Editor:

Sunday, Nov. 19, was a milestone day along the shores of Humboldt Bay ("The Envelope, Please," Nov. 16). The city of Arcata held its grand opening of the Humboldt Bay Trail North after decades of planning and difficult work.

The other milestone event that day was a reception for the Humboldt Bay Trail Fund to recognize the more than 200 founding donors who have helped to grow the fund to $211,000 in the last six months. The Humboldt Bay Trail Fund was established at the Humboldt Area Foundation as a way for private donors to assist in the continued development of the trail by focusing on the critical need for trail maintenance funds and matching funds for state and federal grants.

On behalf of the Humboldt Bay Trail Fund working group, thank you to the city of Arcata for hosting the reception at the Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center, Fieldbrook Winery for the donation of mimosas to celebrate, the North Coast Journal for including a donation envelope in the Journal the week before the event, and to so many community members who have donated in support of expanding and maintaining a regional trail system around Humboldt Bay for generations to come.

Now, momentum has grown for completing the final 4 miles of the Humboldt Bay Trail and you can be a part of helping to close the gap between Arcata's Bay Trail and that of Eureka. Help us reach our goal of $250,000 in the Humboldt Bay Trail Fund by the end of the year!

To donate to the Humboldt Bay Trail Fund visit www.hafoundation.org/humboldtbaytrail and for updates on trail progress to go www.humboldtbaytrail.info.

Carol Vander Meer, Manila