President's Column
April 2000

by Chet Ogan

Pacific Coast Joint Ventures (PCJV) approved the (NAWCA) North American Wetland Conservation Act grants of nearly $1,000,000 for the upcoming year. Of particular interest to Audubon members is the work planned at the refuges.

• A salt marsh habitat is planned at Fay Slough Wildlife Area (WA). This land is currently an upland grassland adjacent to Fay Slough; nearby land to the north will be allowed to go fallow, which will encourage populations of voles and raptors.
• Dikes and floodgates are planned at Eel River WA. Land will be contoured to encourage a variety of wetland habitats. Native plantings will be done in some sites.
• Increased water quality is the goal at the Bussman Ranch, which is at the north end of Mad River Slough.
• Ferndale is planning to buy land along Frances Creek adjacent to its wastewater treatment plant and add a wetland area similar to Arcata’s to increase its ability to process wastewater.
• At Elk River WA, contouring is planned including removal of some undesirable introduced plants.
• Opposite Murray Field airport, NAWCA is planning to get conservation easement on the MiaBo property which will be enhanced to encourage waterfowl.
• Native Americans have begun the Potawat Village Wetland (Indian Health Service) adjacent to BLM and Mad River Hospital at the end of Heindon Road in Arcata. Plans include contouring the land and planting native medicinal plants and herbs.

I have contacted Eureka Mainstreet and Eureka Rotary to look into the feasibility of starting some birding activities in conjunction with the Humboldt Bay Festival, which occurs in late September. This would coincide with fall migration, which is always an exciting time here for birders.