14.1 Description of Area

14.1.1 The Land

The Northern Coast - Northern Focus Area is composed of coastal Del Norte and Humboldt counties. The boundary extends eastward from the Pacific coast to the top of the first inland mountain range, and encompasses many of the region's existing and former . The focus area also includes a few important riparian and floodplain areas adjacent to major coastally draining rivers (Figure 13).

In this northernmost California County, the coastline tends to be composed of rocky cliffs and high bluffs which rise steeply into the coastal mountain ranges with their deeply cut 14.0 canyons. Two major rivers drain the interior mountain ranges and empty into the Pacific Ocean within the boundary of Del Norte County: the Smith River, which has its origins in north- eastern Del Norte County and southern , and the with headwaters much farther to the NORTHERN north and east in south central Oregon.

Humboldt County, to the south, includes portions of CALIFORNIA the California Coast Range and the southern . The most extensive coastal wetlands are associated with floodplains in the lower Eel River COAST─ Valley and the area. Other significant habitats include Mad River , Little River Valley, Redwood Creek Estuary, , NORTHERN , and . Major rivers and streams draining the mountain ranges of Humboldt County include the Eel River, Van Duzen FOCUS AREA River, Mad River, Trinity River, Klamath River, Mattole River, Bear River, and Redwood Creek. Like the Klamath River, the Trinity and Eel rivers have large drainage basins within the Coast Range and the Klamath Mountains.

14-1 Figure 13. Northern California Coast-Northern Focus Area

14-2 Dense forests of redwoods and other conifers As a result, tourism is becoming an increasingly cover most of the landscape. Much of the terrain important factor in the local economic picture. is high ridges and deep canyons, with few interior valleys of any size. One significant 14.1.3 Wildlife Resources change in this otherwise rugged shoreline is the large coastal plain that begins near the Oregon The diverse mixture of habitat types found, in the border and extends southward for about 24 coastal areas of Del Norte and Humboldt counties kilometres (15 miles). A second broad coastal supports a wide variety of wildlife. Over 250 plain occupies a 40-kilometre (25-mile) segment species of birds and 58 species of mammals are of the coast between McKinleyville and the Eel known to occur here. At least 16 species of reptiles River delta in Humboldt County. Vegetative types and amphibians have also been recorded, as well in the southern part of the focus area are more as many species of fish. diverse and include a mixture of open grassland, chaparral, and conifer forests. The wetlands attract hundreds of thousands of migratory birds during their passage between 14.1.2 The People breeding grounds and wintering areas. The focus area provided key habitat for several threatened The Northern California Coast Northern Focus and endangered species, including the , Area is relatively uncrowded, with approximate- Peregrine Falcon, Brown Pelican, and tidewater ly 20,000 residents in Del Norte County and goby. The many rivers and streams entering the 110,000 in Humboldt County. Eureka, located on ocean support runs of coho, and chinook, Humboldt Bay, is the area's largest city (popula- steelhead trout, and coastal cutthroat trout. The tion 25,000). Other significant population centers bays and formed at the mouths of these include Arcata, Crescent City, Fortuna, rivers and streams are important nursery areas for McKinleyville, Ferndale, and Trinidad. Smaller many species of fish and other aquatic life forms. communities are located along the area's main highways. The primary north-south travel route is 14.1.4 Wetland Habitats Highway 101. Highways 199 and 299 carry most of the east-west traffic. In terms of species numbers and variety, the most productive areas in this focus area are the coastal Forest products, commercial fishing, agriculture, floodplains. The floodplains provide a degree of and tourism have traditionally been the region's habitat diversity not found over much of the economic base. In recent times, employment in the adjacent densely forested mountains. forest products industry has declined. The commer- cial fishing industry has been experiencing an The largest and most productive area in Del Norte economic decline because of diminishing stocks County is the Smith River floodplain. It covers an of some harvested species, including salmonids. area of about 18,200 hectares (45,000 acres).

