Environment / Natural Resources

CHP, Sheriff's Office Upping the Enforcement Ante on Driving Around Livestock

by Kimberly Wear on November 14, 2019 at 10:04AM

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) are “beefing up” enforcement and awareness, working together to help prevent vehicle collisions involving livestock. Over the past year, the Sheriff’s Office and CHP have received numerous reports of livestock being struck by motorists.

County Sends Nearly 500 Cannabis Warning Letters

by Kelley Lincoln on November 12, 2019 at 10:28AM

Last week, Humboldt County’s Commercial Cannabis Cultivation unit at Code Enforcement sent out about 470 warning letters to residents suspected of unpermitted cultivation activity. As a result, consultants who help farmers through the permit process say they received multiple calls from panicky growers, with one saying in exasperation that the county has “carpet-bombed our community again.”

North Coast Night Lights: A Trail to the Moonset

by David Wilson on November 7, 2019 at 11:57AM

At its narrowest section the trail falls away alarmingly to either side. I admit that as I age, braving things like the edges of cliffs has become much less entertaining, particularly when the edge is mostly sand and the drop off extreme.

Gray Whale Found Washed Up on Agate Beach

by Kimberly Wear on November 6, 2019 at 3:20PM

But Goley noted the significance of trying to glean information from as many whales as possible — including the one found on Agate Beach — to unravel the reason or reasons behind this year’s die-off. “It’s important now to really know when a whale is stranded and to determine the cause of death if possible.

Update: Whale Euthanized

by Iridian Casarez on October 24, 2019 at 12:48PM

“We’ve been in communication with NOAA and other organizations around the country who have had experiences with stranded whales to weigh out every option,” Goley said. “It might seem like we are not doing much, but we’re thinking of what’s best and safest for the whale and people.”

Endangered Sea Turtle Recovering After Washing Up in Humboldt

by Thadeus Greenson on October 21, 2019 at 5:54PM

An endangered Olive Ridley sea turtle is recovering at a Sausalito veterinary hospital after washing ashore at Bunkers Beach in Humboldt County, hundreds of miles north of its home. Marine Mammal Center spokesperson Giancarlo Rulli tells the Journal that Donatello, as the adult female turtle has been dubbed, is currently receiving supportive care, which includes electrolyte fluids to help with hydration and heat support for hypothermia.