In March 2025, CalTrout, in partnership with the California State Coastal Conservancy, acquired 175 acres along the Elk River in Humboldt County. This acquisition includes four former ranch land parcels along the largest tributary to Humboldt Bay. Three parcels will be transferred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Elk River Wildlife Area for ecological restoration, while a fourth has been returned to the Wiyot Tribe, who have deep cultural and historic connections to this land
This acquisition is a critical piece of a multi-phase restoration effort along the Elk River, where decades of agricultural conversion and excessive timber harvesting led to degradation of the ecosystem. The full project will impact over 1,700 acres, including tidal wetlands, marshes, riparian and freshwater habitat, and native grasslands.The project will expand and upgrade public access on existing and newly-acquired public lands for hiking, hunting, birding, environmental education, and other outdoor activities.
