Big Lagoon is the largest and southernmost of four lagoons between Patrick's Point and Redwood Creek. At approximately 1,600 acres in size, it includes a brackish water lagoon and marsh. This is important habitat for waterfowl and Roosevelt elk. Waterfowl using the lagoon include pintail, wigeons, shovellers, scaup, and ruddy ducks. Grebes, herons, snipe and osprey are also found here. Steelhead and coastal cutthroat trout are present in the lagoon.
The property was designated as a wildlife area by the Fish and Game Commission in 1976, and adjacent lands are managed by State Parks and County Parks as part of Humboldt Lagoon State Park. Major land use around Big Lagoon is recreational and residential. Recreational uses are quite varied, and include fishing and sailing. At one time, a yacht club was located on the east side of the lagoon. Extensive road building and logging activities within the drainage has accelerated the rate of siltation, resulting in the reduction of marsh and open water areas. Management activities include creation of additional wetland habitat.
For more information, call the Northern Region Eureka office at (707) 445-6493.