14-3 About 2,000 hectares (5,000 acres) have been total, Humboldt County provides the greatest intensively developed for industrial, commercial, variety of wetland habitat types in northern or residential purposes. The remaining un- California, including the second largest estuarine developed lands have high wildlife values. The complex in the state (after San Francisco Bay and variety and interspersion of vegetative types, the Sacramento-San Joaquin delta). Humboldt combined with the streams, wetlands, and inshore Bay, the Mad River estuary, and the Eel River ocean waters, provide habitats attractive to many delta function as a single habitat complex, provid- forms of wildlife. ing at least 8,000 hectares (20,000 acres) of low- lying seasonal wetland (diked former tideland); Beginning near Point St. George and extending 8,000 hectares (20,000 acres) of tidal marsh and north to the mouth of the Smith River, the intertidal flat; and at least 1,800 hectares (4,500 landscape is dominated by coastal sand dunes. In acres) of tidal channels, sloughs, and other deep- places, the dunes extend as far as 760 metres water estuarine habitats. This wetland complex (2,500 feet) inland and reach elevations of up to (especially the Eel River delta) contains approxi- 20 metres (60 feet) above sea level. Forests of mately 400 hectares (1,000 acres) of floodplain beach pine and Sitka' spruce are scattered riparian forest as a remnant of what was formerly throughout the dune habitat. Dense willow and a predominant wetland type in this region; this alder thickets are common in wet areas. Also habitat type is recognized as one of the most scattered throughout the dune community are a important for migratory birds in northern number of ponds and marshes. California.

The dominant wetland features associated with the Associated with the coastal wetlands are a variety. coastal dunes are lakes Earl and Talawa. Lake of other environmentally important areas. Sand Earl is the larger of the two lakes and its waters dunes west of Humboldt Bay contain a total of are fresh to slightly brackish. The waters of Lake about 640 hectares (1,600 acres) of dune forest, Talawa are much more brackish. These lakes are vegetated dunes, and open sand and is recognized actually coastal lagoons that periodically breach as the most complete and least-disturbed dune the barrier dune, allowing an interchange of ecosystem on the west coast of the . fresh and salt water. This natural breaching has These dune areas provide key habitat for two en- been replaced by artificial breaching as a means dangered plant species (Menzies wallflower and to lower lake levels and increase lands available Layia carnosa), and threatened Snowy Plovers for livestock grazing. Because of the shallow nest on the ocean side of dunes west of Humboldt water depths, the lakes produce dense growths of Bay and the Eel River delta. Coastal marshes in submergent aquatic vegetation. this complex provide essential habitat for three additional threatened or endangered plants Humboldt County provides a range of wetland (Humboldt Bay gum plant, Humboldt Bay owl's- habitats similar to those found in Del Norte County, clover, and saltmarsh bird's-beak). The marine con- but of greater variety and over a larger area. In ditions inside Humboldt Bay and the nearshore

14-4 waters of Humboldt Bay, Redwood Creek, and the Area" owned and managed by the California De- Klamath River are foraging habitat for the threat- partment of Fish and Game. ened Marbled Murrelet, which nests in old- growth forests adjacent to the coast. Peregrine Project Area - Approximately Falcons, an endangered species, are common 2,400 hectares (6,000 acres) of wetland and winter visitors to coastal wetlands, where associated upland habitats between Point St. shorebirds constitute their major prey base. George and the mouth of the Smith River are protected by the California Department of Parks The coastal wetlands in the Northern California and Recreation. Coast Northern Focus Area, especially those near Humboldt Bay and the Eel River delta, are Elk Creek Wildlife Area - Located on the south- a critical resource for shorebirds. It is believed eastern edge of Crescent City, the Elk Creek Wildlife that nearly all shorebirds migrating along the Area provides protection for about 50 hectares (120 California coast spend part of their migration acres) of stream, wetland, upland, foraging for the abundant invertebrates found in and forest habitats. The area is publicly owned these wetlands. It has been estimated that more and managed by the California Department of than a million shorebirds are dependent on the Fish and Game. ecological productivity of these coastal wetlands. In addition, based on recent partial counts, it is Crescent City Marsh Wildlife Area - Of the thought that more than 100,000 shorebirds winter existing estimated 240 hectares (600 acres) of in Humboldt Bay and the Eel River delta. While wetlands, uplands, and coastal forests, 135 most species occur in other coastal and/or inland hectares (335 acres) are publicly owned and wetlands, it appears that the entire population of managed by the California Department of Fish the Aleutian subspecies of the Marbled Godwit and Game. These wetlands are located south of occurs in winter only in these northern California Crescent City and east of Highway 101. wetlands. Redwood National Park Wetlands - Several 14.1.5 Existing Habitat Protection small coastal wetlands between the Smith River floodplain and the mouth of the Klamath River This focus area presently contains approximate- are protected by the National Parks Service. ly 7,910 hectares (19,590 acres) of secure habitats. Waukel Creek Wildlife Area - Some 10 hectares Lake Earl Wildlife Area - The Lake Earl Wildlife (27 acres) of marsh and riparian habitats Area is located approximately 8 kilometres (5 located near the Highway 101 Klamath River miles) north of Crescent City. About 2,300 h bridge is publicly owned and managed by the ectares (5,600 acres) of wetland and associated California Department of Fish and Game. upland habitats are protected as a "State Wildlife

