HUMBOLDT BAY

The North Coast Journal's Kim Wear talks with KHSU about this upcoming local election cycle and how it could impact cities like Eureka and Arcata, as well as smaller regions. Eureka's true ward system has changed the boundaries of many local candidates and voters. Voters can check out which ward they're in at the City of Eureka's website. Additionally, Arcata also has four local candidates running for seats this year as well as incumbents. 

Today my guests are Ted Hernandez Tribal Chairman of the Wiyot Tribe; Michelle Vassel, Tribal Administrator; and Tim Nelson, Director of the Natural Resources Department. They are here to talk about the return of Indian Island to the tribe, the cleanup of the contaminated former boatyard at Tuluwat Village, and the recent revival of the tribe’s World Renewal ceremonies that were interrupted in 1860 by brutal massacres. 

Aldaron Laird is a local environmental planner who has spent years thinking about how best to prepare the Humboldt Bay area for flooding, erosion, and higher groundwater levels that are projected in the next several decades as sea level rises. On August 7, he will lead a public workshop focusing on King Salmon and Fields Landing, which will be among the first local communities to face the effects of rising sea level.  

Joe Tyburczy is a marine ecologist with the California Sea Grant Extension who is studying the effects of eelgrass on ocean acidification. Joe and his colleagues are examining eelgrass’s role in reversing the effects of ocean acidification, which disrupts the ability to form shells in juvenile oysters and other marine life. 

In Wiyot country.  

LeeAnn Moore joins Jennifer Bell to talk about growing up eating traditional Wiyot foods.

Larry Oetker sits in his office which overlooks most of Humboldt Bay. He said he's excited to see the arrival of cruise ships in Eureka, which is set to occur, bright and early on Monday, May 21st at 6 a.m. in the morning at Schnieder Dock. 

"We came up with an organizational structure. We kind of planned this thing out," he said. 

This week's Charlando Con La Raza features interviews with an HSU journalism student and Humboldt Baykeeper's Latino Outreach coordinator. Through their distinct disciplines, Jose Herrera and Jasmin Segura talk about passion for community work.

Godwit Days is an annual festival celebrating spring bird migration in and around Humboldt Bay, an important stop on the Pacific Flyway for thousands of shorebirds, waterfowl, hawks, owls, songbirds. My guest is Godwit Days Media Liaison, Sue Leskiw.

Have you wondered whether it is safe to eat fish from Humboldt Bay? Humboldt Baykeeper has been testing mercury levels in local fish with today’s guest, fisheries consultant Ross Taylor.

Grace Brosnahan from North Bay Shellfish joins Jennifer Bell to discuss healthy oyster production in Humboldt Bay.

Friends of the Dunes' Education Manager Suzie Fortner describes the incredible diversity of local bay and dune ecosystems that Friends of the Dunes works to conserve through community supported education and stewardship programs. One such program is the Coastal Naturalist Training, a 6-week course from September 7 to October 15. Evening lectures and weekend field trips are led by local experts and cover a variety of topics including dune geology, botany, animal tracking, cultural history, marine ecology, and ecological restoration.   

Naturalist Ken Burton highlights this season's magnificent shorebird migration along Humboldt Bay. 

https://soundcloud.com/sound_ecology

Wildlife Biologist Gretchen O'Brien highlights the tens of thousands of migratory shorebirds that rely on Humboldt Bay. She includes tips for best times of the day to enjoy the spectacle of shorebirds at the Arcata Marsh.

  https://soundcloud.com/sound_ecology

How does Humboldt Bay juggle its roles as a working waterfront, a recreational attraction, a cultural area, hunting ground, and wildlife habitat?

Outgoing Harbor Commissioner Mike Wilson talks to Jennifer Kalt, Director of Humboldt Baykeeper, about his time with the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation, and Conservation District. 

The EcoNews Report is presented by the Northcoast Environmental Center.