For the past three years activists have sought to protect Old Growth on our Jackson Demonstration State Forest (JDSF), trying to work with forest management to define Old Growth habitat areas and functional connectivity between these areas across the landscape of JDSF. California Department of Forestry (CDF)/JDSF have always responded with the usual closed door approach, and/or given the "run around," and continued to cut Old Growth and spray herbicide poisons. In addition, trees are cut from our state forests to pay for Timber Harvest review throughout the state, and for Timber Harvest Plan (THP) preparation on the state forest itself, which can cost up to $15,000 (an obvious example of local corporate welfare.) CDF in Sacramento is spending nearly $1 million on a 100 year model of forestry in JDSF, although they have little information regarding the true composition and nature of the watershed. Due to such irresponsible forestry decisions and practices, the public has taken it upon ourselves to call attention to this mismanagement in order to protect remaining Old Growth Forest ecosystems.
Friends of Old Growth has solidly challanged and is currently holding up several plans on JDSF. Two years ago, we reduced a 928-acre plan, the Blendersaumschlag, to 228 acres. Last year CDF agreed to increase stream protection distances on helicopter logging plans. This year CDF/JDSF agreed to move the Camp 8 plan boundaries and exclude ten acres of Old Growth, attached to 20 more acres in a supposed reserve, after 100 people demonstrated outside CDF headquarters in Fort Bragg. We also made a presence at the The County Forest Council meeting of the Supervisors when CDF in Sacramento came to present their Sustained Yield Plan (SYP) for JDSF. A demonstration at Redwood Empire Sawmills in Cloverdale was held on June 9, 1997, one week after this meeting. Activists climbed to the roof with banners and met with company officials. Two days later, we received a personal call from Governor Richard Wilson. A group of citizens met with CDF officials in Santa Rosa to discuss definitions of Old Growth and forestry, in general. In addition, citizens and officials discussed civil disobedience and the establishment of a Citizens Advisory Council. Citizens also presented photos of JDSF, in order to provide CDF with a more complete and realistic picture of the watershed.
A broad coalition has formed to halt the economically-motivated forest practices in JDSF. This group includes local equestrians, activists and environmentalists from all over, Earth First!, Sierra Club, Woodlands State Park Association, and more. This broad spectrum of issues and interests share a common concern, specifically the Camp 8 sale, THP 1-96-464MEN, an area slated for timber harvest on the North Fork of the South fork of the Noyo River, six miles east of Fort Bragg. On June 25,1997, activists planning civil disobedience to protest this THP will meet with the County Sheriffs and CDF law enforcement. Immediately at stake is the future of a 4825-acre watershed, which is basically roadless, and 130 acres of Old Growth (30 of which has never been logged/virgin and a 90 year-old second growth forest.) This area is vital habitat for Coho salmon, Cooper's hawks, short-tailed frogs, spotted owls, and possibly a goshawk, along with ancient, 1000 year-old trees. Old Growth redwoods, Douglas firs, nutmegs, hemlocks, tanoaks, chinquapin, and grand firs are all found in this area of the watershed.
The spraying of herbicides that accompanies forest mismanagement will also be protested. Direct action is being planned to "stop the spray" and to defend the Camp 8 sale and any sale in the North Fork of the South Fork of the Noyo drainage or any sale containing Old Growth.
Camping is free in the State Forest for two weeks per camp location, and for an additional two weeks at a different location. Information regarding State Forests, as well as the Camp 8 sale is available at all Mendocino County Environmental Centers: MEC 468-1660, MCEC 937-0709, and WEC 459-4110. Many local beaches have free camping and a basecamp is forming.
The current sales become active July 1st, although the Camp 8 sale contract has not been finalized and approved by all parties, and never will be by the Public. Please come join in our efforts to protect our public lands in Mendocino County.
Update
On June 18th, a number of activists concerned about Jackson State Forest met with CDF Director Richard Wilson, and submitted their list of concerns and demands for Jackson State. On July 3rd, Richard Wilson replied to their concerns/demands. Typical of CDF, the response only addressed some of the issues, and the response to those was not adequate. Mostly, CDF is proposing to establish an Advisory Committee composed of all the "stakeholders" ( a euphemism alleging all those concerned are equal - which we know is ridiculous) to further address the issues raised by the activists. In essence, Director Wilson is proposing to "negotiate and cut" - so Earth First! is proposing to negotiate and protest. On July 8th and 9th the Board of Forestry will be conveniently meeting in Santa Rosa, and activists will attend the Forest Practice Committee meeting on the 8th to speak during their discussion of Jackson State, and will hold a demonstration during the full Board of Forestry meeting on July 9th, following which a "camp-in" will be held in Jackson State. Stay tuned, and call the MEC (468-1660), MCEC (937-0709) or WEC (459-4110) for further updates, and to learn how you can get involved.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 1997
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