Press release from the Trinidad Rancheria:

The Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria (Trinidad Rancheria) is issuing this Press Release to inform the public of the commencement of construction of the Trinidad Harbor Stormwater Construction Project. Construction will commence on October 2, 2023 and conclude October 30, 2023. Contractors will be working on rock slope protection near launcher beach for approximately one week. There will be very limited closures of launcher beach while crews are delivering replacement rock and other delivery items; during this time we are asking the public to use alternate access areas identified in the attached public access map.

Contractors will allow boaters to launch kayaks and boats during all other times. Contractor will also be installing a small rain garden near the Seascape Restaurant. During this time traffic routes and walkways will be routed around this construction zone. Launcher beach will have no closures during construction of the rain garden. We are asking the public to be mindful of the alternate traffic routes and public walkways during this time for everyone’s safety. The Trinidad Harbor Stormwater Construction Project will Commence again June 1st 2024. Trinidad Rancheria will issue another press release before commencement 2024 to inform the public of construction schedules and public access routes.

Trinidad Rancheria purchased the Trinidad Harbor Property in January 2000. Since the purchase, the tribe has worked hard to mitigate hazardous waste and remove toxic materials left behind by previous commercial operations, and other sources of pollution such as used oil, hydraulic fluid, creosote and pollutants that affect groundwater and the Trinidad Bay. After first purchasing the property, Trinidad Harbor was identified by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) as in violation of the California Ocean Plan and the Rancheria began work on mitigating several discharges to the Trinidad Head Area of Special Biological Significance (ASBS), which is home to the unique and diverse kelp forest ecosystem.

Trinidad Rancheria has completed numerous projects to eliminate discharges and comply with the SWRCB discharge prohibition. Projects include the construction of the zero-discharge pier, public restrooms, and a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility and disposal fields. Trinidad Rancheria has also performed a number of upgrades to Seascape Restaurant, the boat launch, ramp, and hoist. In addition to infrastructure improvements, Trinidad Rancheria has also implemented best management practices for soil and erosion control, pesticides, and other chemical prevention; public education and outreach; trash clean up and handling; wastewater treatment facility operation and maintenance and stormwater runoff from parking areas and other developed features. Trinidad Rancheria will construct a series of rain gardens, bio retention swales, permeable pavers, linear drains, and speed humps to redirect and treat stormwater from the parking areas and developed features. This project will also include concrete mat to improve access to launcher beach and rock slope protection around launcher beach to protect the beach from erosion and restore the area’s natural beauty.

Trinidad Rancheria is building a Marine Program that will empower the Tribe to protect, restore, and sustainably co-manage the coastal environment and its resources to achieve healthy and diverse ecosystems, sustainable fisheries, economic viability, and generational prosperity. As Indigenous peoples, and owners of the Trinidad Harbor, we honor the inherent balance and interconnectedness of the ocean and coastal communities.

To learn more about Trinidad Rancheria’s Environmental Program, please visit this link.