14-5 Redwood Creek Estuary - The lower portion managed by the California Department of Fish of the estuary is within the Redwood and Game. An additional 30 hectares (70 acres) of National Park boundary. The area of wetlands , in a separate unit, is also managed as under protection has not been determined. part of this wildlife area. Redwood Creek Estuary is located near the town of Orick, some 60 kilometres (40 miles) north of Fay Slough Wildlife Area - Fay Slough Eureka on Highway 101. Wildlife Area is located on Highway 101, 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) north of Eureka. It is Freshwater Lagoon - The western half of Fresh- composed of 200 hectares (500 acres) of former water Lagoon is within the boundary of the Redwood tidelands reclaimed for farming. Presently the National Park adjacent to Highway habitat is primarily grazed seasonal wetlands. The 101. There are approximately 50 hectares (130 California Department of Fish and Game acres) of wetlands under protection. Freshwater manages this publicly owned area. Lagoon is just north of Dry Lagoon State Park. Elk River Wildlife Area - Publicly owned Dry Lagoon State Park - Dry Lagoon State and managed by the California Department of Park lies just north of Big Lagoon on Fish and Game, this 35-hectare (87-acre) wildlife Highway 101. It includes both Dry Lagoon and area is located south of Eureka near the junction Stone Lagoon, and is publicly owned and of Highway 101 and Elk River Road. It is managed by the California Department of Parks composed primarily of seasonal wetlands. and Recreation. The park contains approximately 230 hectares (570 acres) of wetlands. Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge - This refuge includes several units located in Big Lagoon Wildlife Area - Some 600 Arcata Bay and in South Bay. The largest unit is hectares (1,500 acres) of the lagoon are leased located on Highway 101 south of Fields Landing. from the State Lands Commission by the The total size, including all units, is about 850 California Department of Fish and Game. The hectares (2,100 acres). California Department of Parks and Recreation manages most of the publicly owned shoreline Eel River Wildlife Area - The Eel River Wildlife and a portion of the marshes east of Highway 101. Area is located south of Humboldt Bay between Big Lagoon is located about 48 kilometres (24 Table Bluff and the mouth of the Eel miles) north of Arcata. River. It includes approximately 600 hectares (1,500 acres) of ponds, marshes, tidal sloughs, sea- Mad River Slough Wildlife Area - Located 1.6 sonal wetlands, coastal sand dunes, and kilometres (1 mile) west of Arcata on Old Samoa uplands. It is publicly owned and managed by the Road, this wildlife area is about 180 hectares California Department of Fish and Game. (450 acres) in size and is also publicly owned and

14-6 14.1.6 Threats to Wetland Habitats wetland values, potential for restoration and im- provement, proximity to other public lands, Fortunately, many of the area's major wetland public use, and costs of whatever protection and areas are offered some measure of protection enhancement measures may be deemed under California Coastal Commission regulations appropriate. and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Section 404 permit requirements. However, protection is Most, but not all, of the identified priority lands not certain, and losses of wetlands continue to fall below the 10-foot contour as shown on result from draining and filling (often illegally) USGS 7.5-minute series quads. For the most to reclaim or improve agricultural lands, and for part, these lands were formerly tidelands or residential, commercial, and industrial purposes. swamp and overflow lands that have been Residential and commercial development is in- reclaimed for agricultural purposes by the con- creasing and spreads outward from cities such as struction of levees and installation of drainage Crescent City, Arcata, Eureka, Fortuna, and systems. Ownership of tidelands and swamp or McKinleyville. As development continues, many overflow lands was conveyed from the federal small wetlands are lost through filling and government to the State of California in 1850. draining, often without benefit of permits. Many of these lands were transferred from public Although most of the area's seasonally wet to private ownership during the years since 1850. pasturelands are zoned for agricultural uses under Although ownership was conveyed to private the local coastal plans, some permitted activities interests, these lands are still subject to the can be detrimental to wetland habitat, including Public Trust under the granting statutes. This improved drainage. Loss of riparian habitat is of Public Trust is retained by the state and admin- particular concern. Riparian forests are still being istered through the State Lands Commission. cleared to increase land available for farming Uses of these lands are therefore restricted and purposes. Riparian habitat is also lost through subject to State Lands Commission approval. surface gravel mining. Recreation and ecological preservation are permit- ted uses. 14.2 Habitat Objectives The identified priority areas do not encompass The California Steering Committee has identified all wetlands in coastal Humboldt and Del Norte priority areas in the Northern California Coast ─ counties. The identification of priority areas does Northern Focus Area which are needed to meet not mean that wetland habitats outside these "Pacific Coast Joint Venture Strategic Plan" zones should not be protected. All necessary objectives. This includes lands already receiving efforts will be made to provide protection through some level of protection through ownership by regulatory processes, local zoning ordinances, co- local, state, or federal agencies. Priority areas operative landowner agreements, or other measures have been identified on the basis of their existing that may be appropriate.

