Humboldt Bay Harbor District OKs controversial oyster farming project. Reversing a decision from just a few weeks ago, the Humboldt Bay Harbor District last night approved a controversial proposal to expand oyster farming in the bay. Audubon California has opposed this project from the very beginning out of concern that the proposal jeopardizes the eelgrass beds and mudflats that make Humboldt Bay one of the most important places for migratory birds along the coast. Last night's decision was not the final step in the process, and we will be tracking developments carefully. Stay tuned ...

Restoring coastal sage scrub at the Audubon Starr Ranch Sanctuary. This is how you involve the community in protecting endangered and sensitive birds. Audubon Starr Ranch Junior Biologists recently gathered together to seed new coastal sage scrub on the sanctuary. These plantings by the road will not only help Coastal California Gnatcatchers and other native birds, but will also reduce the potential of fire spreading from vehicular traffic. Most fires spread from roadsides and travel fastest in the "flash" fuels comprised of dried grasses but less rapidly in shrub vegetation.

Telling the story of birds in Kern County. Audubon California Renewable Energy Director Garry George on Thursday joined colleagues from The Nature Conservancy, Defenders of Wildlife, and the Southern Sierra Partnership to advise the Kern County Planning Commission about how to implement conservation in its upcoming General Plan process. Energy development will certainly be part of that plan, and conservation organizations are eager to ensure that the needs of wildlife and habitat are taken into account.