The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced the closure of the Ocean Ranch Unit within the Eel River Wildlife Area as habitat restoration work intensifies there with the use of heavy equipment. The unit is being closed to all public access for safety effective Monday, July 11, 2022, through the end of the year.
Located in Humboldt County near the community of Loleta, the Ocean Ranch Unit is in the final stages of an 850-acre restoration project to benefit native plant, fish and wildlife species and greatly improve public access and enjoyment of the property by establishing a formal trail system, improving parking, building a launch for kayaks and canoes, and installing interpretive signage, among other features.
Current restoration efforts are being overseen by Ducks Unlimited and carried out by McCullough Construction Inc. Construction crews will be working six days a week through the end of the year when the project is expected to be completed and reopened to full public access.
Media Contacts:
Shawn Fresz, CDFW Northern Region, (707) 601-6281
Peter Tira, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858