“With your vote we can move forward to make a prosperous and healthy Humboldt Bay for this, and future generations to enjoy”
Higgins’ proven business and fisheries experience will bring real balance to the District.
I am fortunate to have lived most of my life in Humboldt County. For over 30 years I have been a successful small business owner, project manager and fisheries professional creating numerous living wage jobs. I believe in active public service and have long history of participation on many boards and advisory committees of government agencies and non-profit organizations.
As your commissioner, I’ll strive to bring a realistic and balanced voice to the District. By truly taking in to account the commercial, recreational and conservation elements of Humboldt Bay I believe that the District can help create a sustainable working port that is vital to our economy while protecting the environment and preserving our quality of life. I will also work to increase recreational opportunities through the development of a bay trial system and increase the District’s role in restoring Humboldt Bay’s ecosystem and cleaning up sources of pollution.
Port Development
I will work to expand infrastructure to support local shipping needs that are both feasible and desirable. Any development on Humboldt Bay must be done in a way as to protect the environment and our quality of life.
Economic Development
I will actively promote a diversity of sustainable economic opportunities around Humboldt Bay that are realistic and achievable. We need a sensible and balanced approach to development on Humboldt Bay that helps stimulate the economy and fits our environment.
Bay Trails
I will make the creation of a Humboldt Bay coastal trail system a priority. This trail will be a great compliment to the Hammond Trail and addition to the California Coastal Trail. Combined with the water trail for boaters, this will help stimulate our economy by attracting visitors and will promote a healthy lifestyle for ourselves.
Clean Up Pollution
In order to protect our fishing and aquaculture industries District should begin to address pollution issues in Humboldt Bay. I will work to increase in the District’s role in working with the various agencies to clean up pollution sources and restore the Bay’s health.
Improved Fishing Access
As an avid fisherman, I will work hard to promote improved recreational fishing access around Humboldt Bay with improvements such as launching facilities, fish cleaning stations, and clean restrooms.
Humboldt Bay Restoration
I will bring my experience as a fisheries professional to actively work for re-connecting watersheds and wetlands to Humboldt Bay, improving fish passage and adding to natural productivity. Such restoration will create jobs, maintain and enhance fish populations, and sustain recreational and commercial fishing.
Increased Inter-Agency Cooperation
I will bring my extensive experience with various state and federal funding and permitting agencies to increase the available opportunities to bring funding to our area for commercial, recreational and conservation projects to benefit us all.
Local Control
Like so many of us, I was concerned about the recent proposal to develop liquid natural gas (LNG) terminal in the Bay and its impact on fishing access, community safety and environmental issues. I work hard to ensure that our community has the right to determine what development is the best fit for Humboldt Bay.
Fisheries and Aquaculture
I will actively promote the diversification and enhancement of our productive aquaculture and fishing industries.
Marine Life Protection Act
Any MLPA proposal for must be based on the best science available and guarantee improvement of fish populations and amount of fish available for harvest.
