the Eureka City Council. Chris Beresford’s involvement with the NEC began in the mid 1970s and she has been the NEC Treasurer for the last six years. Chris is a retired employee of California State Parks, an active member of the Northcoast Chapter of the California Native Plant Society and has served on the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee, among other activities. For more information, visit www. humboldtdemocrats.org or call 707-445-3366.
Applications Filed to Remove Klamath Dams Press Release: On Friday, September 23, PacifiCorp and the newly formed non-profit Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC), filed motions with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) that seek to transfer the lower four Klamath dams to the KRRC for the purpose of decommissioning and removal. FERC is the congressionally authorized agency that licenses and oversees power plans and hydroelectric dams. “Today we reached yet another milestone along the path to restoring the Klamath River,” said Karuk Councilman Joshua Saxon. “This is great news and there’s no time to waste. We are suffering from one of the worst salmon runs in history this year.” “The deplorable water quality, back-to-back disease outbreaks and bottomed-out fish runs have taken a tremendous toll on our people. We welcome this major step toward restoring Klamath fish populations and providing salmon once again to our upstream neighbors, the Klamath Tribes,” said Thomas P. O’Rourke Sr., Chairman of the Yurok Tribe. The progress towards the largest dam removal in U.S. history comes after years of deadlock for Klamath parties. Originally, dam owner PacifiCorp, Tribes, conservation groups, and irrigation districts negotiated a larger settlement agreement that www.yournec.org
would not only remove dams but balance water use between the Klamath River, Upper Klamath Lake, wildlife refuges, and the Klamath Irrigation Project. This agreement would have invested millions in habitat restoration and irrigation efficiency. Despite broad bi-partisan support at the grass roots level, Representatives Walden and LaMalfa tanked the deal. Now dam removal is proceeding anyway under the jurisdiction of FERC. “It’s a shame that congress would not move the larger Klamath legislative package. Dam removal is a huge leap forward, but we still need to resolve water disputes between river communities and farm communities,” adds Saxon. Although FERC is still a long way from approving dam removal plans, dam removal advocates are optimistic that it process will indeed lead to dam removal. KRRC Board Member Wendy George notes, “Much of the environmental analysis has already been completed. The Final Environmental Impact Statement released by the Department of Interior in March of 2013 concluded that dam removal is safe, cost-effective, and will lead to improved fisheries and water quality. That analysis went on to recommend full removal of PacifiCorp’s lower four Klamath dams.”
Oct/Nov 2016
EcoNews
Bringing California Condors Back to Humboldt Skies
Dan Sealy The Yurok people believe the world is out of balance. Human beings have tilted it out of balance by misusing our resources and through lack of respect for one another. Condors soar into the sky carrying prayers on their wings. Returning the condor toward our skies is a step to bringing balance. There are condors in Humboldt County right now. The Clark Historical Museum in Eureka has a specimen caught about 1890 near Kneeland. Another specimen that flew over Humboldt over 100 years ago is in Eureka High School. But can we bring California condors back to life in the Humboldt wild? Condors soaring overhead in Humboldt in just a few years is the dream of the Yurok Tribe and the goal of staff at Redwood National Park. Chris West, Senior Wildlife Biologist for the Yurok, states “Returning the California condor to the Pacific Northwest is part of the Yurok Tribe’s obligation to heal the world.” When Lewis and Clark reached the Pacific Northwest in 1806, they recorded seeing condors for the first time. Dave Roemer, Assistant Superintendent of Redwood National Park, says the oldest documentation of California condors comes from the culture of tribes such as the Yurok, who lived here before Lewis and Clark and other European explorers arrived. The tribes documented condors in art, dance and story. But what happened to them? Condors have suffered from a deadly combination of human activities. Their habitat was destroyed and
they were shot by people who mistakenly believed condors were predators of livestock. Condors, however, are scavengers—carrion feeders, not predators. They only eat animals that have already died. Pesticides also have contributed to their decline. DDE, a breakdown biproduct of the pesticide DDT, was released in large amounts, especially in Southern California. DDE bioaccumulates in body tissue— the chemical is stored in fat layers once ingested, resulting in higher and higher concentrations in the body over time. The carcasses of marine mammals with thick fat layers, such as seals and whales, make up a significant part of the diet of coast populations of condors. In birds such as eagles and condors, DDE results in thin-shelled eggs that are easily cracked when parent birds try to incubate them. Although use of DDT in the U.S. was banned in the 1970s, marine mammals traveling to Southern California and
Above left, a regal condor in Pinnacles National Park. Like many carrion-eaters, condors have bald heads. Below, a juevenile condor suns his wings in Pinnacles National Park. Photos: Gavin Emmons, National Park Service (NPS).
For more information about condors, read the Creature Feature on page 21
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EcoNews Oct/Nov 2016
Mexico still ingest DDE and other toxins such as PCB, an oily substance used to insulate electrical transmission systems. Today, however, Chris West and Dave Roemer agree that lead poisoning is the most significant problem for condors. Lead from ammunition remains in wildlife carcasses that are then ingested by condors. Lead ammunition was banned in California in 2014 but will be available to hunters on shelves through 2019. The first chick born in a redwood snag near Big Sur died, not from a forest fire in the area, but from deadly levels of lead in its blood system. Condors in release programs must be tested for lead and treated if blood samples show high levels of lead. In 1987, biologists feared the extinction of this continent’s largest soaring bird was near. They captured the last bird and moved it to a zoo along with the 25 or so other remaining condors for protection. Continued on page 19 Biologists used these...
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Historic Gathering of Native Tribes to Protest Pipeline
Water protectors pose outside a teepee at Sacred Stone Camp, where thousands have gathered to protest constructiong of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Photo: Joe Brusky, Flickr.com CC.
Morgan Corviday On the open plains of South Dakota, a rumbling can be heard across the waves of golden grass. But it is not the thunder of pounding buffalo hooves, as would have been heard hundreds of years ago. Today, it is the growl of bulldozers and the beating of sacred drums that echo across the land. What began as a modest protest by the Standing Rock Sioux tribe in April 2016 near Cannon Ball, South Dakota, has grown into semi-permanent camps of thousands. Representatives and community members from more than 280 indigenous tribes and First Nations from both North and South America have come together in support of Standing Rock’s efforts to block construction of the Dakota Access oil pipeline, routed to go under the Missouri River near the Standing Rock Reservation and through sacred ancestral lands. The gathering of so many tribes is unprecedented, and is seen as a galvanizing moment in the contemporary indigenous rights movement as well as the building environmental movement to keep fossil fuels in the ground. Many tribes who have travelled to Standing Rock have fought or are fighting development in their own territories. Even historic enemies of the Sioux have set aside their prior differences to unite in a common purpose and a passionate commitment to protect tribal rights and the land water from inevitable oil spills. The Dakota Access Pipeline, if completed, would carry half a million gallons of crude oil per day from the oilfields in the north to refineries on the Gulf Coast. The Missouri River is the primary source of water not only for the people of the Standing Rock reservation but also for millions of people downstream. Continued on page 20
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Hiking into Headwaters— A Celebratory Return for Activists Rob DiPerna Former President and patriarch of American wilderness, Theodore Roosevelt, said, “Believe that you can do something and you are half way there.” On a recent Saturday, seventeenand-a-half years after the Headwaters Forest Reserve was established as a part of the BLM National Conservation Lands system, 30 years after protests began, and 20 years after the big ‘96 rally, I had the distinct honor of guiding a group of individuals who had spearheaded the Campaign to Save Headwaters Forest from 1986-1999 and fought hard to save this place from the saw and bulldozer, back into the forest. For myself, and for just about everyone else I spoke with on the hike and over that weekend, so much remains unlikely and unbelievable about the Headwaters Forest Reserve. The fact that there is such a thing as the Headwaters Forest Reserve is still astounding. The fact that the Reserve has a community docent program (and that I, of all people, am one of them) is also astounding. If this story had been told by basecamp bonfires 20 years ago, no one, myself included, would have ever believed it. I moved to Humboldt County in the spring of 1997, and almost immediately found myself embroiled in the struggle to Save Headwaters Forest. Nineteen years later I was at the head of the line, opening the locked logging gate at Newburg Road in Fortuna—the site of thousands of arrests over the two decades of the struggle. On this day I was there to legally take into the Reserve 50 of the people who worked to protect Headwaters—many for whom it was the very first time. I was quite moved to find that this tremendous community with a fighting spirit and a heart of gold was grateful that I am among those serving as an educational docent for Headwaters in the presentday. It seemed to give many comfort in knowing that the Reserve they fought so hard to create was in good hands, and that the spirit and legacy of the Campaign to Save Headwaters Forest is being carried forward in the Reserve, and on into the future. As Margret Mead wrote, “Never doubt that a small, dedicated group of people can change the world; indeed, www.yournec.org
Members and organizers of the Campaign to Save Headwaters Forest gather at what is now the Headwaters Forest Reserve, Salmon Pass Trailhead, and hike into the forest—the first time, for many. Photo: Rob DiPerna
it’s the only thing that ever has.” The Headwaters Forest Reserve is a testament to the spirit of this principle manifested, and for many of us that attended this hike into the old-growth, we have, at long last, finally made it all the way home. Rob DiPerna is Wildlife and Forest Advocate for the Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC), and is a Headwaters Forest Reserve Volunteer Docent
Oct/Nov 2016
EcoNews
Yes on Prop 67 Tom Wheeler Single-use plastic bags, the flimsy variety provided gratis by grocery stores, are one of the most plaguing and persistent types of litter in our natural environment. Not only are plastic bags an eyesore, they are harmful to wildlife. In the ocean, plastic bags resemble jellyfish and hungry sea life, like turtles, eat the bags. Plastic bags are responsible for many deaths, as the animals starve to death due to their stomachs being clogged with garbage. One easy and commonsense solution is to ban these disposable bags and to provide incentives for people to bring reusable shopping bags when they shop. California has a history of leading the nation when it comes to sustainability—banning the use of single-use plastic bags is no exception. In 2007, San Francisco became the first jurisdiction to ban the bag. Other jurisdictions, like Mendocino County and the City of Arcata, followed suit. In 2014, Governor Brown signed SB 270, the first statewide ban on single-use plastic bags in the nation. The bag ban did not take effect, however, due to a backlash from the plastic bag industry. Signatures were gathered to put the measure back on the ballot this year as Proposition 67. Now it is up to us. By voting Yes on Proposition 67, you will uphold the bag ban passed by the California legislature in 2014. Bag bans work. In San Jose, the city monitored litter before and after a bag ban went in effect. The results were stunning: litter had been reduced 59 percent on city streets, 89 percent in storm drains, and 60 percent in creeks. Proposition 67 is endorsed by many conservation organizations, including Humboldt Baykeeper, the California Coastkeeper Alliance, the Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC), Sierra Club California, and others. Big plastic is spending big bucks to defeat Proposition 67, outspending supporters nearly 3-1. Under the deceptive moniker, the “Progressive Bag Alliance,” the plastic industry is not opposed to deception and lies, including that banning bags is bad for the environment. Don’t buy it. Vote Yes on Proposition 67 and remember to BYOB: Bring Your Own Bag!