14-7 It is proposed that emphasis for meeting • Maintain 8,800 hectares (22,000 acres) of "Strategic Plan" objectives be directed towards seasonal wet pastureland in agricultural the identified priority areas. These areas uses that are compatible with providing presently contain extensive wetland habitats that habitats for migratory water-associated support high numbers of migratory birds and birds and other wildlife. other water-associated wildlife. They also provide the greatest opportunities for enhancement at • Permanently protect an additional 4,200. lower development and maintenance costs. hectares (10,500 acres) of key wetlands Because of soil types, drainage problems, and through easements or fee acquisitions. other factors, many of the lands included within the priority areas are not highly productive • Protect, restore, and enhance 4,040 agricultural uses other than livestock grazing. hectares (10,100 acres) of wetlands on Consequently, landowners may be more receptive existing public lands. to wetland preservation or enhancement, particularly if monetary incentives are provided • Assist landowners to protect, enhance, through conservation easements, cooperative and restore 2,000 hectares (5,000 acres) of funding projects, or other means. wetlands, riparian forests, and other associated wildlife habitats through The identification of priority areas does not various cooperative projects. indicate a "take line" for purposes of land acquisition by public agencies. No such proposal 14.3 Population Objectives is being made and it is important that local land- owners understand this. This does not mean that There are no well-defined population goals for acquisition proposals will not be considered on most wildlife species. The needs are best addressed some lands where willing sellers are involved. in terms of habitat goals. The overall waterfowl However, it is not the intent of the public and objective is to maintain populations equal to the private agencies involved to acquire all the lands greatest population since 1970. identified in this document. It is recommended • To provide and maintain habitats capable that, where possible, objectives be met through of supporting a peak wintertime popula- cooperative working relationships with local land- tion of 67,000 ducks and 17,500 Brant owners and incentive programs to encourage and geese, providing 11,000,000 waterfowl wetland preservation and enhancement. use days from September through April.

In order to meet the Northern California Coast - • To provide and maintain habitats capable Northern Focus Area Strategic Plan objectives, of supporting peak migration and winter- the following measures are recommended: ing populations of shorebirds numbering at least 120,000, providing 20,000,000 use days from August through May. 14-8 • To provide and maintain habitats capable ed toward securement, restoration, enhancement, of supporting other water-associated and management of wetland habitats throughout wildlife in numbers no fewer than current the Northern California Coast ─ Northern Focus levels, providing an estimated 20,000,000 Area. use days on an annual basis. 14.5.1 Target Areas 14.4 Information, Education, and Recreation Objectives 1. Del Norte County

The California Steering Committee has adopted Lower Smith River Delta - The parts of the Smith specific objectives for informing and educating River Delta most important to wildlife use cover the public about the values of wetland habitats, approximately 2,000 hectares (5,000 acres). including the following specific objectives: Much of the original habitat has been altered drastically by farming and livestock grazing. • To foster understanding, involvement, However, the area is still used extensively by and commitment among the public and water-associated migratory birds and many other landowners to accomplish Pacific Coast species of wildlife. The many sloughs, ponds, sea- Joint Venture objectives. sonally flooded pastures, and remnant stands of riparian vegetation provide habitats for both • To educate the public about wetland migrant and resident species. The area is used functions and values to help create an during the fall, winter, and spring months by enlightened wetlands conservation ethic. thousands of waterfowl, including the Tundra Swan and the threatened Aleutian Canada Goose. • To encourage the scientific and education- The censuses conducted from 1970 to 1973 al use of wetlands. indicated an average of at least 297,411 annual bird-days. • To provide for optimum recreational use of wetlands for purposes related to The Smith River is one of the most productive natural resources to the extent that such waters in California for anadromous fish. The uses do not adversely affect such Smith River and its tributaries support coho resources. salmon, chinook salmon, chum salmon, steelhead rainbow trout, and coastal cutthroat trout. The 14.5 Recommended Actions estuary of the Smith River plays an important role in the life cycle of salmonids as the adults pass The following discussion is broken down into through on their way to spawn and as a nursery area sections identifying recommendations for specific for the young downstream migrants. target areas and general proposals that are direct-

