Friends of the Eel River’s Position on the Cannabis Reform Initiative, Measure A

Friends of the Eel River neither supports nor opposes the Humboldt Cannabis Reform Initiative, also known as Measure A. The initiative offers several ways to improve cannabis cultivation regulations by bolstering existing regulations on cannabis operations to further reduce environmental impacts, imposing new caps on the number of grows, and limiting cultivation area. One important … Read more

Save the Date: Eel River Dams Out in 2028!

We’re encouraged by the progress we are making toward Eel River dam removal. PG&E seems eager to rid themselves of this liability-ridden project. It’s our job to make sure dam removal comes in time to save the Eel’s native fish. With your support, Friends of the Eel River will keep the pressure on PG&E and … Read more

Grant Funding for Habitat Improvement Projects Approved by Humboldt County Supervisors

On July 11 the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors authorized $543,000 in grant funding to 12 applicants for sediment-reduction projects in key salmon habitats. The Board also decided to, at a future meeting, allocate remaining funds to public works to complete additional high priority sediment reduction projects. This allocation is the final round for the … Read more

Trespass Cannabis Grows Polluting Surface Waters?

Trespass cannabis grows, those rogue operations of pot production on public land, often employ chemicals banned for sale in the United States. Past research has demonstrated that these chemicals have poisoned rare and endangered species like the Pacific fisher, Humboldt marten, and northern spotted owl. But what are they doing to our aquatic environment? Dr. … Read more

Cannabis Mitigation Grant Program Applications Due Oct. 31

Back in August the Humboldt County Supervisors finally approved the Cannabis Mitigation Grant Program that resulted from our 2019 legal settlement. This grant program designates funding from cannabis fines and penalties to be spent on sediment reduction projects on public and private roads serving cannabis operations in priority watersheds. After some initial spending by public … Read more

Humboldt County Board of Supervisors approves Cannabis Mitigation and Remediation Program

Cannabis growing in Humboldt County

For immediate release Tuesday, August 17, 2021 For more information: Alicia Hamann, Executive Director, alicia(at)eelriver.org Grant Funds Now Available through Humboldt County Cannabis Mitigation Program Friends of the Eel River (FOER) are pleased the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors has approved the Cannabis Mitigation and Remediation Grant Program. This program to fund sediment reduction projects … Read more

FOER comments Proposed Phase 3 Commercial Cannabis Land Use Ordinance

Mendocino Board of Supervisors 501 Low Gap Road Ukiah CA 95482 Submitted by ecomment March 21, 2021 Re: Proposed Phase 3 Commercial Cannabis Land Use Ordinance Dear Supervisors, Friends of the Eel River respectfully joins the environmental community of Mendocino County in urging you to find a better course for the future of commercial cannabis … Read more

Illegal Marijuana Grow Sites: A Stain on Public Lands

At first glance, California’s 45 million acres of public lands seem like havens for recreation and wildlife. But off the beaten path, away from the maintained trails and people, there is a different story. Some of these secluded areas are being overrun with illegal marijuana growing operations, resulting in degraded habitat and toxic trash that leads … Read more

Scoping Comments – Environmental Impact Report for Amendments to Hum Co Code Regulating Commercial Cannabis Activities

Tuesday, May 9, 2017   Humboldt County Planning & Building Department Attn: Steve Lazar, Senior Planner 3015 H Street Eureka, CA 95501-4484 via email to slazar@co.humboldt.ca.us Re:       Scoping Comments – Environmental Impact Report for Amendments to Humboldt County Code Regulating Commercial Cannabis Activities Dear Mr. Lazar, The following comments are offered on behalf of the … Read more

Backcountry Drug War

In the Golden State, dangerous drug cartels are growing pot on public lands—putting wildlife, water supplies, and outdoor enthusiasts at grave risk. Read the original article here and enjoy the spectacular photographs. In the gray half-light of dawn, eight figures creep through the dry pine forest near Quincy, California. Seven of them wear camo uniforms … Read more