EcoNews Oct/Nov 2016
Proposition 64 Would Legalize Cannabis—But at What Cost? Tom Wheeler Californians will be asked this November whether or not to legalize the use of cannabis. Multiple initiatives for legalization had been proposed for the 2016 ballot, but only Proposition 64 qualified. Specifically, Proposition 64—the California Marijuana Legalization Initiative—would: • Legalize personal possession and use of cannabis for adults over 21 years old. • Allow the personal cultivation of up to six cannabis plants per residence. • Allow for the development of “appellation” zones—legally defined and protected geographical indication used to identify where cannabis is grown. • Impose state excise tax of 15% on retail sales of marijuana, and state cultivation taxes on marijuana of $9.25 per ounce of flowers and $2.75 per ounce of leaves. • Legalize industrial hemp production.
Much has been written about the social costs of prohibition, and while the legalization of cannabis may be a step forward for civil rights, the environmental protections—or lack thereof— are concerning. Proposition 64 includes no size restrictions, allows for the use of pesticides, does not mandate carbon offsets mandated for indoor grow operations, and designates oversight into a weak and industry-captured agency: the Department of Food and Agriculture. Some argue that Proposition 64 cuts to the heart of one of the prime sources of environmental degradation: prohibition. The legal status of cannabis pushed cultivation to those areas most vulnerable— deep into our forests and headwaters—where cultivation was easiest to hide. Proper construction, grading, and environmental regulations were often ignored (as, if a cultivator was caught, they would have bigger issues than a civil penalty). With removal of criminal penalities, there is hope that growers will move to areas more suitable for agriculture. Proposition 64 directs that the Department
www.yournec.org
of Food and Agriculture, in conjunction with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, develop regulations sufficient to protect instream flows and other environmental values. Proposition 64 also explicitly requires adherence to other laws, like the Regional Water Board’s cannabis waiver, designed to protect the environment. Further, Proposition 64 allows for “local control,” meaning that jurisdictions can impose their own regulations, whether for safety or environmental protection. Counties that want to impose additional regulations can draft new rules, like those Humboldt County passed that direct where medical cannabis can be grown and in what amount. However, some counties may not develop any additional protections and use the weight of their authority to hinder the state from imposing whatever regulations might exist. (This scenario has played out too many times with more traditional forms of agriculture.) Lastly, a portion of the money generated by taxes, some 20 percent, would be directed towards environmental restoration and remediation efforts. This is less, however, than the amount proposed by AB2243 (initiated by our Representative Jim Wood), which would have devoted nearly all funds to enforcement and remediation. Unfortunately, AB2243 died in the State Senate. What will Proposition 64 do to our community? It’s no secret that our region has been home to a lucrative cannabis cultivation industry for decades. Many locals have expressed concern about the likely fall in price that would result from the development of a legal recreational market, which would hurt the small farmers of the North Coast most. Proposition 64 contains some protections—limiting licenses to farms under one acre until 2023—but it is unclear whether these will be enough. Some have expressed concern that Proposition 64 will result in a movement of the cannabis industry to agricultural lands in the Central Valley, particularly after the 2023 acreage limit expires. Other residents, however, would be pleased to see the cannabis industry leave the region.
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New Pacific Whale Species Discovered Anne Maher A new Pacific beaked whale species, unknown to science, was confirmed this summer. It had previously only been seen by Japanese fishermen who called them karasu—the ravens. The search for this species began as early as 1948, when an unidentified whale skull was found on an Aleutian island and was placed in the Smithsonian Institute. Other specimens began popping up across the Pacific; one found in Alaska and another stranded in 2004 on the Aleutian island of Unalaska. After three unknown whales were beached in Japan in 2013, Japanese researchers suggested a new species was at hand. A comparison of genetic samples linked the whales beached in Japan to the previously found specimens, as well as another whale found beached in Alaska in 2014. Biologist Phillip Morin and his team at NOAA published a paper in the journal of Marine Mammal Science in July revealing the whale as a new species to science, thanks to this DNA analysis. Discovery of unknown large mammals are very rare, even in the ocean. As the study’s co-author Paul Wade puts it, “It’s a really big deal”. Beaked whales are notoriously difficult to research due to infrequent breaching of the water’s surface and a tendency to travel in small groups. This new species is particularly rare, and is said to have porpoise qualities like a beak and bulbous head. It is considered to be closely related to the Arnoux’s beaked whale of the southern hemisphere, and sharkrelated scars on beached specimens suggest that it migrates to the tropics. Other than that, and what is already known of beaked whales, almost nothing is known about this species. Japanese researchers say the next step is formally describing the species and its measurements as well as assigning it a taxonomic and common name. As researcher Phillip Morin stated, “Clearly this species is very rare and reminds us how much we have to learn about the ocean and even some of its largest inhabitants.” There is still much yet to be discovered about our world’s oceans.
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9
LA Times Writer Stunned by Ma-le’l Dunes—a Coastal Gem
Delia Bense-Kang and ATV Association (Buggy Club). Coincidentally, Esteemed LA Times columnist and award-winning around the same time the county was about to pass a author Steve Lopez left his footprints in Humboldt new ordinance prohibiting off-road vehicle use at the County sand in July, as the first of many stops on his road dunes. To avoid abiding by the ordinance, LP and the trip across the California coast. Ever since the Coastal Buggy Club waited to announce the property sale until Commission fired executive director Dr. Charles Lester the day before the Coastal Commission hearing when in February, articles have been the ordinance was to be approved. flying off of Lopez’s keyboard The purpose of this sly move was “Ma-le’l North is one of in an attempt to shine a light to argue they were “grandfathered the only places where you in” and thereby not be affected by on the happenings of the powerful agency. the new ordinance. can walk through eight Lopez became inspired to Their strategy worked, and road-trip the California coast dune buggies roamed the land for different habitats in a from Oregon to Mexico to the next few years. But it turned matter of minutes.” show the importance of the out they were not actually legally Coastal Act through personal exempt from the ordinance. A group experiences, to illustrate why we should care about of dedicated local activists documented the offroad use what is going on with the Commission. Along the way, and presented their findings to the county, in hopes it he talked with coastal stewards and visited the Coastal would enforce the ordinance. The county listened to Act and Coastal Commissions successes, failures and the activists’ case and threatened to fine the offroading ongoing battlegrounds. club. As a result, the club decided to sell the property. Jennifer Kalt, Director of Humboldt Baykeeper, was In 2003, the State Coastal Conservancy funded the Lopez’s tour guide for the Humboldt leg of his journey. acquisition of the property by the Center for Natural Kalt had the difficult task of deciding which stretch of Lands Management. Today, the parcel is owned and Humboldt coast to take Lopez to, and decided on a hike managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as through the Ma-le’l North Dunes. “I chose the area for part of the Ma-le’l Dunes Cooperative Management its uniqueness and coastal preservation victory with Area. BLM is the other landowner, and owns and Buggy Club,” Kalt said. manages Ma-le’l South. Ma-le’l North was not always the pristine land it Since acquiring the property, the two agencies is today. “It took many transactions, many years and have been working hard to restore and mange the land a dedicated group of organizations and individuals to for public use. “Ma-le’l North is one of the only places make it happen,” recalled Andrea Pickart, ecologist for where you can walk through eight different habitats in the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Back in the a matter of minutes,” said Kalt. The waveslope, strand, early 90s, Ma-le’l North was part of 385 acres owned by foredunes, dune mat, dune hollows/swales, salt marsh, three landowners—the Nature Conservancy, Louisiana mad flats and dune forest each offer a completely new Pacific (LP) and the Bureau of Land Management field of vision and home for different critters. (BLM). The three landowners entered an agreement to Although it was a foggy day, Lopez was stunned cooperatively protect and manage the land for public by the dunes. “Both the landscape and vegetation are use, and called it the Mad River Slough and Dunes unlike anything I’ve seen,” he later wrote. Collaborative Management Area. Upon reaching the wave slope, Kalt said Lopez Then, in 1994, LP broke the agreement by selling exclaimed jokingly, “Where are all the condominiums?” their portion of the land to the Humboldt Buggy Thankfully, nowhere to be seen. And we like it that way.
Adopt-a-Beach
Be a part of our growing team of site captains and volunteers! Visit our website for more information and a list of available sites.
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Oct/Nov 2016
EcoNews
Western Adventures Continue for Former NEC Intern Brandon Drucker This time two years ago, I was most likely updating my spreadsheet of extraordinary Humboldt County Coastal Cleanup Day volunteers. Today, I’m more likely to be keying out a wetland wildflower or reading up on climate change science. Still, I think and speak about my time living, studying, and working on the North Coast nearly every day, and am truly grateful for time spent with former coworkers and friends at the Northcoast Environmental Center. I felt more at home under the redwoods than any place before, and it was a difficult decision to depart from such a supportive community after graduating from HSU in 2014 with a B.S. in Environmental Management and Protection. Originally from rural Connecticut, I was determined to continue traveling around the Western U.S. and hopefully broaden my perspective on landscape ecology, environmental science, and conservation. To this end, I began my first Former NEC intern Brandon Drucker in a field of wildflowers in Carrizo Plain National Monument. Photo: Jesse Carpentier. real adult job hunt from my godmother’s organization leading riparian restoration efforts in apartment in the exotic Bay Area. But, I the Chehalis River Basin of southwest Washington. wouldn’t stay long. On the most trying of days, I would attempt to beat Approximately three months into my student back acres of highly invasive, nearly impenetrable loan grace period, after thousands of online searches, walls of destructive shrubbery. On the best of days, dozens of cover letter rewrites, and a few interviews, I kayaked down crystal clear rivers mapping invasive I found a great fit working as a scientific technician species distribution alongside spawning salmon. with a conservation non-profit in Olympia, I wanted to stay in Washington, but winter Washington. I eagerly drove north and began helping environmental work is scarce for a recent college grad to assess habitat quality on the beautiful, blooming up north. So, in January 2016, I jumped at the chance prairies of South Puget Sound. I spent most days to join the restoration program at the San Bernardino identifying plants on conservation lands in various National Forest through the Chicago Botanic Garden’s states of restoration with a view of Mt. Rainier. I Conservation and Land Management Internship thoroughly enjoyed botanizing and learning about program. Once at Big Bear Lake, I delighted in prickly the blend of traditional and modern methods used pear cactus growing up through the snow behind my to manage this landscape through time. After all government barracks. The botanical wonders didn’t the prairie plants had shriveled and senesced, I was cease to amaze... Continued on page 19 offered another seasonal position with the same
Remembering Judi Bari’s Revolutionary Ecology Editor’s Note: Judi Bari was an influential environmental activist and principle organizer of the Earth First! fight against logging of old growth redwood forests in Northern California in the 80s and 90s. She and fellow activist Daryl Cherney were victims of a suspicious car bomb attack on May 24,1990. She died from breast cancer on March 2, 1997. Judi would have been 67 on November 7 this year. This reader-submitted essay seeks to remind us of her perspectives on Revolutionary Ecology. Her manifesto can be found online at www.judibari.org/revolutionaryecology.html.