14-9 Recommended Actions: The lakes also support a variety of fish, including coho salmon, chinook salmon, steelhead trout, • Work cooperatively with private and coastal cutthroat trout. landowners to protect habitat values.

Recommended Actions: • Restore or enhance floodplain riparian forests near the Smith River. • Enhance wetland values and wildlife Lake Earl Wildlife Area - Totaling approximate- values on public lands managed by the ly 2,300 hectares (5,600 acres) of high-quality Department of Fish and Game. habitat for a wide variety of species, this area includes about 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) of water • Work with the public and with public surface in lakes Earl and Talawa. The remaining agencies to resolve lake management habitats are dune communities, grasslands, and concerns while protecting habitat values. coastal forests. Numerous seasonal and perennial wetlands are scattered throughout the upland Lake Earl Project Area - Publicly owned and habitats. Federal- or state-listed species include the managed by the California Department of Parks Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Brown Pelican, and Recreation, this area is approximately 2,400 Aleutian Canada Goose, tidewater goby, and hectares (6,000 acres) in size and extends from Oregon silverspot butterfly. The area is particular- near Point St. George north to the mouth of the ly important as migratory and overwintering Smith River. The habitats include coastal dunes, habitat for water-associated birds. Aerial census coastal forests, grasslands, and wetlands. These counts conducted from 1970 to 1973 by the De- wetlands are scattered throughout the other habitat partment of Fish and Game yielded the following types. Although no census figures are available, population estimates expressed in average annual the use of this area by water-associated birds and bird-days use: other wildlife is high. The federal- and state-listed species found on the Lake Earl Wildlife Area are Average Annual also found on the Lake Earl Project Area. Species Group Bird Days Use Recommended Actions:

Waterfowl 1,744,992 • Enhance wetland values and wildlife Shorebirds 124,449 values on public lands managed by the Wading Binds 9,830 Department of Fish and Game. Other Water-Associated Birds 1,107,101

• Work with the public and with public Total 2,986.372 agencies to resolve lake management concerns while protecting habitat values.

14-10 • Acquire existing wetlands south of Point Recommended Actions: Saint George (the Marhoffer Creek complex) from willing sellers, to be included in the • Acquire additional wetland areas from project area. willing sellers to consolidate public own- ership of wetlands. Elk Creek Wetlands - Wetlands associated with Elk Creek are located at the edge of Crescent City • Enhance wetland values and wildlife and behind the commercially developed strip values on lands already publicly owned along Highway 101. These wetlands include small and managed by the Department of Fish ponds, sedge marshes, sloughs, and riparian veg- and Game and Redwood National Park etation. Adjacent uplands support dense stands of second growth coastal forests. The area is approxi- Klamath River Delta - The Klamath River delta mately 240 hectares (600 acres) in size. Elk is located about 30 kilometres (19 miles) south Creek supports populations of several species of of Crescent City. It includes the lower Klamath anadromous fish. River floodplain and the wetland complex associated with Hunter and Panther creeks. The Recommended Actions: delta includes about 220 hectares (550 acres) of open water associated with the river and tidal • Acquire additional wetland areas from areas; 110 hectares (280 acres) of fresh and willing sellers to expand publicly owned brackish marsh; and 260 hectares (650 acres) of lands in the Elk Creek wetland complex. floodplain riparian forest. The most numerous water-associated wildlife in the delta are • Enhance wetland values and wildlife shorebirds; several thousand birds are present habitat values, especially in floodplain during peak population periods from August riparian forests, in existing public through May. Smaller numbers of waterfowl are ownerships. present during this period, particularly scoters, mergansers, Ruddy Ducks, scaups, Buffleheads, Crescent City Marshes - The Crescent City and teals. marshes are also located behind the commercially developed strip along Highway 101. They The Klamath River is extremely important to extend from Elk Valley Road south to Humboldt anadromous fish, including coho salmon, chinook Road and cover about 240 hectares (600 acres). salmon, and steelhead trout. Coastal cutthroat trout The habitat types include open water, dense stands are present in the lower river and its local of emergent plants, sedge marshes, riparian vegeta- tributaries. Both white and green sturgeon occur in tion, grasslands, and coastal forests. Recently, one of the lower river. the largest known populations of the state-listed endangered western lily was discovered within the Crescent City marshes.

