New tidal marsh landscape coming to Eureka

EUREKA, Calif. — What used to be acres of pasture land north and south of Elk River will soon be an expansive tidal marsh landscape with trails and coastal access available to visitors.

The City of Eureka's Elk River Estuary Tidal Enhancement Project aims to address several environmental concerns, including sea level rise, habitat restoration, and invasive plant species. "We're seeing larger and larger storm events," Project Manager Katie Marsolan said. "So, [the project will provide] a place where that water can go."

Right now, the site is covered in an invasive plant species called spartina, also known as cordgrass. To increase biodiversity and help native plant species reclaim the area, crews are also working to remove some of the cordgrass, and ultimately, the goal is to eradicate it.

The natural biome being restored will also provide a suitable habitat for native animal species. "We do have some special status species," Marsolan said. "Tidewater Gobi are present at the site here, and some other Coho and salmonic species."

The area will also be home to recreational activities including hiking, cycling, and coastal access. "This site will have a new non-motorized boat access point. So, when high tide is in, and there's water in our channels, someone could walk down with a kayak or a canoe or stand-up paddleboard and have that boat-in access," Marsolan said.

Construction is expected to be complete by the end of the summer, after which crews will work on revegetation of the area with native species. The city will continue to monitor the site for five years.