The last issue of the MEC Newsletter (Winter 2001) included an article by Lang Russel titled "MRC CertifiedÑWhat Now?", concerning the sustainable forestry label "awarded" to Mendocino Redwood Company last fall by affiliates of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The gist of this article was that MRC's certification was based largely on promises of future reformsÑthat the company's past and present forest practices do not warrant certification, and that in certifying MRC the FSC has seriously compromised the credibility of the sustainable forestry movement.
MRC, principally owned and controlled by the multi-billionaire Fisher family of the Gap clothing empire, responded by asking us to print letters by two of its employees, stating in a cover letter that the company doesn't know how else to defend itself. One of these letters is printed below. The other was quite lengthy and was signed with the pseudonym "Ima Cruiser" (cruiser is a moniker for someone who inventories trees in forests); its substantive points have been summarized in the rebuttal by Lang Russel that follows.
Dear MEC,
Thank you Mendocino Environmental Center for donating your valuable unpaid time to providing our community with environmental, social justice, health, equality and a whole range of other social cause information which may not always be made public. Since the MEC is the only major publication in this county focused on this cause it is very important it remains a trustworthy and reliable source for environmental/ecology information issues. The community must work together in these crucial times to make sure the best possible sustainable and just solutions for our community are attained. The only way a community can be strong is by being supportive to all its members. Being an environmentalist myself and a member of the Green Party I understand the love, compassion, support, cooperation, consideration, attention, listening (to people, the earth, and spiritual beings) and believing in the vision is all necessary to manifest all positive activities into action. The time of anger should be left behind with Redwood Summer. Together this community is evolving into a more positive and effective group of accomplished individuals. Let's continue this powerful force.
In the MEC Newsletter (Winter 2001) Forest News article there were many disturbing untruths. On MRC's website (www.mrc .com), there is information about how there will be an immediate 90% reduction in the use of Garlon on the property, beginning in 2001. This will be followed up with the ultimate exclusion of Garlon on the property. The photo of the clear-cut in Albion that keeps coming up has to be put away. The photo is real, yes, but it happened in 1998, when MRC was just a brand new company. In order to make a smooth transition it was necessary to not completely halt company business right in the beginning. This means that old LP plans had to be finished up. No, it was not part of the vision of MRC but all of us have to do things that are not in our vision sometimes in order to get to a better place. Clearcuts are no longer a part of MRC forestry. Variable retention and rehabilitation harvests are done, yes, but the foresters here are careful about when they are using these, and they are only used when it benefits the forest. If you see a bad one of these, please photograph it, but don't mislead the public by putting up an old Albion clear-cut from 1998 which implies that is what MRC is doing in 2001, when it is not true. Truth is part of what is important to all of us and in order to come together on any agreement we just begin with the truth and from there work out any problems.
Also in the article statements are made about MRC's certification through FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). The certification process in a forest is different than CCOF's (California Certified Organic Food Act, of 1990) certification process. Eventually the forests will be without use of any chemicals at all. In order to get the forest to 100% selection forestry the forest must first be transitioned to a forest that is suited for selection forestry. You cannot perform selection forestry in a clearcut which has been taken over by tan oak. Once the tan oak population is brought back to its normal level, then selection forestry can take place. Organic food standards are based on the fact that the food growing industry has a relatively short cycle. The forest grows a lot slower than tomatoes so it has a different set of standards based on that longer cycle. By the time we get to our second cycle (actually well before), we will no longer be using chemicals.
MRC is very adamant about restoration on the property and will continue to be. MRC is doing things no other timber company this large in size has ever done. Hopefully, MEC and the Mendocino County community will recognize these positive aspects of the company. If we are nice to each other both sides will benefit. Remember the less money spent on lawsuits equals more money available for restoration projects. Let's put the environment before our egos. It is about the trees after all, not our pride.
MRC is very open about people viewing the property so come out and take photos of the current forestry being practiced on MRC land. If there is something that can be done to make forestry on MRC less damaging to the environment come in and talk to someone at MRC. There are many different personalities at MRC which is one of the wonderful things about the company and a real family feel (for every type of family). Tours are available for you to get more comfortable with the company which will make it even easier for someone to decide who they want to discuss environmental and forestry type issues with. From there let's work something out. Let's make our community go down in history as being the first community to harmoniously balance the differences between timber and environmentalism. Remember at one time people thought airplanes were a ridiculous idea? Let's prove them all wrong. Here in Mendocino County we can accomplish the impossible.
Dana Frownfelter, Forestry Tech., Certified Arborist, Mendocino Redwood Company, Calpella
(dated March 5, 2001)
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2001
Permission granted to excerpt or use this article if source is cited