12/4/15
Humboldt Baykeeper is now in its eleventh year of protecting Humboldt Bay for the health, enjoyment and economic vitality of our community. Since 2004, we have been your voice for protecting clean water and coastal resources.
We need your help to continue our work in 2016: identifying and remediating sources of water pollution, watchdogging coastal development, and getting people out on the Bay with our knowledgeable docents.
2015 has seen numerous successes as we continue to act as strong and effective advocates for clean water:
➢ Mining Facility Proposal Withdrawn: In March, U.S. Mine Corp. withdrew its proposal to process gold ore at the former Samoa pulp mill, thanks in large part to the tremendous public outcry from Baykeeper supporters who objected to the unacceptable risk to Humboldt Bay from the use of mercury and cyanide.
➢ Protecting Water Quality: In January, the County Public Health Lab will begin genetic analysis of our bacteria samples from Little River and Janes Creek to identify the primary sources of pollution. This study will lead toward solutions to restore clean water for swimming, surfing, and commercial oyster farms.
➢ Banishing Billboard Blight: In 2015, three billboards along the bay were removed for good, with five more soon to go – legally and permanently. We will continue to press for removal of billboards on public lands along the bay until they are gone.
➢ Bay Explorations: Thanks to our dedicated docents, our 2015 Bay Tour season was a resounding success. Nearly 250 people got out on the water and Eureka’s Hikshari’ Trail to appreciate the beauty of Humboldt Bay and learn from a range of experts.
In 2016, we will continue to watchdog coastal development, get people out on the water, and focus on protecting water quality through research and action to address bacteria and dioxin contamination in Humboldt Bay. In July, a major dioxin hotspot was documented near the Arcata Marsh. Research is ongoing to identify the sources of that contamination so that work can be done to protect Humboldt Bay.
Reflecting on our work in 2015 provides insight into 2016 and the challenges ahead, and we need your help to continue to fight for fishable, drinkable, swimmable waters! We rely on your support to continue to this important work.
Please renew your membership, or become a new member, of Humboldt Baykeeper today, and invest in a healthy future for our Humboldt Bay community.
Your generous contribution provides needed funds to fight pollution, monitor the quality of our waters, and educate our community about Humboldt Bay and coastal waters.
And remember, every contribution is fully tax-deductible. Please join us!
For the Bay and coast,
Jennifer Kalt, Director
and
Jasmin Segura, Bay Tours Coordinator
P.S. We encourage you to visit our website at www.humboldtbaykeeper.org and like us on Facebook. Or you can sign up for action alerts by emailing us at