14-11 Recommended Actions: Mallards and Cinnamon Teals are present during the summer months. Coho salmon, chinook • Pursue opportunities for cooperative salmon, steelhead trout, and coastal cutthroat wetland management, restoration, and trout inhabit the stream. enhancement projects with private land- owners, especially near the Hunter Creek/ Recommended Actions: Panther Creek complex. • Pursue cooperative management agree- • Restore and enhance wetland values and ments among public agencies (especially wildlife values, especially in floodplain the Corps of Engineers) for Redwood riparian forests, on public trust lands in Creek estuary, leading to levee reduction. or adjacent to the Klamath River. • Pursue cooperative agreements with pri- • Acquire additional wetland areas from vate landowners to protect or enhance willing sellers. wetland and wildlife values.

• Pursue cooperative management agree- • Restore and enhance floodplain riparian ments among Department of Fish and forests on Public Trust lands in or adja- Game, Redwood National Park, and other cent to Redwood Creek. public agencies with respect to wetlands already in public ownership. Freshwater Lagoon - Freshwater Lagoon is located on Highway 101 just north of Stone 2. Humboldt County Lagoon. Other lagoons contain brackish water as a result of periodic breaching, allowing saltwater Redwood Creek Estuary - The Redwood Creek intrusion, but Freshwater Lagoon, as its name Estuary is located near the town of Orick suggests, is fresh water. A water control structure approximately 60 kilometres (40 miles) north of placed to regulate water flow prevents saltwater Eureka. It has been drastically affected by the intrusion. The lagoon is approximately 100 construction of large flood control levees. The hectares (260 acres) in size. Significant numbers of remnant estuary covers about 50 hectares (125 waterfowl and other water-associated birds use acres) of tidal flats, river bars, and open water. the lagoon from August through April; a 1990-91 The estimated 570 hectares (1,415 acres) of survey documented more than 370,000 annual pasturelands through which Redwood Creek bird use days. Blocked by the water control flows are similar to other coastal pastures that tend device, anadromous fish can no longer enter to be water-saturated and flood easily during the Freshwater Lagoon. It is now planted regular- rainy season. These wet pastures are used by both ly with catchable trout. shorebirds and waterfowl. A few locally nesting

14-12 Recommended Action: kilometres (24 miles) north of Arcata. It includes about 590 hectares (1,470 acres) of open water and • Continue existing management practices marsh. When full, almost the entire area is for Freshwater Lagoon covered by water. At its fullest, and when ocean tides and currents are just right, a breach will Stone Lagoon - Stone Lagoon is located on occur in the barrier dune and water levels drop Highway 101, 61 kilometres (38 miles) north of dramatically. Over time, the lagoon will refill Arcata. It covers an area of 210 hectares (520 from its main tributary, Maple Creek. Sago pond- acres) when full. The barrier dune that forms the weed and wigeon grass form dense submergent lagoon is periodically breached, allowing water stands in some areas. Big Lagoon attracts levels to drop considerably. Only one perennial thousands of waterfowl, shorebirds, and many stream (McDonald Creek) drains into Stone other water-associated birds; a 1990-91 survey Lagoon Just south of Stone Lagoon is a small documented more than 360,000 annual bird use side drainage known as Dry Lagoon that contains a days. In addition, Big Lagoon and its tributaries marshy area dominated by emergent vegetation. support coho salmon, chinook salmon, steelhead This site was probably a former segment of Stone trout, and coastal cutthroat trout. Lagoon These wetlands are used by significant numbers of waterfowl and other water-associated Recommended Actions: birds from fall to spring. Over 670,000 average annual waterfowl bird-days use was recorded • Acquire additional shoreline and wetland during aerial censuses from 1970 to 1973. Salmon, acreage to consolidate public ownership, steelhead trout, and coastal cutthroat trout use the especially of wetlands east of Highway lagoon and its tributary. 101.

