The City of Eureka continues to move forward on its controversial plan to construct a business loop through the Eureka Marsh, and in June awarded $40,000 to the City Engineering Department to survey the section of the road that would cross this wetland habitat. As reported in the last issue of Wild California, this road would cut a 110-foot-wide swath through saltwater, brackish, and freshwater wetlands of Humboldt Bay.

The City of Eureka promised to restore this wetland ecosystem and provide public access to it when the Coastal Conservancy gave the City the money to purchase the Eureka Marsh more than fifteen years ago. The City has not lived up to these obligations, and is long overdue in reporting to the Coastal Commission on its actions relating to the Eureka Marsh. The City only gave lip service to these commitments at its June meeting, and then quickly proceeded with its plans to construct the business bypass.

EPIC and concerned citizens are demanding protection for the Eureka Marsh, but need help in seeing this vision achieved. Please call or write the California Coastal Commission and let them know that you are outraged that the City is failing to carry out its contractual obligations, and that you believe its plan to pave the Eureka Marsh is directly opposed to its commitment to protect this wetland ecosystem.

Contact:
Paul Morabito, Chair
California Coastal Conservancy
11th Floor, 1330 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612
510-286-4165