Joe Barnwell A specter of self-destruction is stalking humanity. The human species is not imprisoned in mind and labor within the institutions and relations of its Frankenstein monster, global capitalism. Extinction or a new Stone Age on a ruined planet loom. There is no popular understanding of the root cause of our human end game, thus no effective response. We must create paths out of capitalism into a human future, but the necessary grassroots awareness of life’s communal organization is missing. I’m a deep red-green organizational theorist. I’ve learned to view human nature and Mother Nature with a synthesis of the long-buried, authentic Karl Marxism and the new science(s) of life’s organizational relations. Well, are we not life? Human social ecology (red) must be organized as a natural ecology (green), and there is a way. Judi Bari was red-green. Her Marxism was old left but accurately assessed capitalism, and she embraced Deep Ecology. So let’s remember a remarkable American and view the approaching catastrophe through Judi’s eyes. Readers of EcoNews can bring Judi’s revolutionary ecology back to life. Learn to organize in the pattern of life and... Continued on page 20
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10
Kin to the Earth:
Dave Feral
Neal Latt
Dave Feral entered the world in Sonoma County, growing up as the son of a single mother living in a trailer as a self-described “redneck” in and around Petaluma, California. He played football in high school, and attended Sonoma State University in his twenties. He came to Humboldt with his then-girlfriend (now wife) Autumn in the late 90s to work for Redwood Community Action Agency and, soon thereafter, attend HSU to complete his master’s degree in biology. Dave began Mad River Alliance (MRA) around 2012 after living astride the river watershed in Blue Lake (“BlueCata”) for ten-odd years on small acreage and seeing firsthand the issues the river faced. His love and intimate association with the outdoors motivated his desire to act. MRA and the small like-minded army Dave recruited began to help restore the river through regular cleanup days, and Dave’s small neighborhood army partnered with governmental agencies to fill holes in data sets, establishing and maintaining multiple new water temperature and sediment testing stations up and down the river, and initiating seasonal fish counts with help from community residents. From the beginning, MRA’s orientation always followed Dave’s own mien: collaborative rather than confrontational, and solution-focused rather than adversarial. MRA reached out to the schools, bringing children and their parents to the river in kayaks for exploration from the mid-river to its mouth, literally taking local residents by the hand to their watershed to establish firsthand an up-close-and-personal connection. In 2013, Dave founded Humboldt Steelhead Days (HSD), the original intention of which was to reach out to the local fishing community to bring them into his collaborative vision of a mutual, neighborhoodoriented stewardship of the Mad River. Like the Oyster Festival, HSD grew organically to become an annual event, partnering with California Trout, Inc. in the Eel River watershed and Mountain Community & Culture in the Trinity River watershed to sponsor events that focused on bringing people to the three watersheds from both inside and outside the county. Now in its fourth year, HSD has grown to become a three month series of events, far beyond its humble beginnings as a catch-and-release fishing derby. The central goal remains—enhancing the wild steelhead runs on each of its home watersheds. In addition to his MRA project, for many years Dave has occupied a leadership role on the North
11
Dave Feral at a Saturday Farmer’s Market. Photo: Bob Doran.
Coast Co-op Board of Directors, helping to keep the original consumer-led, people-driven objectives alive and intact, and serving as its board president twice. He can be seasonally found at the Saturday Farmer’s Market on the Arcata Plaza, fresh-pressing and selling his homegrown apple-strawberry juice, and weekdays making the rounds to local natural food stores as a key local wholesale supplier of fresh live wheatgrass. The NEC salutes Dave Feral as Kin to the Earth for his tireless work on behalf of local natural and human communities to make our Humboldt County watersheds more vibrant, healthy places.
In our last issue, we featured Diane Beck as our Kin to the Earth. Unfortunately, Diane passed away on Tuesday, September 6. She was a passionate environmentalist with a wonderful spirit. Her passing is a great loss to us all.
Invest in the Future Join our Legacy Giving Program For more information, call the NEC at 707-822-6918 www.yournec.org
Oct/Nov 2016
EcoNews
S
The
andpiper
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016
Redwood Region Audubon Society www.rras.org Every Saturday: Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. These are our famous rain-or-shine docentled 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. October 1: Cédric Duhalde; October 8: Gary Bloomfield; October 15: Carol Wilson; October 22: Christine Keil; October 29: Larry Karsteadt. Sunday, October 9: 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. Sunday, October 16: 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 Street and bird along the trail to the Elk
FIELD TRIPS
River Wildlife Sanctuary. Leader: Ralph Bucher (707499-1247; thebook@reninet.com). Saturday, November 5: Fort Dick area. We’ll spend the day exploring the Smith River bottoms, starting at Bailey Road and probably winding up at Pala Road. Meet leader Ken Burton (707-499-1146) at the Crescent City Chamber of Commerce, 1001 Front St. at 9 a.m. to carpool. The trip will end early to midafternoon. Anyone wishing to carpool from Humboldt County can meet on Valley West Blvd. in front of The Village Pantry at 7:30; Ken will not be there.
Sunday, November 13: Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. See October 9. Sunday, November 20: Eureka Waterfront. See October 16. For carpooling on our more far-reaching trips, we would like to suggest donating gas money to drivers. A good rule of thumb is $5 per ½-hour drive time to field trip destination.
O c t o b e r P r o g r a m : F r i d ay , O C T 1 4
Embracing the Return of the Wolf As the �irst wolves since the 1920s return to California, Richard Thiel, retired wildlife biologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources who has written 2 books and numerous scienti�ic papers on wolves, will talk about Wisconsin’s experience over the past 30 years T H population. recolonizing F e b rwith u aa r y 2 8 wolf Richard will talk about individual wolf packs that are recolonizing just to our north, as he brings his experience with wolf recovery in the Midwest to inform issues surrounding currently growing photo Derek Harvey wolf populations in by the Paci�ic Northwest. photo by Karen Pope
Thank You, Volunteers! The RRAS greatly appreciates volunteers. In fact, we are an entirely volunteer-run organization! Please join us for our Annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration Friday, October 28, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Humboldt Area Foundation, Emmerson Room, 363 Indianola Road, Bayside. All of you who donated time to our chapter in the past year are cordially invited. RRAS will furnish a selection of hot dishes, salads, beverages, and desserts. Feel free to bring a food item or beverage to share! Keeping with the tradition and the upcoming holiday, you are welcome to wear a special hat or costume. Please RSVP with your choice of beverage and number in your party by October 24 to Denise at daseeger@gmail.com or 707-444-2399.
N o v e m b e r P r o g r a m : F r i d ay , N OV 1 1
Dead Birds Saving Live Birds: Museum Collections and Bird Conservation
Annual Banquet
S a t u r d ay ,
Canis lupus. From Wikipedia.
Tray of meadowlarks. Photo by Tamar Danufsky.
Did you know that the vast majority of specimens in most natural history museum collections are not on or for display? They are research specimens, and the museums act as libraries of animal parts. Tamar Danufsky, curator of Humboldt State University’s Wildlife Museum, will talk about these little-known repositories of specimens, some dating back hundreds of years. She’ll explain how these historic and recent bird specimens are crucial research tools for understanding birds and preserving bird populations.
Programs start at 7:30 p.m. at Six Rivers Masonic Lodge, 251 Bayside Road, Arcata Bring a mug to enjoy shade-grown coffee, and come fragrance free.
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 Bloom�ield ..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 ......................................914-352-0133 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
CITY
Please make checks to the National Audubon Society. Send this application and your check to:
National Audubon Society P.O. Box 422250 Palm Coast, FL 32142-2250 ----------LOCAL CHAPTER----------
REdWOOD REGION AUDUBON SOCIETY P.O. BOX 1054, EUREKA, CA 95502
By Hal Genger
President’s Column
Fall is here, and it’s time to recruit new board members for Redwood Region Audubon! Elections will be happening in a few months, and we need to �ill several important positions. Syn-dee Noel is retiring as the treasurer, and we need someone to take over that 2-year position. Ken Burton’s term as secretary is also ending, and we need someone to run for that position. The vice president position is being vacated by Jim Clark, and that position needs to be �illed. Thank you, Syn-dee, Ken, and Jim, for your work with RRAS. Finally, this is my last year as president, and we need someone to take over at the helm. Please contact the nomination committee (C.J. Ralph, me, Ken Burton, or Jim Clark) if you are interested in any of these positions or can suggest someone who might be a good �it. RRAS is always in need of more volunteers. We especially need someone to help Harriet Hill with publicity, and we are still looking for someone to take over as the editor of The Sandpiper. In addition, we are
seeking someone to compile the report of uncommon or rare birds for the “Field Notes” section of The Sandpiper. Please let me (or any board member) know if you are interested in volunteering. Your service will be greatly appreciated. Finally, I want to thank all of you who took part in the Birdathon this year, whether you solicited funds, went out and found birds, donated money, or “talked it up.” Thank you! Donations are still being sorted out, but so far the groups have collected $5,170.14! We should have the �inal count by the next issue. This amount is being split with the Northcoast Environmental Center. In this issue, we included short vignettes from birding teams who raised money for RRAS and NEC. We hope you not only enjoy reading them but will be motivated to form a team next year or pledge to donate money to a team. You’ll be supporting 2 very important conservation organizations, RRAS and the NEC.
RRAS Comments on the Coast Seafoods’ ReticulatedDraft Environmental Impact Report
By Jim Clark
On September 12, 2016, Jim Clark, co-chair of the Conservation Committee, submitted comments to the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Conservation & Recreation District on Coast Seafoods’ license renewal. The full text of the letter is on the RRAS website (rras.org). The following are the concluding paragraphs. In considering the aforementioned items and numerous adverse impacts to avian species, particularly Paci�ic Black Brant, American Wigeon, as well as other important and sensitive �ish and wildlife, it is the opinion of Redwood Region Audubon Society that a modi�ied version of the phase I expansion, such as Audubon California’s marine spatial planning approach, is more appropriate than the version proposed in the DEIR. Eelgrass avoidance, leaving the east portion of Arcata Bay free of cultural activities and concentrating cultural
Eureka High School Hall of Ornithology Update
RRAS is collaborating with Eureka High School and community partners to preserve and interpret the valuable mounted bird and egg collections housed in the Hall of Ornithology and library on the EHS campus. Dennis Cahill, who passed away recently, championed the collection as a biology teacher at EHS and got RRAS involved in the project. Last spring Audubon California awarded funding to RRAS to get the project started. Ultraviolet-light protective �ilm was installed over skylights and windows. Eureka City Schools is replacing �luorescent lighting with LEDs, which will also protect the collections from UV light. Thanks to the assistance of Susan O’Connor and Jean Hayes, community participants, the curriculum for grades K–12 has been converted into digital format, making it simple to update and use. There is much to do, including scanning graphics, inventory and care of the actual specimens, and meticulously entering original specimen records into an online database. Good winter projects! If you are interested in volunteering or exploring the possibility of an unpaid internship, please contact Denise Seeger at daseeger@gmail.com or call 707-444-2399.
activities to areas already impacted in the west portion of the bay, meets the objectives of bird conservation, eelgrass protection, and recreational access while providing reasonable expansion of shell�ish culture. We believe that phase II should be abandoned since �indings of no signi�icant impact are speculative, poorly evaluated, and unmitigated. Monitoring does not qualify as mitigation. If and when the equivalent of a phase II expansion is proposed, it should be as a separate project. Redwood Region Audubon Society would support efforts at off-bottom culture where all shell�ish harvest would be done from boats so there would be no “boots on the ground” damaging the eelgrass in the culture areas, and establishment of an eelgrass preserve in the eastern portion of the Arcata Bay.
New Members RRAS welcomes the following new members and subscribers: Arcata — F. Moore Eureka — Margo Chandler, Natalie Dicostanzo, Debra Garley, Lloyd McClelland, Callan Price Klamath — Conrad Weingold McKinleyville — Ilene Richards, Terry Wilson Miranda — Gail Crosby Smith River — Evelyn De Rusha Trinidad — Cheryl Kelly We look forward to seeing you on �ield trips and at our monthly programs.
