Arcata Community Forest facts for kids
The Arcata Community Forest is a special park and forest area in Arcata, California, United States. It's a place where people can enjoy nature, learn about trees, and see wildlife. The city of Arcata owns and manages this forest, making sure it stays healthy for everyone.
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About the Arcata Community Forest
The Arcata Community Forest was started in 1955. It began with six different areas of forest land. These areas were brought together to form one large, continuous forest owned by the city.
This forest is mainly made up of second-growth coast redwood trees. "Second-growth" means these trees grew after the original, very old trees were harvested. The main part of the forest covers about 793 acres (3.2 km²).
Over 50 years, the city bought more land to add to the forest. In 2006, the 171-acre (0.69 km²) Sunny Brae Forest joined the Community Forest. The city also manages the 1,200-acre (4.9 km²) Jacoby Creek Forest. In total, Arcata owns about 2,134 acres (8.6 km²) of forest land.
What the Forest is Used For
Before 1964, the Arcata Community Forest was used to supply drinking water for the city. Water came from creeks like Gannon Creek and Preston Creek. In the past, fish like steelhead and salmon lived in these creeks.
Today, the forest is used for many important things:
- Education: It's a living classroom where people can learn about nature.
- Recreation: It's a great place for outdoor activities.
- Wildlife Habitat: It provides a home for many animals and plants.
- Sustainable Timber Harvesting: Trees are carefully harvested in a way that keeps the forest healthy for the future.
Many of Arcata's small streams begin in the Arcata Community Forest. These are called "headwaters."
Protecting and Managing the Forest
In 1979, the people of Arcata voted for the "Forest Management and Parkland Initiative." This was a big step! The Arcata Community Forest became the first municipal forest in the U.S. to be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. This certification means the forest is managed in a way that is good for the environment and for people.
The goal of this initiative was to manage the forest responsibly for a long time. It also aimed to earn money from timber harvesting. This money helps to create and improve other parks in the city.
The forest earns about $500,000 to $700,000 each year from selling timber. This means the forest pays for itself! Any extra money is used to take care of other city parks and open spaces.
Exploring the Forest
The Arcata Community Forest is a very popular place. Many people enjoy:
- Hiking: There are many trails to explore.
- Birdwatching: You can spot many different kinds of birds.
The city works hard to keep the forest clean and safe for everyone. Sometimes, illegal camps are set up in the forest. The Arcata City Police and Environmental Service Departments regularly clean up these camps. This helps make sure the forest remains a welcoming place for all visitors.
How to Visit
You can find parking and the main trail entrance from an unmarked road. This road is located at the corner of Bayview and E 12th Street.
The Redwood Lodge is also located in the park. This building can be rented for events and activities. It has tables, chairs, and a small kitchen with appliances.
40°52′26″N 124°03′30″W / 40.87393°N 124.05839°W
