On July 15, the Eureka City Council adopted the Gulch Greenway Ordinance to protect corridors along streams and wetlands (“gulches and greenways”) within city limits. Until now, these Humboldt Bay tributary streams have had no protections outside of the Coastal Zone. In process for over 20 years, the ordinance protects water quality, wildlife habitat, and adjacent wetlands by establishing a permitting system that protects the integrity of urban streams and wetlands while allowing for compatible development. The Importance of Urban Stream CorridorsPoorly-planned development in Eureka’s gulches can lead to habitat loss, introduction or spread of invasive species, light and noise impacts to wildlife, and polluted runoff. Urban streams and wetlands also provide important wildlife corridors, stabilize steep slopes, and filter pollutants like sediment and tire wear particles containing chemicals that are extremely toxic to Coho Salmon. The protections in this ordinance will also increase the ability of gulch habitats to absorb storm and flood waters, which are likely to become more frequent and severe as the climate crisis continues unchecked. And as the climate warms, riparian forests are critical for maintaining water temperatures low enough for Coho Salmon and other aquatic species to survive. Click here for a map of the affected area.Origins of the Gulch Greenways OrdinanceFor over 50 years, the City of Eureka’s policies have declared the intent to protect these forested riparian corridors known locally as gulches that thread through neighborhoods and drain into Humboldt Bay. Eureka’s 1965 General Plan described the gulches as being “among the most important contributors to Eureka’s desirability as a residential community.” The City’s 1997 General Plan called for an ordinance protecting the gulches. In 2009, a draft ordinance was developed, but unfortunately was never adopted. The effort was revived in 2022, leading at long last to the adoption of the ordinance this year.The final ordinance incorporates key feedback from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which is responsible for protecting public trust resources like streams, wetlands, and wildlife, including plants. Many public comments were incorporated as well, such as an emergency approval process for removing vegetation required to maintain homeowners insurance policies.Cristin Kenyon, Eureka’s Director of Development Services, said she is incredibly grateful to the many community members who took the time to help shape this ordinance. “People wrote in, emailed, called, visited City Hall, attended public meetings, and invited City staff on site visits to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas,” Kenyon said. “I also want to thank the California Department of Fish and Wildlife staff, whose support, expertise, and collaborative spirit were essential throughout the ordinance’s development and adoption.”Questions and Answers About the New RegulationsThe City’s Gulch Greenway Ordinance webpage does an excellent job of describing the new regulations and includes a Q&A section that describes the different types of permits required, the types of repair and maintenance on existing structures and yard maintenance that do not require a permit, and examples of wildlife-friendly fencing that will not entrap or harm wildlife.These regulatory changes will go into effect 30 days from the date of adoption, on August 14, 2025. For more info, visit https://www.eurekaca.gov/954/Gulch-Greenway-Ordinance.Click here to join our email list for bay-related news and action alerts. Eureka Adopts Rules Protecting Gulches and Greenways
On July 15, the Eureka City Council adopted the Gulch Greenway Ordinance to protect corridors along streams and wetlands (“gulches and greenways”) within city limits. Until now, these Humboldt Bay tributary streams have had no protections outside of the Coastal Zone. In process for over 20 years, the ordinance protects water quality, wildlife habitat, and adjacent wetlands by establishing a permitting system that protects the integrity of urban streams and wetlands while allowing for compatible development. The Importance of Urban Stream CorridorsPoorly-planned development in Eureka’s gulches can lead to habitat loss, introduction or spread of invasive species, light and noise impacts to wildlife, and polluted runoff. Urban streams and wetlands also provide important wildlife corridors, stabilize steep slopes, and filter pollutants like sediment and tire wear particles containing chemicals that are extremely toxic to Coho Salmon. The protections in this ordinance will also increase the ability of gulch habitats to absorb storm and flood waters, which are likely to become more frequent and severe as the climate crisis continues unchecked. And as the climate warms, riparian forests are critical for maintaining water temperatures low enough for Coho Salmon and other aquatic species to survive. Click here for a map of the affected area.Origins of the Gulch Greenways OrdinanceFor over 50 years, the City of Eureka’s policies have declared the intent to protect these forested riparian corridors known locally as gulches that thread through neighborhoods and drain into Humboldt Bay. Eureka’s 1965 General Plan described the gulches as being “among the most important contributors to Eureka’s desirability as a residential community.” The City’s 1997 General Plan called for an ordinance protecting the gulches. In 2009, a draft ordinance was developed, but unfortunately was never adopted. The effort was revived in 2022, leading at long last to the adoption of the ordinance this year.The final ordinance incorporates key feedback from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which is responsible for protecting public trust resources like streams, wetlands, and wildlife, including plants. Many public comments were incorporated as well, such as an emergency approval process for removing vegetation required to maintain homeowners insurance policies.Cristin Kenyon, Eureka’s Director of Development Services, said she is incredibly grateful to the many community members who took the time to help shape this ordinance. “People wrote in, emailed, called, visited City Hall, attended public meetings, and invited City staff on site visits to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas,” Kenyon said. “I also want to thank the California Department of Fish and Wildlife staff, whose support, expertise, and collaborative spirit were essential throughout the ordinance’s development and adoption.”Questions and Answers About the New RegulationsThe City’s Gulch Greenway Ordinance webpage does an excellent job of describing the new regulations and includes a Q&A section that describes the different types of permits required, the types of repair and maintenance on existing structures and yard maintenance that do not require a permit, and examples of wildlife-friendly fencing that will not entrap or harm wildlife.These regulatory changes will go into effect 30 days from the date of adoption, on August 14, 2025. For more info, visit https://www.eurekaca.gov/954/Gulch-Greenway-Ordinance.Click here to join our email list for bay-related news and action alerts. 