Thank You, Birdathon Donors The following generous sponsors of the 2016 Birdathon teams contributed a total of $5,170.14, to be split evenly between RRAS and NEC. Thank you, donors, and thank you, Birdathon participants, for soliciting sponsors and raising the funds for our stellar organizations. Donations are still being received, so the lists may be incomplete. Tallier Donors: $2,801.01 Don Allan, Bob Behrstock, Debby Bender, Craig Benson, John Bigbee, John & Barbara Brimlow, Ken Burton, Jamie & Margie Fereday, Janet Finney, Gary Friedrichsen, Bob & Mary Gearheart, Hal Genger, Jeanice & Michael Gross, Jenny Hanson, Ward & Jan Headstrom, Hugh & Irene Holt, Gayle Hornbeck, Ken Houldsworth, Larry Karsteadt, Lorey Keele, Lynn Kerman, Bruce & Pam Kessler, Sharon & Steve Kramer, Chuck Krull, Laurie Lawrence, Bob & Adrienne Lockett, Kari Love, Joyce and Leon Lowrey, Marylou Lowry, Lynn McCulloch, Rob McSkimming, Steve McSkimming, Mark & Susan Meissner, John & Kris Onstine, Jude Power, C.J. & Carol Ralph, Stephan Rice, Bob Rodrigues, Bill Rodstrom, Terry & Erica Roelofs, Emily Sinkhorn, Bob Sizoo, Barry & Tracy, Georgia Trehey, Ann Varady, Mark Youdall West Coast Waders Donors: $1,575.13 Janice Andersen, Leslie & Charles Anderson, Arron Bates, Chris Beresford, James Bettaso, Milton J. Boyd, Ralph & Jill Ann Bucher, Ken Burton, Jill Demer, Linda Doerflinger, John Falxa, Max Fletcher, Gayle Garman
Notes From a Birdathon
Rob Fowler • Walking “Little Big Day” at the Arcata Marsh. No motorized transportation. • Walked 6.2 miles from 8:30 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. • 94 species seen. 100 species would be possible if I had more time. • Highlight: the first BLACK OYSTERCATCHER seen from the Arcata Marsh. • Super fun day!!
Checklist viewable at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/ checklist/S29453147
Wandering Talliers Gary Friedrichsen
On April 30, 2016, the 4 of us, Laurie Lawrence, Bill Rodstrom, Cédric Duhalde, and me, headed out to spot birds for this year’s Tim McKay Birdathon sponsored by the RRAS and the NEC. we had garnered pledges that were going to be worth about $20/bird, so we had plenty of incentive to maximize our 24-hour effort. We managed to start ticking off a few species as soon as we gathered on Buttermilk Lane and officially started the clock at 5 p.m. Counting would have to stop at the same time the next day. Time spent in any chosen area needed to be weighed against time that could be spent in other birdrich areas of differing habitat, so how to rack up the most birds became a guessing game and concurrently a balancing act. Tides and afternoon light also come into play during the planning of the assault. Our route was
Richard J. Guadagno Headquarters & Visitor Center
Celebrate Migratory Birds and More! Celebrant birders following the 2016 spring Tim McKay Birdathon. Shown are participants (left to right) Alex Stillman, Gary Falxa, Carol Ralph, Gary Friedrichsen, (standing) C.J. Ralph and Connie Stewart, Laurie Lawrence, Ken Burton, Cindy Moyer, and Rob Fowler. Photo courtesy of Bill Rodstrom.
& Gary Falxa, James L. Froland, Hal & Margot Genger, Peter Haggard, Jeanette Heartwood, Everett Henkle, Harriet Hill, Dave Imper, Corrina Kamoroff, Joanna Lynch, Gerry McGee, Mark Moore, Bob Morris, Cynthia Moyer, Earl & Cynthia Noel, Gretchen O’Brien, Chester V. Ogan, Tom Pratum, Richard Ridenhour, John Schaefer, Denise Seeger, Clayton Templas, Ann Wallace, Gretchen Ziegler
Rob Fowler Donors: $794.00 Linda Barth, Tracy Brandy, Pete Carlson, Stephane Duncan, Lori Dunn, Bettina Eipper, Linda Gal, Willie Hall, Pamela Rose Hawken, Michael Hunsinger, Leslie Lipton, Kristine Long, C.J. Ralph, Sharon Raya, Terry Schultz, Jay Sooter, Connie Stewart, Alexandra Stillman
similar to last year’s in that we did a bit of low-land birding before heading up to the high country, hoping the mountain specialties had arrived at this early date. Our first stop was to pick up the Gray Flycatcher Cedric had staked out. Next we drove up to Horse Mountain and then on to Friday Ridge Road in the evening looking for owls. We camped close to a location where Flammulated Owls were heard last year, but this year, alas, silence. On May 1 we were awakened by Dark-eyed Juncos and MacGillivray’s Warblers, and then it was “off to the races.” After checking familiar haunts on the Trinity River, we decided it was time to get back to the coast for a quick trip to Trinidad and the rocky shore birds and to look for any alcids we could dredge up. Then we drove south looking for shorebirds at the Arcata Marsh, the mouth of Jacoby Creek, and King Salmon. Time was running out as we cruised back to Arcata (to a friend’s yard) where Gray Jays can be common. Not this time, though. We missed a few easy birds but ticked off 130 species for the 24 hours and had a grand time in the process. Then a beer was welcome to celebrate raising $2,801 for 2 great organizations!
Bicoastal Waders
Ken Burton, Gary Falxa, and Dan Sealy The West Coast contingent of the Bicoastal Waders (Gary Falxa and Ken Burton) departed Arcata at 0630 April 30, headed for Blue Lake. A couple of hours in the cottonwoods and at the hatchery netted most of the usual suspects, including White-throated Swift, Purple Martin, and MacGillivray’s Warbler. Then it was up to Titlow Hill and Grouse Mountain, where we saw a Northern Pygmy-Owl and a nice assortment of
Join us at the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge (HBNWR) on October 16 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week, the Migratory Bird Act Centennial, and the opening of a new section of trail leading to The Flight Deck, an elevated area with beautiful views of Table Bluff and all the habitat and birds in between. The HBNWR, established in 1971 for its importance as wintering and stopover habitat for migratory birds, is part of a vast national network of lands dedicated to the conservation of habitat and wildlife. This year, we celebrate the centennial of the signing of the foundational treaty that recognizes the international commitment to protect and conserve migratory birds. Come spend the afternoon with us and enjoy free educational activities for all ages. Some refreshments will be provided. Check out our Redwood EdVenture Quest or download Discover Nature apps from the App Store or Google Play for your smartphone and play Discover Humboldt Bay! Meet at the Richard J. Guadagno Headquarters and Visitor Center, 1020 Ranch Road in Loleta. For more information and special accommodation, please call 707-733-5406 or visit www.fws.gov/refuge/ humboldt_bay.
montane birds such as Sooty Grouse (including a cock in full display to a hen), Mountain Quail, White-headed Woodpecker, Dusky Flycatcher, Mountain Chickadee, Nashville Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, and Green-tailed Towhee. We were well behind schedule when we reached Trinidad, where it was so windy we could hardly stand and Gary lost his hat over a cliff. Nothing special there; we missed a Pigeon Guillemot but got the Pacific Loons and Black Oystercatchers. We couldn’t find the Gray Flycatcher, Hooded Orioles, or Solitary Sandpiper in Arcata, and our spirits were flagging when we got to the Cypress Patch. However, the wind abated, birding picked up again, and Ken at least found his second wind. A Greater White-fronted Goose on the way into Arcata was a nice surprise. The V St. Loop was very productive. Shorebird numbers at the Arcata Marsh were low, but we had most of what we needed at that point and spent the last of the daylight at the Arcata Community Forest for the evening chorus of Pacific Wrens and Varied Thrushes. A final sweep of the Arcata Bottoms yielded a Barn Owl, our last bird of the 15-hour day. Despite some stupid misses such as California Quail, Red-shouldered Hawk, Willet, and Red Crossbill, we wound up with a collective 144 species. Gary’s brother pledged for other tetrapod: 4 squirrels, 2 pinnipeds, black tail deer, and a treefrog. Meanwhile on the East Coast, Dan Sealy documented 55 species of birds, visiting protected areas along the Potomac River and upper Chesapeake Bay near Washington, D.C. Cool temps and overcast skies may account for the diminished number of species counted, but it was a glorious saunter in spring wetlands and floodplain forests.
Field Notes
By Ken Burton, Guest Reporter
Summar y of Uncommon and/or Rare Northwestern California Birds
July 1 to August 31, 2016
Field Notes is a compilation of reports of rare and out-ofseason 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 and 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) .
