The North Group of the Redwood Chapter of the Sierra Club opposes Trinidad Rancheria’s plans to build a 100-room Hyatt Hotel.

As proposed, the five-story structure, together with a new freeway interchange and overpass on Highway 101, would be a massive degradation of our beautiful coastline and its pristine wilderness values, from both a scenic and wildlife conservation perspective. We have serious concerns about the increased demands on the City of Trinidad’s modest drinking-water system and the local wastewater disposal system, with its limited local leach field, handling additional thousands of gallons per day. Nighttime light impacts from the existing casino would be exacerbated.

Economically, there is also some question of whether the North Coast region can support yet another large-scale casino-hotel complex. The scale and impact of this huge hotel are not consistent with the character of Trinidad, a “Gateway to the California Coastal National Monument,” as described by BLM, and would fall outside of stated policies of the Local Coastal Plans of both Humboldt County and the City of Trinidad.

Trinidad Head and Trinidad Bay draw thousands of visitors year-round, and the natural character of the local area would be harmed by this construction project and subsequent impacts. The proposed highway interchange and associated buildout would also further impair the bucolic nature of this relatively quiet neighborhood.

Given Trinidad’s special status on the National Register of Historic Places, and Trinidad Bay’s kelp beds, an Area of Special Biological Significance, and the continual retreat of Scenic Drive’s bluffs with its attendant road closures, all concerned parties must strive to maintain Trinidad’s unique character as we plan our future.

"The forces of nature that have created this breathtaking landscape also pose threats such as earthquakes, landslides, and interruptions of roads and utilities. Our Trinidad coast is a vital part of California’s coastline, a refuge for all from the din and disorder of the “civilized,” materialistic distractions we create in our built environment," said Ned Forsyth, North Group vice chair and former ten-year resident of Trinidad.