Thanksgiving Means More Birds Than Turkeys
A bird count method perfectly suited to a family holiday will take place on Thursday, November 27 – a 1-hour tally from the comfort of your own home! The count should be made during any 1-hour period on Thanksgiving within a 15-foot diameter circle, typically located around a feeder.
The Thanksgiving Bird Count was begun in 1966 in Lynchburg, Virginia by Dr Ernest Edwards. In 2003, nearly 500 counters took part in the western region, where Arcata resident John Hewston serves as coordinator/compiler. To receive a form and instructions on how to participate, contact him at 707-822-5288.
Wanted: Wildlife-Friendly or Native Plant Gardens
Have you created a haven for hummingbirds at your home? A buffet for butterflies in your backyard? A neighborhood niche for native plants and their pollinators? If so, we want to hear from you!
Redwood Region Audubon Society (RRAS), in partnership with the North Coast Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, is hoping to build on their successful 2003 Garden Tour with a follow-up event in May or July 2004.
We are searching for 8 to 10 gardens in the Fortuna-Trinidad area to showcase – places that have been specifically designed to attract wildlife or that feature native species. The event is intended to increase community awareness of backyard habitats and to raise funds for both organizations.
If you are the proud owner of such a garden – or would like to suggest someone who is – please send your name, address, phone, e-mail, and 1-paragraph description of your garden by Monday, November 24, to Tom Leskiw, 5440 Cummings Road, Eureka, CA 95503; phone 442-5444; e-mail tomleskiw@aol.com.
Reminder: Send In Those Bird-a-Thon Pledges
If you participated in this fall’s Bird-a-Thon fundraiser for RRAS and the NEC, please finish collecting your pledges. Checks should be made payable to “RRAS” and mailed to PO Box 1054, Eureka, CA 95502. If you're not birding or pledging to a specific birder but want to support the general fundraising effort, send a check to the same address.
Conservation Committee Report By Jim Clark
The October Conservation Committee meeting was held on October 16, 2003 at noon at the Golden Harvest Cafe in Arcata. Frank Anderson, Jim Clark, Mel McKinney and Chet Ogan attended.
The following items were discussed:
Illegal ORV use in the dunes and above the wave slope west of Lake Earl appears to be essentially unenforced. A letter to Patty Berg and Wes Chesbro is planned after other deadline dependent letters are written.
The Eureka Marsh continues to be a nuisance with litter and human waste, and illegal camping restricting public use. A letter is planned to be written. (see above)
Eureka Greenways and Gulches. Jim reported on the Eureka Greenways and Gulches meeting that he attended with another organization (League of Woman Voters). The city is meeting with one group at a time to encourage each group to express itself freely. Key points in the meeting were the definitions of gulch and greenway, and whether lot coverage allowances for undevelopable gulch-side lots should apply to existing parcels only, or include newly created parcels. It was also brought out that gulches and greenways (trails) are not always compatible. Presumably RRAS representatives will be asked to attend such a meeting soon.
Arcata Bottom mapping project. Chet reported that the comprehensive mapping project is nearly complete. He will let us know when the next project is to be planned. The committee agreed that mapping the area between Arcata and Eureka could be important because of the proposed Highway 101 corridor upgrade and increasing development pressure.
Coast Seafoods mariculture permit. Jim reported that the Corps of Engineers public comment period for Coast Seafoods mariculture permit will end on October 24 (since extended). Although the application mentions many mitigation measures taken by Coast Seafoods in recent years, the most recent research on eel grass is not included. Preliminary results of the research indicate that the only line spacing for Pacific Long line oyster culture that shows no significant effect on eel grass is 10 feet. The permit proposes lines on a 2.5 foot spacing that is being shown to have a detrimental effect on eel grass. Going to a 10 foot line spacing could be the second most important mitigation measure after abandoning bottom culture. To grow the same amount of oysters on this line spacing as the 2.5 foot spacing would require 1200 acres instead of the proposed 300 acres.
Humboldt Bay shoreline erosion. Mel reported on some erosion of the Humboldt Bay shoreline that could be because of dredging. He will be meeting with a Corps of Engineers representative October 30 or 31.
SB 810. Jim commented on the passage of SB 810, giving water quality authority on timber sales back to the Regional Water Quality control Boards 15 years after they “voluntarily” relinquished it. Because of the State budget situation, there may be insufficient resources for the Regional Boards to enforce it.
Changing of the guard. Jim Clark has agreed to be appointed by the Audubon Board to be President-elect until February, when he will run for chapter President. Chet Ogan has agreed to take the Conservation Committee Chair
Next meeting is November 20, 2003, same place, same time.
Redwood Region Audubon Society welcomes the following new members and subscribers:
Eureka – Natalie Craig, Rebeca Pipper
Ft. Dick –
Lorrie Mitchell
Garberville – Tim Austin, Sally Constantino, Rick Tomar
McKinleyville – Rebecca
Leuck, Aida Parkinson, Beverly Shaw, Carol Wheeless
We look forward to seeing you on field trips and at our monthly programs.