BLM Requests Comments on Proposed Stream Improvement Project

The U. S. Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments on a proposal to improve fish habitat and contribute to the recovery of coho salmon in Baker Creek, a tributary to the Mattole River in Humboldt County.

Comments on the issues that should be considered in an environmental assessment will be accepted until Friday, April 27, 2012.  Comments can be mailed to Bureau of Land Management, 1695 Heindon Rd., Arcata, CA 95521, or sent by email to sflanaga@blm.gov.

The BLM is proposing to use logs and other downed wood to build stream structures that will restore channel and floodplain functions and promote increased groundwater storage over a 1,300-foot reach, said BLM Arcata Field Manager Lynda Roush.

The project would involve cutting a maximum of 24 trees up to 24 inches in diameter and using them to build up to 17 stream structures.  Downed debris from historic logging in the area also would be used. A BLM wildlife biologist and forester would be involved in selecting and cutting the trees to ensure the work improves the overall health of the forest stand and does not impact wildlife habitat. No trees over 80 years old would be cut.

The project on public lands southeast of Whitethorn would be built over about five years.

More information is available by contacting Sam Flanagan at the BLM Arcata Field Office, (707) 825-2319.

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