Presidents' Column
Humboldt Bay
by Rob Hewitt
If you live in Eureka or Arcata, you almost can't avoid
marveling at the vistas of our Bay. Expansive mud flats at low
tide may not seem to be good for much except thousands of birds
and some oyster farmers, yet looks can be deceptive. RRAS
recently had a table at the Humboldt Bay Symposium and was really
impressed at what an incredible resource Humboldt Bay is. It is
not just the mud, but the watersheds of the creeks that flow into
it: Salmon, Elk, Freshwater and Jacoby Creeks to name the larger
ones. From the forested hills to the pasture lands and skirting
marshes, the diversity of life is tremendous. Audubon
Conservation Committee Chair Chad Roberts pointed out during the
panel discussion that Humboldt Bay is the most diverse embayment
on the West Coast. Other large bays, like San Diego and San
Francisco, have been filled, modified, and invaded by introduced
species, while Humboldt Bay remains relatively unspoiled.
Economic Activity
An important point to remember too is that a great deal of
economic activity, from timber to trains, is supported by this
region. The symposium addressed a number of issues on how to
promote growth and development, and yet retain the natural beauty
and values around the bay. This brings me to the point of this
message. Across the bay, nestled in the industrial portion of the
spit between the pulp mills and drag racers is one of the BEST
birdwatching locations in Humboldt County: the Fairhaven willow
patches. These places are famous for their lost birds that
"fall out" of migration during spring and fall. Witness
the Black-billed Cuckoo this last weekend—only the third
Humboldt County record. Birdwatchers from all over the state and
country specifically visit these spots for the chance of a good
bird find. And now rumor has it that the City of Eureka may
replace one of those willow patches with a parking lot for a
motocross venue the city hopes to locate near the Samoa airport
to attract visitors.
Horse Pasture
The "Horse Pasture" willow patch already attracts
many visitors—both avian and tourist. These willows need to
be preserved not only for the natural value of this dune willow
wetland, but for the visiting birders and their economic
contribution to our community. I'm so glad the economics of
birding has become an issue here locally—I hope to be able
to convince the City of Eureka to adjust their plans. I'm not
against a motocross venue, after all the off-road folks have been
kicked around all over the spit, but we need to have our input
during the planning process. Please stay tuned to this issue,
because as a recreational use of the spit birdwatching can be
overlooked—not because we're not there—but because
we're such low impact. Be prepared to raise the awareness of the
city planners to the economic and natural benefits of promoting
birdwatching. If there's a tree I wouldn't mind chaining myself
to, it's a Fairhaven willow.
Redwood Region Audubon Society
P.O. Box 1054, Eureka, CA 95502
Last updated October 1996