The 2024 application period is now open for the Humboldt County Agricultural Access Pass Program. Agricultural producers are encouraged to apply now for an Agricultural Access Pass before the next emergency strikes.
The pass, which must be renewed annually, allows qualifying agricultural producers and/or livestock operators to gain entrance to evacuation zones, or other restricted areas to provide feed, water, veterinary or other care to livestock, irrigate crops, fuel emergency generators or provide support to peace officers and emergency personnel. Activities not currently allowed through this program include harvesting or sowing crops, food processing, and facility repairs.
“Humboldt County has been impacted by evacuation-triggering wildfire every year for the past four years, often impacting our most rural communities,” Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal said. “These evacuations can create devastating impacts on an agriculture business, however, this program provides a pathway for agricultural business owners and ranchers to maintain their livelihood while emergency responders work to make our communities safe.”
Due to requirements under California Assembly Bill 1103 (AB 1103), Agricultural Access Pass Program applicants must now complete a wildfire behavior training prior to submitting their application. This training and the application form can be found online on the Agriculture Access Pass Program webpage. For more information on AB 1103, please visit California's AB 1103 webpage.
Agricultural producers and commercial livestock owners must complete the required training and submit their application to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) by Tuesday, December 31, 2024, for verification and enrollment into the Agricultural Access Pass Program. Once enrolled, the participant will be issued a personalized pass, which, based upon safety conditions and incident status, may be used to gain entrance into an evacuation zone or other restricted area for an approved activity.
How it Works
The passes will be administered and approved through county OES, in partnership with the county Agricultural Commissioner’s Office and the Planning & Building Department. The pass is issued to an individual, not a business or LLC. Once issued an access pass, agricultural producers with operations located within a declared evacuation zone must notify county OES or the county Agricultural Commissioner’s Office of their interest in accessing their pass-designated property. Authorization to enter restricted zones will be given daily and decided in conjunction with the designated Incident Commander and based upon the emergency conditions. The pass holder will be notified of approval or denial to enter restricted zones on a daily basis during emergencies.
Following notification, pass holders can access their property through a law enforcement checkpoint during daylight hours. Only individuals who have taken the required training and been issued an approved access pass may enter restricted areas, non-pass holders cannot accompany pass holders onto their property. The Agricultural Access Pass does not grant authority to the pass holder to stay at their residence and/or business when an evacuation order is issued.
The access passes will be valid through Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
Humboldt County residents can learn more about the Agricultural Access Pass Program and apply at humboldtsheriff.org/oes.
Be Prepared
All Humboldt County residents are encouraged to prepare now for an emergency by assembly an emergency supply kit and creating a family communication plan. Residents should also be sure to “Know Your Zone,” by checking your designated evacuation zone at protect.genasys.com. Should an evacuation occur in your community, OES will use your evacuation zone name when announcing evacuation orders.
To ensure you receive the most up-to-date information and emergency alerts, sign up for Humboldt ALERT, Humboldt County’s emergency alert system.