Red-necked Stint, © Elias Elias Jacoby Creek Mouth, Humboldt County
Cackling Goose (Aleutian): 1, Arcata Bottoms, Aug 15 (EE, LF); 5, Eureka Slough, Aug 28 (RF) • Tundra Swan: 1 continuing, Klamath River mouth, Jul 1-17 (LB) • Harlequin Duck: 1 continuing, King Salmon, Jul 1-22 (LF); 1, Trinidad Harbor, Jul 3-15 (GK) • Black Scoter: 1 continuing, Enderts Beach, Jul 1-29 (LB) • White-faced
Semipalmated Sandpiper, © Lizzie Feucht Centerville Wetlands, Humboldt County
Black-necked Stilts, © Tony Kurz Eureka, Humboldt County
Ibis: 1, Centerville wetlands, Jul 27 (EE); 1, Elk River mouth, Aug 19 (EE); 1, Arcata Marsh, Aug 29-31 (KD) • White-tailed Kite: 1, Mina area, Jul 10 (BL) • Blacknecked Stilt: 2, Spruce Point, Aug 29-31 (BE) • American Avocet: 2, Crescent City harbor, Aug 17-28 (AB, LB) • Pacific Golden-Plover: 1, Eel River Wildlife Area, Jul 1 (DO); 1, Centerville Beach, Jul 22 (LF); 1, Lake Talawa, Jul 26 (LB); 3, Mad River spit, Aug 17 (BE); 1, Ma-le’l Beach, Aug 20 (BE) • Lesser Yellowlegs: 1, Hayfork Water Treatment Plant, Jul 24 (LT, ST) • BRISTLE-THIGHED CURLEW: 1, Eureka Slough, Aug 27 (DB) • Dunlin: 1, Jacoby Creek, Aug 14 (EE, RF) • Baird’s Sandpiper: 1, Lake Talawa, Jul 28 (LB); 1, Elk River, Jul 29 (BE) • RED-NECKED STINT: 1, Jacoby Creek mouth, Aug 14 (RF) • LITTLE STINT: 1, Talawa Dunes, Aug 1 (CR); 1, Centerville, Aug 31 (TE) • Semipalmated Sandpiper: 1, Ma-le’l Dunes, Jul 2 (LF); 1, Crescent City, Jul 3 (EE); 1, Alexandre Dairy, Jul 3 (LB); 1, Clam Beach, Jul 4 (LF); 1, Arcata Marsh, Jul 13 (AL); 1, Humboldt Bay south spit, Jul 16 (CH); 3, Alexandre Dairy, Jul 18-21 (LB); 1, Arcata Marsh, Jul 21 (RF); 2, Jacoby Creek, Jul 28 (RF); 1, Clam Beach, Aug 2 (GL, LL); 1, Elk River mouth, Aug 3 (LF); 1, Jacoby Creek, Aug 3 (AL); 1, Mad River Slough, Aug 6 (CH); 1-2, Arcata Marsh, Aug 13-29 (GFr, FL); 1, Mad River spit, Aug 17 (BE); 1-2, Centerville wetlands, Aug 19-20 (LF) • Wilson’s Snipe: 1, Blue Lake, Jul 29 (AL) • Laughing Gull: 1 continuing, Eureka, Jul 1-Aug 3 (LF) • Franklin’s Gull: 1, Talawa Dunes/Alexandre Dairy, Aug 1-3 (CR, LB); 1, Arcata oxidation ponds, Aug 17 (TK) • Mew Gull: 1, Arcata Bay/Arcata oxidation ponds, Jul 14-Aug 30 (DF, LF, EE); 1, Clam Beach, Aug 2 (LL) • White-winged Dove: 1, North Spit jetty, Aug 20 (CD) • Calliope Hummingbird: 1, Mount Lassic, Jul 10 (EE); 1, Blue Creek Mountain, Jul 17 (EE); 1, Last Chance Trail, Aug 22 (SC) • BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER: 2, Emerald Lake, Jul 21 (TR) • Merlin: 1, Crescent City Harbor, Aug 22 (SC) • Least Flycatcher: 1 continuing, Bailey Road, Jul 1-18 (LB); 1, Fernbridge area, Jul 9 (CR) • Hammond’s Flycatcher: 1, North Gasquet-Orleans Road, Aug 21 (SC) • Eastern Phoebe: 1, Fort Dick, Aug 10 (SM) • Say’s Phoebe: 1, Blue Lake, Aug 26 (MM) •
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher: 1, Big Lagoon spit, Jul 3 (IA) • Plumbeous Vireo: 1, Bailey Road, Jul 29 (LB) • Red-eyed Vireo: 1, Bailey Road, Jul 2 (LB); 1, Blue Lake, Jul 24-29 (RF, EK) • Black-capped Chickadee: 4, Scott Mountain, Aug 4 (DG) • Mountain Bluebird: 2, Doctor Rock Trail, Jul 26 (LB) • GRAY CATBIRD: 1, Blue Lake, Jul 1219 (RF) • Northern Mockingbird: 1, Southern Humboldt Community Park, Jul 16 (KB); 1, Mad River Hatchery, Aug 5 (TL) • American Pipit: 1, Humboldt Bay south spit, Aug 16 (SC) • Northern Waterthrush: 1, Arcata Marsh, Aug 21-30 (CG) • American Redstart: 1-2, School Road Trail, Aug 20-31 (KS) • Northern Parula: 1, Arcata Marsh, Jul 24 (AL); 1, Arcata Marsh, Aug 30-31 (RF) • Chestnut-sided Warbler: 1 continuing, Terwer Valley, Jul 1-2 (LB); 1, Sandy Prairie, Jul 3 (KS) • Rose-breasted Grosbeak: 1 continuing, Elk River, Jul 1-~9 (JGW); 1,
Gray Catbird, © Rob Fowler Blue Lake, Humboldt County
Kneeland, Jul 15 (MN, CF) • Indigo Bunting: 1, Glendale area, Jul 10 (RF) • Yellow-headed Blackbird: 1, Arcata Marsh, Aug 20-28 (FL); 3, Arcata Bottoms, Aug 21 (LF) • Great-tailed Grackle (or possibly Brewer’s Blackbird x Great-tailed Grackle): 1, Waterdog Lakes, Aug 15 (DI, GFa).
Thanks to Our Observers/Reporters Illijana Asara, Alan Barron, Daniel Barton, Lucas Brug, Ken Burton, Steven Courtney, Kit Davenport, Cédric Duhalde, Todd Easterla, Elias Elias, Brad Elvert, Gary Falxa (GFa), Lizzie Feucht, David Fix, Rob Fowler, Gary Friedrichsen (GFr), Chris Frolking, Donald Goodliffe, Cara Gore, Julia GrahamWhitt, Chris Heys, Dave Imper, Elyse Kelly, Gail Kenny, Tony Kurz, Alexandra Lamb, Fanter Lane, Tom Leskiw, Gary Lester, Lauren Lester, Brett Lovelace, Sean McAllister, Michael Mesler, Margie Nulsen, David Orluck, Tom Rae, Casey Ryan, Keith Slauson, Linda Terrill, Scott Terrill.
The
EcoNews Report Report
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 guests and experts on a variety of environmental topics . Past shows are archived on our website for listening anytime. The last five years of EcoNews Reports are available on our website (four shows per month, 12 months per year— that’s nearly 450 shows online!). Here’s a selection of some of the interesting and informative EcoNews Reports from 2016: September 15, 2016 - Pete Nichols interviews John Wathen and Tonya Bonitatibus about the Dakota Access Pipeline and the historic coming together of over 280 tribes to protest the pipeline in Standing Rock. September 8, 2016 - Tom Wheeler interviews Natalynne DeLapp, Executive Director of EPIC, about the ESA listing of the Northern spotted owl and the anniversary of the Headwaters Forest protests. August 25, 2016 - Delia Bense-Kang interviews Carol Vander Meer about Coastal Naturalist Training and other Friends of the Dunes programs. August 18, 2016 - Jennifer Kalt of Humboldt Baykeeper interviews Fred Evenson, Director of Ecological Rights Foundation, about mercury in fish in Monterey Bay’s Elkhorn Slough. August 4, 2016 - Scott Greacen interviews Konrad Fisher of Klamath Riberkeeper about efforts to protect and restore Klamath River water quality and quantity to protect slamonid fisheries, progress toward dam removal, and enforcement efforts. July 7, 2016 - Scott Greacen interviews Dan Barton for more discussion about the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge occupation in early 2016 and an update on some of the principal players involved. June 23, 2016 - Jennifer Kalt interviews Aldaron Laird about the Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment for the City of Eureka: assets at risk and planning for the future.
yournec.org/econews-report
EcoNews Oct/Nov 2016
The Climate Change Generation Faces Life on a Changed Planet
Twenty-two young writers explore what it means to come of age in an an environmentally damaged world. Press Release—Coming of Age at the End of Nature explores a new kind of environmental writing. This powerful anthology gathers the passionate voices of young writers who have grown up in an environmentally damaged and compromised world. Each contributor has come of age since Bill McKibben foretold the doom of humanity’s ancient relationship with a pristine earth in his prescient 1988 warning of climate change, The End of Nature. What happens to individuals and societies when their most fundamental cultural, historical, and ecological bonds weaken—or snap? In Coming of Age at the End of Nature, insightful millennials express their anger and love, dreams and fears, and sources of resilience for living and thriving on our shifting planet. In the foreward for the book, Bill McKibben writes, “What was an abstract fear of climate change in the 1980s is, by the middle 2010s, a crisis so deep it’s possible to argue that we’ve simply waited too long to get started. I don’t quite believe that, which is why I spend my life as one in a great army of activists—a movement ably limned in these pages.” Twenty-two essays explore wide-ranging themes that are paramount to young generations but that resonate with everyone, including redefining materialism and environmental justice, assessing the risk and promise of technology, and celebrating place anywhere from a wild Atlantic island to the Arizona desert, to Baltimore and Bangkok. The contributors speak with authority on problems facing us all, whether railing against the errors of past generations, reveling in their own adaptability, or insisting on a collective responsibility to do better. Their views, voices and expertise vary but their ultimate goal is the same. Taken as a whole, the work of these compelling young writers—some well published and others appearing in print for the first time—creates a space where everyone can listen and demand accelerated action for the future.
www.yournec.org
Years ago, the NEC had quite a library of books for research and lending! These days our library is quite a bit smaller, but occasionally we still receive new books from publishers. This one, Coming of Age at the End of Nature, is the most recent arrival. If you are interested in reading this or any other book in our library, contact us at 707-822-6918 or stop by our office!
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Eye on
Washington Dan Sealy, NEC Legislative Analyst
Our Public Lands Congressman Huffman and outgoing Senator Boxer have slightly different bills on the table to expand protections of existing public lands along the coast, including Trinidad Head and Lighthouse Ranch. Huffman’s bill omits the Lost Coast Headlands near Petrolia, perhaps due to some misguided local concerns. A public meeting was held in September to discuss the California Coastal National Monument expansion. Conservationists will have an opportunity to support inclusion of all lands including those near the Lost Coast. “Congress has an opportunity to act,” said Deptartment of the Interior Secretary Jewell this summer. “The President is watching and has an opportunity to act if Congress does not.” Share your comments at www.yourcaliforniacoast.org.
Climate Change Proud climate-denier Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, is attempting to use a catch-22 to hogtie federal agencies’ desire to include climate change in environmental assessments. Inhofe believes climate change falls outside the scope of federal environmental project review, “so the guidance has no legal basis” and “can have no force or effect as Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ— which develops policy) has no authority to take any official action.” In spite of Inhofe’s objection, CEQ issued final guidance for federal agencies to include climate change in assessments as it has been doing informally for over a decade. The back and forth between conservative members of Congress and CEQ will likely usher in a whole new era of lawsuits
Engineering & Design Community Engagement Construction Management Recreation & Restoration Funding & Financing Energy Planning Ene
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Energy While Congress’ energy bill has been sidelined by the elections and incumbents’ fears of voter retribution, there has been movement on several fronts. In Sunny Nevada, Solar gets Touchy: A tussle over how to spread the costs of large-scale solar power units on rooftops (as opposed to covering the desert ecosystems) has hit a snag. While rooftop costs have remained steady, ground-based systems have become significantly cheaper. There are competing studies but, if correct, the latest economic report could result in a decline in the rooftop solar industry—which was hoped to recover in Nevada after the state Public Utilities Commission last year levied new fees on rooftop solar customers. Wave Technology: The Department of Energy announced it will provide $40 million toward wave energy projects to help support design and construction of a wave energy testing facility in federal or state waters. Nuclear Power: The federal government (through the Energy Department) awarded nuclear startup X-energy up to $80 million in subsidies to develop advanced nuclear technologies that would be commercially ready by 2035. The new technology would use “pebbles” rather than traditional fuel rods and would operate at extremely high temperatures but would require less water. Though the company and supporters point to the lower carbon impact, the new technology does not resolve the problem of the resulting radioactive waste nor the lack of safe storage for that waste. Meanwhile, traditional nuclear power plants are closing—which is costing taxpayers. This is because many of the companies who built the plants are either suing the federal government or involved in legal settlements after the Department of Energy failed to uphold its 1980s agreements and take possession of spent reactor fuel destined for the stalled repository
at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. So far, the DOE has paid out more than $5 billion, with more lawsuits still mounting. Suitable long term storage plans for nuclear waste still do not yet exist. On a positive note, the current energy bill includes permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). This fund skims money from power company profits to pay for added conservation lands such as national parks and increases funding for local recreation programs which build and maintain sports facilities. Chairman Bishop (R-UT) is not happy with that provision, however, so we’ll see. There is also controversy over language in the bill that would ease regulations for permits for hydroelectric power (dams) in California and Maryland. Native American tribes and environmental, recreational, fishing and water-quality advocates oppose relaxing these permitting processes, saying they would undermine the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.
Banned Chemicals
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finally banned several antibacterial ingredients from soaps. The FDA banned the chemical triclosan and several other synthetic chemicals from antibacterial hand soaps and shower products, saying they are “not generally recognized as safe and effective.” In the rule, FDA said product manufacturers failed to show “that the ingredients are...safe for long-term daily use.” The agency named 19 ingredients that companies must now remove from their products. Current research on some of these drugs suggests that teens may be particularly sensitive to exposures to hormone-disrupting chemicals. Chronic, low-level exposure may contribute to falling levels of fertility, noted especially for American women under 25. The new regulation does not cover hand sanitizers nor triclosan in health care or food product antiseptics. Your dedicated NEC legislative tracker will be following all the election year and lame duck session shenanigans as he travels back to Washington for the season. Wish him luck.
