The Humboldt Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation seeks your help.
Why are these blocks a problem? They're concrete on the outside, but styrofoam and fiberglass on the inside. When they break down, the foam and glass spreads across the beach and into the water. This is an obvious hazard to wildlife and the environment in general.
Where are the blocks located? Reports of sightings include Stone Lagoon, Mad River Beach, Manila Beach, Bunkers and the South Jetty. We're keeping notes on the Surfrider Humboldt blog and in the process of establishing GPS coordinates for all the blocks we can. Unfortunately, with high tides and large swells, the blocks are prone to movement or burial - some have even been sighted floating through the Harbor Entrance!
Who is responsible? At this point, no organization, governmental or private, has been willing to take responsibility. Because the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District's jurisdiction includes "all tide, submerged and other lands," we've sought help from them. Bay District staff did order the removal of four blocks around the North Jetty several months ago, but has been unresponsive since, despite repeated emails and phone calls.
What can you do? Express your concerns to your Bay District Commissioner and County Supervisors.
Div. 1 - Ronnie Pelligrini
Div. 2 - Roy Curless
Div. 3 - Mike Wilson
Div. 4 - Dennis Hunter
Div. 5 - Pat Higgins
Humboldt Bay Harbor Recreation & Conservation District
P.O. Box 1030, Eureka CA 95502-1030
601 Startare Drive, Eureka, CA 95502
Tel: (707) 443-0801
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors:
District 1 - Jimmy Smith
District 2 - Clif Clendenen
District 3 - Mark Lovelace
District 4 - Bonnie Neely
District 5 - Jill Duffy
Report your sightings (photos especially appreciated) in detail to humboldt@surfrider.org.
Humboldt Surfrider Treasurer Bill Hoopes will speak to the issue during public comment at the Bay District's meeting, Thursday, March 12 at 7 p.m.
Any questions? Email us at humboldt@surfrider.org or call Humboldt Chapter Chair Jennifer Savage at 267-8458. Let's get these blocks off our beaches!