Target Trail and Boat Ramp

When Target began planning for their Eureka store, the Eureka Trails Committee negotiated with Target to include a section of the Waterfront Trail behind the store. An existing boat ramp (seen to right) was "grandfathered" in when historic use was demonstrated. This section of the trail was subject to a lawsuit filed by EPIC, which charged that the trail as planned encroached on the "ESHA" or Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area, i.e., mudflats. The Coastal Commission ruled in EPIC's favor, and so this section of the Waterfront Trail is not actually on the waterfront but is set back 100 feet. Target could have given up on the whole thing but stayed the course and even provided landscaping using native plants. Although short, this section of the trail is a wonderful example of cooperation and compromise to achieve a goal that benefits all.

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