Recommended Actions: • Continue existing management practices for Big Lagoon • Continue existing management practices for Stone Lagoon Little River and the Little River Estuary - Little River is a relatively small coastal drainage that • Pursue cooperative management agree- enters the Pacific Ocean about 10 kilometres (6 ments with private landowners near miles) north of the Mad River. The estuary is only McDonald Creek to protect wetland and about 10 hectares (30 acres) in size. The river wildlife values in McDonald Creek and meanders through a flat coastal floodplain Stone Lagoon covering approximately 360 hectares (900 acres). Over much of its length, the riverbanks are dense- Big Lagoon - The largest of Humboldt County's ly vegetated with willow and alder. Seasonal coastal lagoons is Big Lagoon, located about 39 flooding of the pasturelands provides habitat for

14-13

moderate numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds. near Humboldt Bay and attract thousands of water- The riparian cover along the river supports a fowl and shorebirds. They are also important hunt- nesting population of Wood Ducks and occasion- ing areas for egrets, herons, and the state- and ally nesting Hooded Mergansers. A few Mallards federally-listed Peregrine Falcon. The Mad River and Cinnamon Teals also nest locally. Little River supports runs of coho salmon, Chinook salmon, supports runs of coho salmon, chinook salmon, and steelhead trout. steelhead trout, and coastal cutthroat trout. Recommended Actions: Recommended Actions: • Pursue opportunities with private • Pursue cooperative management agree- landowners and the McKinleyville Com- ments with private landowners to protect, munity Services District for wetland restore, or enhance wetland and wildlife enhancement on agricultural lands. values. • Pursue cooperative management agree- • Restore and enhance wetland and wildlife ments with Humboldt County and the values on public trust lands in or adjacent California Department of Transportation to Little River, especially as floodplain for protecting estuarine habitat values, as riparian forest. well as local landform stability for the lower river. • Acquire land from willing sellers for restoration or enhancement purposes. • Pursue cooperative management agree- ments with the McKinleyville Com- Mad River and the Mad River Estuary - The munity Services District and Humboldt Mad River enters the Pacific Ocean 21 County to protect estuarine habitat values kilometres (13 miles) north of the entrance to and other instream values in the estuary Humboldt Bay. The estuary is not extensive and and local creeks as development occurs covers only about 120 hectares (300 acres) of in McKinleyville. open water, tidal flats, and river bars. Some remnant floodplain riparian forest stands occur • Restore and enhance wetland and wildlife in a few locations along the lower river. About values on public trust lands in and adja- 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres) of pasturelands lying cent to the lower Mad River, especially to the south of the river provide significant habitat as floodplain emergent wetlands, for many water-associated birds when shallow floodplain riparian forests, and instream flooding occurs during the rainy season. These habitat. pasturelands are contiguous with similar habitats

14-14 Humboldt Bay - Humboldt Bay is one of the Humboldt Bay is also an important haul-out and largest bays on the California Coast and is second pupping area for hundreds of Harbour Seals. In only to San Francisco Bay in terms of biological all, 95 species of fish are listed from the bay, productivity. The bay, including its adjacent salt including anadromous species that use bay and brackish water marshes, is believed to have tributaries for spawning, and a large majority of been over 10,900 hectares (27,000 acres) in size the ocean commercial fishery stocks which before development began. Diking and filling to spawn inside the bay. reclaim land for agricultural, industrial, and other uses has reduced the tidal area of the bay to about Recommended Actions: 6,500 hectares (16,O00 acres). Despite human- caused alterations, the bay still provides an • Implement the existing U.S. Fish and abundance of wetland habitats. Its extensive open Wildlife Service plan for acquisition and water, tidal flats, eelgrass beds, and salt marshes management of lands with the approved attract hundreds of thousands of migratory boundary of the Humboldt Bay National waterfowl, shorebirds and other water-associated Wildlife Refuge. birds. The bay is particularly important for Brant because of its extensive and productive eelgrass • Enhance wetland habitats and wildlife beds. values on publicly owned wildlife areas managed by the California Department of Shorebird numbers that utilize the bay and Fish and Game. surrounding seasonally wet pasturelands are higher than for any other bay or estuary in • Work with local, state, and federal California, except San Francisco Bay. Average agencies to ensure that mariculture activi- annual bird days use was estimated by aerial ties are compatible with wildlife values censuses conducted monthly from 1967 to 1970. within tidelands of Humboldt Bay. The results were as follows:

• Pursue restoration of former tidal Average Annual wetlands where feasible and appropriate. Species Group Bird Days Use

• Work with Humboldt County and the Waterfowl 5,794,375 cities of Eureka and Arcata to ensure that Shorebirds 7,092,315 wetland and wildlife values are protected Wading Birds 163,155 as development occurs, particularly in the Other Water-Associated Birds 515,745 Martin Slough/Elk River, Freshwater Creek, Jacoby Creek, and Janes Creek Total 13,565.590 drainages and on the North Spit.