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Join our Monthly Giving Program For more information, call the NEC at 707-822-6918 www.yournec.org
Oct/Nov 2016
EcoNews
Ban Plastic Bags in California—Again! Disposable Bag Sales to Wildlife Conservation Fund.” While this sounds great on first glance, it was intended to confuse voters and would actually supersede Proposition 67, directing funds made from a ten-cent paper bag fee to the state’s Wildlife Conservation Board. The ten-cent fee to customers barely covers the cost of paper bags to supermarkets. To add to the madness, Proposition 65 will be listed before Proposition 67 on the ballot, which has the potential to mislead voters before they vote on the bag ban and is intended to fool voters into thinking that Proposition 67 is a money grab by the grocery industry. And the American Progressive Bag Alliance PAC has spent over five million dollars on this massive confusion campaign as of September 7, 2016, according to the California Secretary of State. A majority of “Yes” votes on Proposition 67 is needed to uphold SB 270 and prohibit the use of plastic bags in grocery stores, pharmacies, and liquor
Margaret Gainer This November, Californians will have 17 ballot measures to vote on with topics ranging from marijuana legalization to gun control. But one measure is particularly unique: Proposition 67, the California Plastic Bag Ban Veto Referendum. What makes this measure unique is that A majority of “Yes” votes on lawmakers already approved this piece of Proposition 67 is needed to legislation in 2014 as SB uphold SB 270 and prohibit the 270, making California the first state to pass a use of plastic bags in grocery plastic bag ban. stores, pharmacies, and liquor The statewide stores and mandate a ten-cent plastic bag ban was put on hold, however, charge for paper bags. when the American Progressive Bag Alliance collected enough signatures—over half a million—to qualify a referendum of SB 270, forcing the public to vote again on the previously-approved measure—this time under the name Proposition 67, the California Plastic Bag Ban Veto Referendum. The plastic bag industry didn’t stop there—they added another proposition to the ballot, Proposition 65, sneakily dubbed “Dedication of Revenue from
stores and mandate a ten-cent charge for paper bags. Plastic carryout bags can be found littered throughout Humboldt County, breaking down into plastic particles and contaminating our landscapes, waterways, and bay with plastic, negatively impacting local wildlife. Additionally, they are not easily collected, sorted, and recycled, so bags become a nuisance to local material haulers and processors. Arcata and over 100 other towns in California have enacted local plastic bag bans, so this statewide ban would create uniformity and prevent the need for individual jurisdictions who want a plastic bag ban to go through the process of creating ordinances locally. This measure would save time and prevent pollution throughout California and serve as a model for other states to follow. Don’t let the plastic bag industry deceive voters and continue to produce pollutants that end up all over Humboldt County!
Vote Yes on 67 and No on 65 to ban plastic carryout bags in California once and for all!
Contact Zero Waste Humboldt contact@zerowastehumboldt.org
Many thanks to the North Country Fair Zero Waste Crew for diverting over 1000 pounds of materials from the landfill!
EcoNews Oct/Nov 2016
www.yournec.org
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More Billboards to be Removed from Humboldt Bay Shoreline Jennifer Kalt, Director In August, Caltrans announced that an agreement had been made with billboard giant Outfront Media to remove ten billboards along Highway 101 adjacent to Humboldt Bay. Even though six of the billboards had already had their permits revoked, this agreement was a big step forward and applauded by many. What Outfront Media will get in exchange is currently unknown. The Highway 101 billboards along Humboldt Bay were built before the modern era of building permits and environmental protection. The Caltrans Office of Outdoor Advertising in Sacramento (ODA) is charged with regulating billboards along highways
according to the Outdoor Advertising Act. The ODA issues permits for billboards, but counties and cities can enact local regulations like those adopted by the City of Arcata in 1999. In September 2013, Caltrans applied to the Coastal Commission for the go-ahead to develop the Highway 101 Safety Corridor Improvement Project which consists of a proposed interchange at Indianola Cutoff, a traffic light at Jacobs Avenue, and closure of all other median crossings between Arcata and Eureka. The Coastal Commission gave conditional approval contingent upon removal of all billboards along this section of highway, construction of the Bay Trail, and a thorough assessment of how the project will accommodate projected sea level rise. Since
the Coastal Commission decision, the ODA has finally taken action to remove billboards that have been on public lands without landowner permission for decades. Local activists and residents, including Humboldt Baykeeper, have called for removal of billboards along Humboldt Bay for many years. Thanks to California Coastal Commission, Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, City of Arcata, Caltrans District 1, Humboldt County Association of Governments, Keep Eureka Beautiful, and the MANY individuals who worked so diligently to permanently rid this part of Humboldt Bay of billboards, this dream will soon be a reality. There will be a few more left to remove, but, for now, we are celebrating this good news!
A History of Humboldt Bay Area Billboards Removed Since 2012 1. These two billboards along Highway 255 were removed in 2014 from property that Caltrans bought for wetland mitigation in 2006. 2. These two billboards are on private property outside the Highway 101 Safety Corridor and are not part of the agreement between Caltrans and Outfront Media. 3. These five billboards are on public lands without landowner consent, and have occupied those lands without payment for over a decade. The Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and North Coast Rail Authority have repeatedly requested the signs’ removal. In March 2015, the City of Arcata advocated for their removal to make way for the Bay Trail, and Caltrans finally revoked all five ODA permits last November. The northernmost sign was destroyed in a car accident on Dec. 31 and was not rebuilt. The remaining four will be removed as part of the recent agreement between Caltrans and Outfront Media.
North Humboldt Bay (Arcata Bay)
4. These two signs on public lands were cut down in the early morning hours of Jan. 2 and Jan. 19, 2014. They were not rebuilt when Outfront Media could not provide evidence of landowner consent. These two ODA permits have since expired. 5. These four billboards are on private property and will be removed as part of the recent agreement between Caltrans and Outfront Media. 6. This billboard fell down in a storm on Dec. 24, 2012 and was not rebuilt because it failed to meet current land use requirements since billboards advertising off-site businesses are not allowed on agricultural lands. Its ODA permit has since expired. 7. Once the billboards are removed under the Caltrans-Outfront agreement, these four billboards will be the only ones remaining along the west side of the 101 Corridor. Three of them were built without permits in coastal wetlands below the high tide line—which would not be allowed today. The southernmost sign (just north of the eucalyptus stand) is within the railroad right-of-way and the planned trail alignment for the Bay Trail. 8. These three billboards were on public land without landowner consent and occupied those lands without payment for over a decade. Keep Eureka Beautiful and the North Coast Rail Authority advocated for their removal, and Caltrans revoked their permits in Dec. 2014. The sign owners removed all three signs in March 2015.
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www.yournec.org
Oct/Nov 2016
EcoNews
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EPIC Win for the Northern Spotted Owl Tom Wheeler before us. It is our moral obligation to ensure By a unanimous vote, on August 25, that the owl will continue to roam our forests 2016, the California Fish and Wildlife long after we are gone.” Commission listed the northern spotted While the northern spotted owl is found owl (Strix occidentalis) under the California across the West Coast, California’s population Endangered Species Act. The Commission’s is the species’ greatest stronghold. Protecting decision ended the four year review process, California’s owls is key to protecting the first initiated by the Environmental Protection species at large. California’s population Information Center’s (EPIC) petition for can act as a “source” for recolonizing areas listing in 2012. where the local population is depressed or EPIC’s petition follows numerous studies has gone extinct. showing the owl’s quickening progress towards The northern spotted owl has been listed extinction. The northern spotted owl is under as “threatened” under the Federal Endangered siege on many fronts. Northern spotted owls Species Act since 1990. The listing of the are threatened with extinction by past and northern spotted owl has slowed the decline ongoing habitat loss, primarily due to timber of the spotted owl but has not arrested it. harvest, which can exacerbate competition Additional protections and conservation from the aggressive and invasive barred measures are necessary to stop the owl’s owl. The increasingly rare and old growth decline and to put it on a track to recovery. The endangered spotted owl thrives in old growth redwood forests. Photo: USFWS. forest adapted owls are now understood to “As evidenced by the owl’s decline, our be at risk from the use of rodenticides and forest ecosystems that the owls call home. current protections are not up to snuff,” said Rob other poisons used in large scale trespass marijuana “The listing of the northern spotted owl is one DiPerna, Forest and Wildlife Advocate for EPIC. “I operations, and there is increasing concern about small step towards recovery,” said Tom Wheeler, hope that all stakeholders can set aside differences what the impacts of climate change will be on the Program Director at EPIC. “The owl was here long and work together towards recovery.”
EPIC Honors Greg King, 2016 Sempvirens Award Winner
2016 Sempervirens winner Greg King. Photo: Bob Doran
EcoNews Oct/Nov 2016
On November 4, EPIC will honor Greg King with our annual Sempervirens Lifetime Achievement Award. Sempervirens is Latin for “always green” and is the scientific name for our majestic coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens). It is only fitting that we honor Greg King, whose work will be felt by those who walk in amazement through Headwaters Forest for many lifetimes to come. In Humboldt County’s long and illustrious history of environmental activism, Greg King’s name stands out. Greg is credited with the discovery of the then-largest patch of old-growth redwood forest, what he coined “Headwaters Forest.” He was there for the fight that followed—Redwood Summer. After the timber war settled, Greg continued his advocacy. Greg founded the Smith River Project, which focused its efforts on the massive use of pesticides by lily bulb famers on the banks of the www.yournec.org
Smith River. Greg also founded the Siskiyou Land Conservancy, a land-trust that focused on protecting private properties not served by other land trusts— usually small parcels that hold and connect important riparian and terrestrial habitats. Greg has worn many hats through the years— journalist, activist, non-profit director—but none more important than friend. Greg has been a friend of EPIC and the North Coast. Help us thank him at EPIC’s Fall Celebration, November 4, 2016 at the Mateel Community Center in Redway. Tickets are $15 for music only, and $50 for dinner, awards ceremony and music and can be purchased at Wildberries, Redway Liquors and Brownpapertickets.com. Gourmet vegetarian dinner catered by Uniquely Yours followed by the Sempervirens Award Ceremony, and music with Joanne Rand, Woven Roots, and Object Heavy.
