Letter - Humboldt Baykeeper seems to have lost its way as a positive force

Humboldt Baykeeper seems to have lost its way as a positive force
by Ron Fritzsch , 2/10/2006

Dear Editor,
As a marine biologist and member of Humboldt Baykeeper, I continue to be disappointed in the actions of Humboldt Baykeeper as reported in the local media.

I was duped into thinking that it was an organization that would be a positive force for Humboldt Bay. I soon found out that Humboldt Baykeeper is willing to collect money but does not involve the “members” in any way. The director does have a self-appointed advisory board that is “available for us to consult with from time to time,” according to the Humboldt Baykeeper.

Interestingly, there isn’t a single Humboldt State University faculty member on the board. One would think that faculty from disciplines such as chemistry, oceanography, and environmental resources engineering would be important to an organization concerned about water quality and contamination issues. Scientific input and peer review is the key to providing validity and credibility to statements and positions taken by the organization.

Additionally, Humboldt Baykeeper has acted in a manner opposite to what was indicated would be the case. Rather than being an organization that would help facilitate the identification, cleanup, and remediation of possible contamination, Humboldt Baykeeper seems intent on hindering the process by threatening lawsuits or making grandstand statements that appear to serve a need to gain publicity. The Humboldt Baykeeper had stated publicly that litigation would be the last resort after all attempts to work with the landowner to resolve identified problems had failed.

I have decided not to renew my membership in Humboldt Baykeeper. I recommend that others consider doing the same.

Ron Fritzsche