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• Work with the city of Eureka and work of tidal sloughs and saltwater bays. individual landowners to restore/enhance Although much reduced by land clearing, wetland and wildlife values in the substantial stands of floodplain riparian forests PALCO wetland complex and other still can be found in scattered locations along wetlands within the city. the river and its tributary channels. Much of what was once extensive salt marsh and other intertidal • Work with the city of Arcata and habitat has been converted to farmland by dike individual landowners to restore/enhance construction. These lands still function as wetland and wildlife values in the West wetlands when flooded by winter rains. The End Road wetland complex and other mosaic of bays, tidal flats, sloughs, marshes, and wetlands within the city. seasonal wetlands supports hundreds of thousands of resident and migratory water-associated birds. • Work with the county of Humboldt and Census results from 1967 to 1970 (expressed as individual landowners to enhance average total annual bird-days use) are shown as existing freshwater wetland values where follows: appropriate, especially in the Fields Land- ing/King Salmon area and on the North Average Annual Spit. Species Group Bird Days Use

• Work with the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Waterfowl 1,351,960 Recreation, and Conservation District to Shorebirds 1,023,825 assure that wetland and wildlife values Wading Birds 39,420 are protected on Public Trust lands as Other Water-Associated Birds 274.845 development occurs within improved harbour areas. Total 2,690.050

• Acquire land from willing sellers for The area provides habitat for many other wildlife restoration or enhancement purposes. species, including threatened and endangered species such as the Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Eel River Delta - The lower floodplain of the Brown Pelican, Aleutian Canada Goose, and Eel River, extending from the mouth of the river possibly the tidewater goby. In addition, the Eel upstream to its confluence with the Van Duzen River is one of California's most important River, is known as the Eel River Delta. The delta spawning streams for coho salmon, chinook , covers approximately 13,400 hectares (33,000 salmon, and steelhead trout. The lower estuary is acres). The dominant physical feature of the area rich in marine life, including invertebrate species, is the wide river course that meanders through which provide rich feeding grounds for pasturelands and eventually breaks up into a net- shorebirds. It is also used by Harbour Seals as a haul-out and pupping area.

14-16 Recommended Actions: 14.5.2 Area-wide Recommendations

• Pursue opportunities for cooperative • Restore diked former tidelands where wetland enhancement projects with feasible and appropriate. private landowners on agricultural lands.

• Acquire conservation easements on agri- • Implement California Department of Fish cultural lands from willing sellers where and Game plans for acquisition and man- necessary to maintain habitat for water- agement of high value wetlands in the fowl. Eel River Wildlife Area.

• Support research to evaluate estuarine • Restore tidal action to diked wetlands habitat needs of anadromous fish, and where feasible and appropriate, to enhance identify criteria and potential sites for wetland and wildlife values as well as habitat rehabilitation. estuarine volume.

• Support long-term, management-related • Work with the Eel River Resource research on the interaction between Conservation District to restore and agricultural practices (e.g., grazing and enhance wetland functions in the Salt haying) and forestry practices and water- River watershed, including habitat values fowl use in coastal lowland pastures. and tidal flushing.

• Initiate active seasonal management of • Restore and enhance wetland and wildlife water control structures to enhance exist- values in Public Trust lands in the Eel ing wetland habitat where feasible and River delta, especially floodplain ripar- appropriate. ian forest, riverine pools, and the estuary.

• Support creation of wetlands for water • Acquire land from willing sellers for quality management where feasible and restoration or enhancement purposes. appropriate.

• Where feasible and appropriate, work • Work within existing regulatory with public agencies and individual land- programs to protect existing wetlands from owners to dress excessive erosion up- degradation and loss of habitat values. stream in the watershed, to reduce impacts on delta wetland and wildlife val- • Encourage public use of publicly owned ues. wetland areas at levels which are consis- tent with protecting resource values.

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