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NORTH GROUP REDWOOD CHAPTER
Gray Wolf Recovery and Public Grazing Felice Pace There has been a great deal of controversy over the recent decision by Washington State’s Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to remove an entire wolf pack that had been caught several times killing a rancher’s cattle. As of this writing WDFW has killed 11 members of the Profanity Peak Pack, including a breeding female. Furthermore, WDFW previously removed another wolf pack from the same area to protect a rancher’s private cattle and profits. In every state where wolves have been removed from the federal endangered species the second collared wolf detected in California, confirmed in list, wolf management has been returned to OR-25, December 2015. Photo: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. state control and “depredation” of wolves that In its Biological Evaluation in support of a decision kill livestock is common. The State of Wyoming even to reestablish grazing in the Ash Valley Area, however, established a trophy wolf hunt. the Forest Service claims that while “potential habitat is This instance, however, is different. The wolves in present within project area,” wolves are “not expected question were living on the Coleville National Forest to be impacted by the proposed action...due to its and the cattle were grazing on that land under a permit (the wolf ’s) transience and capacity to use a variety issued by the U.S. Forest Service. Killing wolves that of habitat. ” Neither the Biological Evaluation nor the kill livestock on private land is one thing, but most related environmental analysis acknowledges that Americans believe that the public lands should be wolf packs may be in the area and that there would be managed for public wildlife, not private cattle. pressure from ranchers and others to kill or remove While one conservation group supports the wolves if they happen to prey upon cattle newly removal, most have condemned the wolf killing. returned to the Spring Valley area. The Center for Biological Diversity’s Amaroq Weiss, To remind Modoc National Forest officials that a long-time wolf expert who has participated in returning cattle to Spring Valley would in fact “impact” developing several state plans for wolf management, the gray wolf and its prospects for reestablishment said that Washington State’s Wolf Management in California, send an email message to Big Valley protocol is not based on science, adding, “We don’t Ranger Chris Christofferson (cchristofferson@fs.fed. support the killing of public wildlife on public land.” us) and mention your opposition to reestablishing
Coming to a forest near you
Closer to home, the Modoc National Forest has proposed reestablishing grazing on a forest where the now-famous OR-7, nicknamed Journey, was wandering not long ago. OR-7 has now found a mate and is rearing young in Southern Oregon, but he could return to California at any time. There is also another new wolf pack in the area; its members were caught on camera not far from the Modoc National Forest (See “Another Potential Wolf Spotted” in Aug/Sep EcoNews). Because of its robust elk herds and open habitat, most of the Modoc is prime wolf habitat. The wanderings of OR-7, the more recent OR-25, and the newly spotted wolves have indicated that the open forest habitat and robust elk herds of Northeast California are likely to be where wolves first reestablish in California.
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grazing in the Spring Valley area and support for wild wolves on public lands. To learn more about the proposed Spring Valley Grazing Project, including accessing the Biological Evaluation and other specialist reports, visit www. fs.usda.gov/project/?project=33996.
Wolves in the Klamath-Siskiyou?
Scientists also have concluded that the Klamath Mountains of Northwest California are suitable habitat and have a sufficient prey base to support returning wolves. It is just a matter of time before wild wolves howl again on the Siskiyou Crest and deep in the Klamath Wilderness. Conflicts with cattle grazing on public land within wilderness are possible, perhaps inevitable. There will be harsh and insistent calls to kill or remove the wolves. It will fall to members of the environmental community to defend them. www.yournec.org
Events
One need not be a Sierra Club member to participate in these outings. Please join us! Saturday, October 8—North Group Humboldt Redwoods SP Grasshopper Peak Hike. Join us for this late-season adventure, 13.5 miles round-trip. Now that we are all in top condition from the year’s activities, let’s hike this 3,379-foot mountain before the days get too short. We will revel in lush old-growth redwoods, fall color, and, weather permitting, vistas near and far of the Mattole and Eel river country, the Lassics, and the Avenue of the Giants. We can see the succession of recovery since the 2003 Canoe Fire burned a portion of Grasshopper’s southern flank. Bring lots of water and lunch, and dress for the weather. No dogs. Medium difficulty, 3,100 feet elevation change. Carpools: 7:30 a.m. at Herrick/ Hikshari Park’n’Ride, or in Arcata by prior arrangement. Leader Ned, nedforsyth48@gmail.com, 707-825-3652. Heavy rain cancels. Wednesday, November 2—Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park Hobbs-Saddler-Trestle Trails Hike. Starting within a ridge-line swath of old growth, we soon enter maturing second-growth, descending eventually to lush creekside flats. Our trail broadly skirts the (empty) campground, fords Mill Creek, then returns upwards via switchbacks (some steep) through rugged forest to close our loop. Bring water, lunch, hiking footwear. No dogs. Carpools: 9 a.m. Ray’s Valley West parking, 10:30 a.m. Mill Creek Campground Road gate (off Hwy. 101, 7.6 miles north of Wilson Creek). Leader Melinda 707-668-4275, mgroomster@gmail.com. Steady rain cancels. Sunday, November 6—North Group Horse Mountain Botanical Area Hike. Two loop trails, each just over 2 miles, mostly on dirt roads: one to the west of our parking area, past the old “Ski Chalet” site, with views of the King Range, the Siskiyous, and the coast, and another loop to the north and east among rugged Jeffrey pines, red rocks, and a short stretch of cobblestone-strewn single track, looking at the Trinity Alps, the Yolla Bollys, and maybe a peek at Mt. Lassen. Bring lunch, water and good boots. No dogs. Medium difficulty, 5 miles, less than 2,000 feet elevation change. Carpools: 9 a.m. in Valley West (Ray’s) Shopping Center, or meet 10 a.m. at Horse Mtn. parking area. Leader Ned, nedforsyth48@gmail.com or 707-8253652. Heavy rain cancels.
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.
Oct/Nov 2016
EcoNews
NORTHCOAST CHAPTER
Finding Rare Plants on the North Coast: Rare Plant Treasure Hunt Program
The two-flowered pea (Lathyrus biflorus) is one of the many species that was included in this year’s Rare Plant Treasure Hunt.
Kate Rowe Members of the North Coast CNPS chapter and regional botanical experts are coordinating to collect current data on historical rare plant populations, in addition to finding new discoveries, as part of the State CNPS office’s Rare Plant Treasure Hunt Program (RPTH). Conservation tools such as the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (the Inventory) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) rely on organizations and individuals to submit data on rare plant populations in order to determine each species appropriate rarity status. A species California Rare Plant Rank (CRPR) is determined by the number and quality of occurrences for that species throughout the state. Therefore, it’s important that newly discovered populations are documented and that current data is occasionally submitted for historical occurrences.
Evening Programs
Field Trips & Plant Walks
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.
October 12, Wednesday, 7:30-9:00 p.m. “The Natural History, Botanical Splendor, and Conservation of Mendocino Pygmy Cypress Woodland: A Rare Geobotanical Phenomenon.” Gordon Leppig, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), will take us to one of the rarest and most threatened natural communities in California. The Mendocino Pygmy Cypress Woodlands are endemic to a narrow coastal strip shaped by geological uplift of the land, with strange soil conditions and hydrology resulting in stunted trees. This presentation will focus on the underlying natural history, botanical splendor, and efforts to better understand and conserve this unique natural community. November 9, Wednesday, 7:30-9:00 p.m. “Fabulous Plants and Stories from the East Bay.” Heath Bartosh, Rare Plant Committee Chair for the East Bay Chapter CNPS and Research Associate at the University, and Jepson Herbaria will present a photographic tour through some of the East Bay’s richest botanical hot spots. He will reflect on colorful botanical personalities of the past and present, identify public lands and trails to enjoy the diversity of plant life, and discuss current conservation issues that put the botanical treasures of the East Bay at risk. The unique geology and botanical convergence in this area provides conditions for diversity of native plants.
EcoNews Oct/Nov 2016
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.
October 23, Sunday. Crothers Cove Day Hike. Why should we hike this short trail in Prairie Creek State Park? Because we never have! And there’s a small lagoon at the bottom. Even small wetlands hold botanical treasures and these short trails pass interesting plants. This less than 2-mile round-trip trail goes over the ridge from the road and to the beach. Meet at 9 a.m. at Pacific Union School (3001 Janes Rd., Arcata). Dress for the weather, including the beach; bring lunch and water. Return late afternoon. It helps to know you are coming: Carol 707-822-2015. November 5, Saturday. Groves Prairie Field Trip. Unusual in our rugged mountains, Groves Prairie is a fairly level meadow at 4,000 ft. elevation and surrounded by Douglas-fir forest, some old growth. We last visited the grove seven years ago, before it served as a fire camp (which hopefully will not be necessary in 2016). Will the species seen before still be there? We will walk one to two miles in and around the meadow to answer these questions, some of it on a trail. Groves Prairie is two hours from Arcata in Six Rivers National Forest, up Forest Service roads, north out of Willow Creek. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Pacific Union School (3001 Janes Rd., Arcata). Dress for the weather (remember that it is higher elevation) and off-trail walking; bring lunch and water. Return late afternoon. It helps to know you are coming: Carol 707-822-2015.
www.yournec.org
Did you know that there are 1,389 occurrences of rare plants that are tracked by CNDDB within Humboldt County? Surprisingly, 504 of those occurrences have a population quality rank of “unknown”, resulting in 36 percent of Humboldt County’s known rare plant occurrences not containing sufficient information to contribute to conservation ranking criteria. Additionally, of the 468 rare plant occurrences in Humboldt County with a rank of “good” or “excellent”, the CNDDB has not received updated information in over 20 years, resulting in data for 43 percent of the county’s rare plant occurrences being considered “historic” and not current. To aid in the state-wide RPTH effort, the North Coast chapter hosted six RPTH events during the 2016 field season, adding new occurrences for the seaside bittercress (Cardamine angulata), Point Reyes bird’s beak (Chloropyron maritimum ssp. palustre), and horned butterwort (Pinguicula macroceras), to name a few. We have also collected data to provide updated information of historical occurrences of Howell’s montia (Montia howellii), the two-flowered pea (Lathyrus biflorus), Humboldt Bay Owl’s Clover (Castilleja ambigua var. humboldtiensis), the western sand-spurrey (Spergularia canadensis var. occidentalis), Wolf ’s evening primrose (Oenothera wolfii), the seacoast ragwort (Packera bolanderi var. bolanderi), and others! In planning for the 2017 blooming season, CNPS will be hosting workshops demonstrating online resources available to correctly identify rare plant species; databases that track where species have been previously reported; and how to analyze CNDDB data to determine which data gaps are most in need of filling. Additionally, a local RPTH committee is being formed to identify untapped sources of data and discuss priority species and locations for future RPTHs. If you are interested in learning more or getting involved at any level, please contact Greg O’Connell at gregoconnell7@gmail.com.
Sign up for e-mail announcements:
Northcoast_CNPS-subscribe@yahoogroups.com For more details and later additions, visit:
WWW.NORTHCOASTCNPS.ORG
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NEC Intern
Continued from page 10 ...over my five month stay. High in the mountains of Southern California between the Mojave Desert and the southern coastal metropolis, I learned from some of the most knowledgeable, kind, and thoughtful natural resource managers imaginable. I helped to operate a beautiful native plant nursery, coauthored a guide to pollinator habitat enhancement, and traversed incredibly diverse vegetation communities to aid in restoration monitoring. On weekends I hiked a bit of Joshua Tree National Park, and was fortunate to witness Death Valley during the “Superbloom.” While I was offered more seasonal work down south, I decided instead to once again embrace restlessness and move someplace new. This past May, I found work assisting researchers at Oregon State University and the U.S. Geological Survey to assess sea-level rise impacts on West Coast estuarine habitats. I’ve helped to implement experiments and collect data on plant species’ tolerance to salinity, sediment accretion, and water quality. I’ve had the opportunity to boat in SF Bay, the Carquinez Strait, and up the Delta to gauge how the watershed may shift with the climate. Now, once again, as my seasonal position comes to a close, I am excited to pursue more work in the natural resources field, and am entertaining the idea of graduate school somewhere in the Northwest. If you have any good leads do let me know! Until then, I look forward to meandering my way northwards, including a visit to Humboldt, my former home. My experience as a work-study intern at the NEC certainly provided a foundation for my resume and helped me to qualify for employment since leaving Humboldt. But, more importantly, I had the opportunity to learn from a talented group of environmental professionals that took a genuine interest in my education and development. The team I worked with for nearly three years gently pushed me to assume increasing responsibility, provided the guidance and freedom I needed to succeed, and even flew me over the majority of Humboldt County’s inspirational coastline in a tiny plane! Thankful for the mentorship and the wild ride!
