NEWSFLASH! At long last, the Board of Supervisors is set to begin review of the GPU!

Hearings will be 1:30-4:30 pm on Mondays, with evening hearings added on July 16 and Sept. 17, 2012.

GPU Board Review Schedule/Topic:

• July 16* – Setting/Governance and Land Use Part 1: Growth Planning, Urban Lands, Rural Lands

• July 23 – Land Use Part 2: Ag and Timber Resources, Public Lands, and Land Use Classifications

• Aug. 13 – Building Communities: Infrastructure, Telecommunications, Circulation and Economic Development

• Aug. 20 – Resource Management: Conservation and Open Space, Biological Resources, Water Resources, and Energy

• Sept. 10 – Health/Safety: Noise, Safety, and Air Quality

• Sept. 17* – Maps and Community Plan Policies
  

           *Extended into the evening (6-9 p.m.)

A complete list of specific policies to be reviewed is available HERE.

To speak at a hearing, either sign up beginning at 1:15 pm, or get in line after the speakers from the sign-up sheet have had their say. To submit written comments, email the Clerk of the Board, Kathy Hayes, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to be forwarded to the Supervisors and staff.

For more info, visit Healthy Humboldt's webpage at www.healthyhumboldt.org.

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The Draft EIR on the General Plan Update has been released for public review and comment!

Comments are due June 15, 2012.

The Draft Environmental Impact Report is available HERE.  

The Draft General Plan Update as recommended by the County Planning Commission is posted HERE.  

Protecting Water Resources through General Plan Update

 Water Resources Element of the Humboldt County General Plan Update (“GPU”) addresses water planning issues, including river and stream water quality, stormwater runoff, groundwater management, water needs of fish and wildlife, water consumption, conservation and re-use methods, and state and federal regulations. The primary purpose of this element is to ensure that the County’s water resources are sustained and protected.

Humboldt Baykeeper recommends a General Plan Update that includes:

• Riparian and Wetland Buffer Zones that will protect fish, water quality, and wildlife corridors.
• Water Quality Protections that will reduce sediment and pollution in stormwater run-off.
• Floodplain Protection that will protect lives and property from storm damage.
• Focusing Future Development in areas already served by sewer, water, roads, and police/fire services.
• Better Land Use Planning to reduce further impacts to Threatened and Impaired waterbodies.
• Improvements to Public Health through policies that keep local streams fishable, swimmable and drinkable.
• Strengthened Habitat Protections to ensure that ranchlands, timberlands, and natural areas will remain open space while contributing to Humboldt County’s economy and rural character. 

The Healthy Watersheds Working Group submitted comments on the Water Resources Element of the County General Plan Update. Click on the following links to read the Healthy Watersheds Working Group's comment letter and detailed recommendations. 

You can also submit your comments in writing! For a little help, check out our water-wise talking points and sample letter.

Humboldt County's Policy Alternatives for the Water Resources Element are available HERE.

For more information, including an updated schedule on the GPU, visit Healthy Humboldt Coalition or Humboldt County’s General Plan Update website. 

Voice Your Support for Clean Water and Healthy Watersheds!

Humboldt Baykeeper encourages you to participate in the GPU process. Your comments and letters are critically important to a healthy future for Humboldt County. 

Submit comments to: