City of Arcata release:

The City of Arcata Environmental Services Department is pleased to announce that the City recently closed escrow on a long sought after 49-acre expansion of the Arcata Community Forest.

The acquisition was made possible thanks to grants received from the USDA – Community Forest and Open Space Program Conservation Program, California State Parks- Habitat Conservation Fund, CAL FIRE Forest Health-California Climate Investments and local donations made to the Humboldt Area Foundation-Arcata Forest Fund.

The land was purchased from community member Cynthia Forsyth, and the land acquired, known as the “Forsyth” or “McDowell” property is bordered by the Arcata Community Forest on the north, east and south and Humboldt State University to the west. The City has had an interest in the Forsyth property for more than 25 years because of its common boundary with the Arcata Community Forest.

Of the acquisition, City Manager Karen Diemer said, “Acquiring this property ensures a continuous connection between Humboldt State University and the Community Forest, and it opens up more public recreation space for the community to enjoy.”

“We are grateful to Cyndi Forsyth and the Forsyth family for working with the City to ensure that this parcel remains an open-space redwood forest and managed as part of the Arcata Community Forest with public access,” added Mark André, City of Arcata Environmental Services Director.

The land is open to the public, with a newly rocked road and trail in place. The City will provide the opportunity for public input for the integration of the property into the ACF including forest management and recreational uses consistent with the City Forest Management Plan.

For more information about the City’s Environmental Services Department, visit cityofarcata.org.