Candidate for
Commissioner; Humboldt Bay Harbor Recreation and Conservation District; Division 4

Maggy Herbelin Issues I am seeking the 4th District seat on the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District because I want to make a difference for our Bay. I am a community member who is very interested in our Bay and its ability to provide commercial, recreational and fisheries and marine habitat benefits to our economy. I will work for more inclusive and transparent processes for the community to give guidance to the district. Developing consensus will promote more cohesive planning.

The Humboldt Bay Management Plan will be used by the District to determine the Bay's future. The development of the Plan needs to have greater community participation. The Management Plan must be inclusive of all other plans that have overlapping jurisdiction and interests. As the Management Plan moves into the CEQA process I will work to have more community access and participation and to have all agencies, interest groups and governing bodies included. Presently the District has little or no active participation with other planning efforts that have overlapping concerns on the Bay. I think it is essential for the District to now become an active participant with other planning efforts. This involvement will provide more cohesive decision making for our community. We can only work together by planning together.

Presently there is limited physical access to the Bay. We need to do an assessment of appropriate areas to develop public access to the Bay and then work with the governing and private landholders to create sites for people to enjoy. I believe more recreational access to the Bay will increase stewardship, interest and caring of our Public Trust resources.

A trail around the Bay with destinations that provide a variety of uses
A place to paddle up for overnight camping
A restaurant or pub along the path outside of town
Interpretive signage areas to educate people about wildlife and fauna
A place to observe tidal action and learn about how currents and tides function
Areas for boaters to launch, anchor, land and picnic or camp
An interpretive birding area.

We need to realize the impacts that potential projects will have on our Bay. Although our Bay is the second largest Bay on the California Coast it is over 100 times smaller that the next in size. The bay is a nursery to many species; much of the habitat for these species is degraded and need restoration. We have invasive species that effect the native species ability to provide the habitat our native species need for their food chain. This is affecting our fisheries. We need to restore and enhance these degraded habitats in order to revitalize our fishing industry.

The establishment of an estuarine institute would create quality jobs for our community. An institute would continue and expand current studies of the unique estuary we have. Grants and endowments can be applied for to do the infrastructure development. Such a center would provide community education opportunities, monitoring of the bay, research opportunities and a data easily accessed by all.

For a sustainable local economy we will need new diverse and value added commercial industries During the last year The Humboldt Bay Stewards held a series of forums addressing the economics of the Bay. The forums helped the community understand the diverse uses of the bay and the needs of the various industries for sustainable futures. To reestablish a working port for the remaining fishing fleet and the limited shipping we will need other diverse and value added commercial industries. The District needs to be actively involved with the Prosperity plan created by local economic experts. As a commissioner I would set this as a priority.