  North
Coast Region CCA List
Distinct
temperature zones characterize the North Coast Region. Along
the coast, the climate is moderate and foggy, and the temperature
variation is not great. For example, at Eureka, the seasonal variation
in temperature has not exceeded an average of 63 degrees F for
the period of record. Inland, however, seasonal temperature ranges
in excess of 100 degrees F have been recorded.
Precipitation
over the North Coast Region is higher than for any other
part of California, and damaging floods are a fairly frequent hazard.
Particularly devastating floods occurred in the North Coast
area in December of 1955, in December of 1964, and in February
of 1986. Ample precipitation in combination with the mild climate
found over most of the North Coast Region has provided a wealth
of fish, wildlife, and scenic resources. The mountainous nature
of the Region, with its dense coniferous forests interspersed
with grassy or chaparral covered slopes, provides shelter and food
for deer, elk, bear, mountain lion, furbearers, and many upland
bird and mammal species. The numerous streams and rivers of the
Region contain anadromous fish, and the reservoirs (although few
in number) support both cold-water and warm-water fish.
Tidelands and marshes
in the Region are extremely important to many species of waterfowl
and shore birds, both for feeding and nesting. Cultivated land
and pasturelands also provide supplemental food for many birds.
Tideland areas along the north coast provide important habitat
for marine invertebrates and nursery areas for forage fish,
game fish, and crustaceans. Offshore coastal rocks are used by
many species of seabirds as nesting areas.
 Major components of the
economy are tourism and recreation, telecom and other high technology
businesses, logging and timber milling, aggregate mining, commercial
and sport fisheries, and agricultural activities including vineyards,
wineries, and sheep, beef, and dairy production
The North Coast
Region faces several water quality issues. The highest priority
water quality problems include contamination of surface water
due to nonpoint source pollution from storm water runoff, erosion
and sedimentation (roads, vineyards, and timber harvest), channel
modification, gravel mining and dairies, and MTBE, PCB, and dioxin
contamination. Ground water contamination from leaking underground
tanks, and health and safety issues from contaminated areas that
are open to the public, are also priority issues. |