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Condors
Continued from page 6
A soaring California condor in Pinnacles National Park. Photo: Gavin Emmons, National Park Service (NPS).
...captured birds to study their natural history and breeding. Thanks in large part to those researchers, condors were eventually released as experimental populations in Southern California, Arizona and Big Sur. “Experimental populations” can be manipulated to study how to assure their successful reentry to the environment and can be moved to re-populate their original habitat. Biologists believe the North Coast could play a significant role in insuring continued condor recovery. Studies have found that northern marine mammals have lower levels of dangerous toxins in their bodies than some southern populations. Less toxic food, combined with the eventual reduction in lead from ammunition, might provide a window of recovery for condors here along the North Coast. The Plan: Birds of varying ages (including adults) could be brought from existing experimental populations in the west—as well, perhaps, as some of the captive-raised birds—to assure genetic diversity and adaptation for younger birds. Birds would be placed in protected natural areas where they can gain experience and survival skills in their former native environment. Biologists would continue to minimize any human contact with the condors to assure the birds can survive independently from human intervention. The birds and their offspring would, for now, require testing for lead and other toxins. Including birds of varying ages should enable the experimental population here to gain a jump start on reoccupying historic habitat. The hope is that older condors that have adjusted to their environment will be able to teach younger birds to socialize and survive. Condors in Northern California offer researchers an opportunity to gain important information on survival of wild condors. Primary partners in the program so far include the Yurok Tribe, National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Many other partnerships will likely develop as the program progresses. Principal leaders are talking with other www.yournec.org
tribes as well such as Hoopa, Karuk and the Intertribal Sinkyone Wilderness Council. Other potential partners include the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, a host of state agencies, the Portland Zoo and Oakland Zoo. Sequoia Park Zoo has offered to provide quick veterinary treatment for birds suffering from toxin poisoning or injury.
What You Can Do: Public meetings have been scheduled in January to discuss the condor reintroduction proposal and get public feedback. Jan. 23: Sacramento (6-8 p.m.): Federal Building. 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA Jan. 24: Eureka (6-8 p.m.): Wharfinger Building, 1 Marina Way, Eureka, CA Jan. 25: Klamath (10 a.m. -12 p.m.): Klamath, CA Jan. 25: Medford (6-8 p.m.): Jackson County Auditorium, Central Point, OR Jan. 26: Portand (6-8 p.m.): Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland, OR The End Game: When asked, “What does success look like?” Dave Roemer responded, “Delisting [from the endangered species list]. Delisting means the bird has recovered and can exist without continued human manipulation; it is free again.” Chris West agreed: “I look to a time when you can be in the backcountry and see a condor and not be able to identify the bird because of a tag or location transmitter attached to its wing; [When] condors are safe on the landscape with no human intervention.” Success will look different to different people but perhaps for tribal people, success is one more step toward putting the world back in balance. You can learn more about the Yurok’s program by listening to a 2013 radio interview with Chris West, Mike Palermo and Tiana Williams with the Yurok Tribe about the Yurok condor reintroduction program at www.yournec.org/ENR/ENR080813. To learn more about the Yurok Tribe Condor Program or to donate toward condor reintroduction, visit www.yuroktribe.org/departments/selfgovern/ wildlife_program/condor/condorproject.htm.
Oct/Nov 2016
EcoNews
Tribes
Continued from page 7 “There are moments in history
that can heal the past and the future. This is a healing moment. It’s extraordinary.” - Carolyn Raffensperger, environmental activist (The Guardian, September 12, 2016)
Lawyers for the tribe have stated “An oil spill at this site would constitute an existential threat to the Tribe’s culture and way of life.” The Standing Rock Sioux have also taken their case to the United Nations. Just two days after Standing Rock Chairman Dave Archambault II urged the UN Human Rights Council to help the tribe stop the pipeline, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, made a statement just cited the pipeline’s threats to drinking water and sacred sites. She also admonished the U.S. for failing to protect protesters’ rights and failing to properly consult with communities affected by the fossil fuel infrastructure. Informed consent from those affected—and abiding by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples—is essential, she said, “particularly in connection with extractive resource industries.” According to Tom Goldtooth, the director of the Indigenous Environmental Network, “The UN Expert got it right. The right of free, prior, and informed consent begins prior to the planning process, not when their bulldozers are at your doorstep.” This article includes excertps from “UN Experts to United States: Stop DAPL Now,” published on CommonDreams.org, CC.
Bari
Continued from page 10 ...community. I challenge you to engage this essay’s major points with open but critical minds. Judi’s manifesto, “Revolutionary Ecology” (available on the web), married red and green. She knew forest workers and forest protectors must unite against their common enemy, capitalism. Other Earth First!ers, though, fixated on wilderness protection alone, accompanied by macho campfire blowouts. Deep Ecology, the creation of the recently deceased Norwegian philosopher, Arne Naess, has been defined as the “philosophical, spiritual, and scientific practice of life-centeredness, as outlined by the 8 points.” An eight-point platform for Deep Ecology was composed by Naess with an assist from George Sessions during a 1984 camping trip in Death Valley. The first three of these points establish humanity’s place in life. They declare, in essence, that the richness and diversity, well-being and flourishing of human and non-human life are the ultimate values, and that “humans have no right to reduce this richness and diversity except to satisfy vital needs. “ The inference is that we are natural beings who must consciously live according to life’s “rules.” Deep Ecology thus understands it is our human potential to live as life with awareness of itself. Or, as Marx put it, the human animal is to become the human being. The life process and its living systems produce an ecologically sustainable “profit” of energy and relations. This natural surplus is generated through photosynthesis and the reproduction of copious offspring that provide continuity, energy (food),
ecological relations, and evolutionary adjustments. Life maintains its communal, systemic being in this manner. But the cancer of capitalism has now metastasized life in all its forms as it pursues its imperative to relentlessly increase profits. Its malignant organization attacks, perverts, and destroys living systems and relationships. Like a cancer, capitalism is programmed to kill its host and itself. We’re almost there. Judi assessed: “This system cannot be reformed. It is based on the destruction of the Earth and the exploitation of the people.” She concluded, “serious ecologists must be revolutionaries.” Earth’s living systems—cells to biosphere—are self-organized, integrated wholes existing in dynamic interdependence with each other and nature’s physical forces. Life is community. Communism’s organization is similarly defined in the Manifesto as “an association, in which the free development of each is the condition for the free development of all.” But how might people who are perceptually blind to life’s organizational pattern learn to birth viable redgreen social systems within a globalized capitalism? The answer is that the living system theorist, Fritjof Capra, has miraculously managed to portray life’s universal pattern of organization. I call his conceptual model of living organization “Capra’s triangle,” and the triangle and the new organizational science are brought to earth for popular understanding and use in Capra’s masterwork, Web of Life (1996). I believe Capra’s triangle is the key to consciously organized, bottom-up processes of personal and social transformation. So! Are any of Judi’s “serious ecologists” around? Capra’s triangle can bring green dreams to life. See ya, Judi.
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EcoNews Oct/Nov 2016
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CALIFORNIA CONDOR
Gymnogyps californianus Dan Sealy Although the common name suggests these giant birds are unique to California, much like their plant equivalent, redwood trees, they were found throughout North America 40,000 years ago. By the time Lewis and Clark made their journey to the Pacific Northwest in 1804, the condor’s range had been reduced to the western American frontier and along the coast from Washington to Baja California, which may have been due to a decline in large mammals, their primary food. California condors were still found in the mountains of Baja California and Southern California in the 1930s, but hunting, environmental toxins and loss of habitat crashed the condor population till it become one of the most critically endangered animals in North America. California condors were one of the 78 species placed on the first endangered species list under the original Endangered Species Protection Act of 1966. It was a sad but important day in April 1987 when the last wild California condor was captured to prevent extinction. The entire world population of the species had been reduced to 22-27 birds, housed in captive breeding facilities in southern California. The captive breeding program began to pay off when California condors were reintroduced to mountains of southern and central California, Arizona, Utah, and Baja California. Today over 230 birds fly free over the North American landscape. In 2006, a Big Sur condor pair was found nesting in the burned-out cavity of a coast redwood tree; the first nesting in Northern California by free flying condors in over 100 years. Condors are easily recognizable as they soar high above the landscape by their huge, broad-wings
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A California condor nesting in a burned out redwood tree in Big Sur. Photo: Gavin Emmons, National Park Service (NPS).
and short tails. Their feathers are mostly black, with characteristic white underwing feathers just behind the leading edge of the wings that can be seen from below as the bird soars. Adults have a narrow line of white feathers on the upper wings, and like some other carrion-loving birds, condors have a bold, bald head which can be reddish or yellowish and a hooked bill. Younger condors are not as vividly colored, having duskier feathers near their heads and backs, and more mottled plumage under the wings. Condors are slow to reproduce and repopulate
an area. Female condors lay only one egg per nesting attempt, and they don’t necessarily nest every year. The young condor is dependent on their parents for more than 12 months. It will be 6-8 years for the youngster to reach maturity and be ready for reproduction. Massive wings allow condors to soar slowly and stably. They average about 30 mph in flight but can reach over 40 mph. Condors are carrion-feeders, scavenging dead animals. Inland condor populations prefer carcasses of large mammals such as deer, elk, antelope, and buffalo. The meals of coastal condors include significant amounts of marine mammals such as sea lions, seals and whales that wash up on coastal shores in addition to animals such as deer and elk. Breeding, monitoring and recapture efforts (to test for lead) are necessary for now. Birds are still impacted by lead from carcasses left behind by hunters, though in 2013 California passed a law prohibiting the use of lead ammunition. The ban on lead will eventually lead to a decrease in lead poisoning from eating contaminated carrion. Coastal populations are also effected by toxins such as persistent DDT and PCBs, stored in the fatty tissue and blubber of marine mammals, especially in migratory marine mammals that travel to Southern and Baja California. Fortunately, today with Endangered Species designation and public education, few birds are shot by hunters as they once were. The return of the condor is a slow but steady success story, showing that people can stop extinction if they work together. Currently the nearest locations to observe California Condors are Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park near Big Sur and Pinnacles National
Thanks to everyone that came out to celebrate All Species in the All Species Parade at thephoto North here Country Fair! All SPecies Parade
www.yournec.org
Oct/Nov 2016
EcoNews
THE KIDS PAGE
Playful
River Otters
Did you know that river otters can close their nose and ears and can hold their breath for up to eight minutes? River otters spend most of their lives in water. They are aquatic mammals that love to swim and play in rivers, streams and lakes. Because of their wet habitat, river otters have webbed hind feet and thick, dark brown fur to keep them warm. A long, sturdy tail helps them swim after their food. They can even close
their nostrils to keep out water while they swim! River otters eat anything aquatic, from fish and crabs to frogs and reptile eggs. River otters communicate to each other in whistles and groans. They live in burrows and hollow logs, called dens, by bodies of water where they breed in winter and spring. River otters teach their babies, called pups, how to hunt.
Color the River Otter!
Above: Two river otters play in the water. Photo: Ingrid Taylar, Flickr.com, CC. Left: Illustration by Lena London, supercoloring.com, CC.
Even though river otters live in water, they are just as playful and fun on land. They have claws on their front paws and slippery bellies that allow them to slide down muddy hills and even on ice. River otters are not an endangered animal, but they still need us to protect their wet habitats. Next time you go swimming, pretend to be a river otter! You will have as much fun flipping and flopping underwater as they do. by Rebekah Staub
EcoNews Oct/Nov 2016
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