Repairs to Humboldt Bay’s South Jetty Temporarily Restrict Access

Waves batter the South Jetty. [Photo by Laurie Jensen]

Facilities and beach access managed by the Bureau of Land Management at the Mike Thompson Wildlife Area, South Spit Humboldt Bay, are temporarily closed for public safety while repairs are underway on the south jetty. The project, being undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is continuing after being initiated last year. Work is expected to continue until Oct. 1.

The project will stabilize the jetty and prevent further degradation from storm surges and severe wave activity. Heavy construction equipment will move large rocks and materials across BLM-managed public lands to access the jetty.

Despite the temporary closure, there are still many opportunities for public access to the beach and wave slope using designated vehicle access corridors on the South Spit. Vehicles are allowed off-road on these corridors and the wave slope only. Vehicles are not allowed in the dunes.

“While driving or walking on the wave slope, we ask everyone to be cautious not to disturb nesting western snowy plovers,” said BLM Northern California District Manager Dereck Wilson. “It is important to stay on designated corridors and keep dogs on leash at all times on the west side of South Jetty Road.” Western snowy plovers are small shorebirds that build nests in the sand from March into September.

The BLM Arcata Field Office jointly manages the South Spit with Humboldt County and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Wiyot Tribe, the California Coastal Conservancy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also cooperate in management and providing public access. The area offers miles of Pacific Ocean beaches and access to the South Humboldt Bay State Marine Recreational Management Area.

More information is available from the Arcata Field Office, 707-825-2300.