Eureka City Council advances Gulch Greenway ordinance to protect wetlands and enhance housing

In a recent Special Eureka City Council meeting, officials discussed the ongoing efforts to establish a Gulch Greenway ordinance aimed at preserving the city's natural landscapes while addressing housing needs. The meeting featured a presentation by consultant Ben Noble, who is assisting the city in this initiative.

The Gulch Greenway refers to vegetated areas surrounding valleys and ravines that play a crucial role in the local ecosystem, including wetlands and watercourses that flow into Humboldt Bay. These green corridors are visually prominent in aerial views of Eureka but are challenging to map accurately. The proposed regulations will focus on areas outside the coastal zone within the city, specifically targeting Cooper Gulch and Martin Slough, which are vital for drainage and environmental health.

The impetus for this planning effort stems from the city's general plan, which mandates the development of preservation and management guidelines for these greenways. Currently, the inland zoning code lacks specific protections for wetlands and riparian habitats, leaving them vulnerable to development. Over 75% of the land in these gulches is privately owned and predominantly zoned for residential use, which complicates efforts to implement environmental safeguards.

In 2022, the city initiated the process of drafting a Gulch Greenway ordinance, conducting public workshops and surveys to gather community input. The draft ordinance has since undergone review by various commissions, and city staff, alongside Noble, are working on revisions with the goal of presenting an updated draft to the council in early 2025.

A key challenge highlighted during the meeting is balancing the preservation of natural spaces with the need for housing development. Many of the remaining vacant sites suitable for housing are located within the Gulch Greenways, making it essential to find a compromise that meets both environmental and housing goals.

As the city moves forward with this ordinance, the discussions underscore the importance of sustainable development practices that protect the environment while addressing the community's housing needs. The council's commitment to revising the ordinance reflects a proactive approach to urban planning that considers both ecological integrity and growth.