Mendocino Redwoods Need Your Help!

Mendocino's mountains are home to redwoods, doug firs, madrones, oaks and other trees. Several logging corporations have targeted the forests of Mendocino, Jackson State Forest (south of Ft. Bragg on 20) in particular experienced heavy logging in the termed "demonstration forest". The only thing demonstrated is how quickly and carelessly timber corporations can clear cut a redwoods ecosystem for profit..

While riding bicycle down to the Reclaim the Commons action in SF, i witnessed the results of heavy logging throughout the Mendocino forests, first on Pacific Hghwy 1 southbound from Legget (101) and later on the 20 towrds Willits via MTA bus. The region appears fragmented by timber roads with clear cuts on both sides, the signs claiming property ownership belong to the Mendocino Redwood Company (after Lousiana-Pacific) and Hawthorne Timber LLC (after Georgia-Pacific). Both L-P and G-P have clear cut the older second growth in the early 1990's, and most of what remains is young second growth. These regions have almost been entirely depleted of old growth trees. Another hit and run by the timber corporations..

The people of Mendocino are kind and generous, the above mentioned corporations are taking advantage of the local population similar to Maxxam/Pacific Lumber taking advantage of people in Humboldt. In regions where jobs are scarce, the destruction of forests is increased by short term profit of corporations after rapid clear cut blitzkriegs. The long term results are increased unemployment post forest devastation..

We really need timber corporations out of the forests. People rely on the forests for many reasons, salmon, trees, medicinal plants, etc. This means the forest needs to be healthy for the seventh generation, not just the current corporate masters who have invaded and damaged the forests for short term financial gain. Clearcutting takes more resources and employs less people. Carefully selecting trees one at a time actually would employ more people and sustain the forest over the generations. More biomass (leaf litter) from healthy old growth forests means more topsoil, more carbon available for young tree root uptake etc..

For people into political action, Sen. Wes Chesbro has introduced SB1648 to help protect what remains of the redwoods living in Jackson Forest..

BILL NUMBER: SB 1648 INTRODUCED

BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY Senator Chesbro

FEBRUARY 20, 2004

An act to amend Sections 4631, 4631.5, 4637, 4638, 4639, 4640,
4651, and 4653 of, to add Sections 4638.5 and 4639.5 to, to add
Article 5 (commencing with Section 4665) to Chapter 9 of Part 2 of
Division 4 of, and to repeal Section 4636 of, the Public Resources
Code, relating to forest resources.




SB 1648, as introduced, Chesbro. Forest resources.
(1) Existing law defines "continuous production" for state forest
purposes.
This bill would repeal that definition.
(2) Existing law defines "forest land," for state forest purposes,
as lands primarily suited to growing timber and other forest
products.
The bill would, instead, define that term as lands primarily
suited to growing forest species that occur naturally in the state.
(3) Existing law defines "forest products," for state forest
purposes, as including sawlogs, pilings, poles, split products,
pulpwood, bolts, bark, and other products.
The bill would additionally include mulch and nontimber products
in that definition.
(4) Existing law defines "management," for state forest purposes,
to mean the handling of a forest crop and forest soil so as to
achieve maximum sustained production of high quality forest products
while giving consideration to values relating to recreation,
watershed, wildlife, range and forage, fisheries, and aesthetic
enjoyment.
The bill would, instead, define the term to mean using a state
forest for demonstrations and scientifically designed studies
regarding forest resource management; maintenance and restoration of
forestland resources; education; recreation; and public enjoyment.
(5) Existing law defines "protection," for state forest purposes,
to mean protection of forest trees against damage by fire, insects,
disease, and trespass.
The bill would, instead, define that term to mean protection of
forest resources against damage.
(6) The bill would define "late seral," for state forest purposes,
to mean the stage in forest development that includes mature and
old-growth forests.
(7) The bill would define "management plan," for state forest
purposes, to mean a plan approved by the State Board of Forestry and
Fire Protection that provides direction to the Department of Forestry
and Fire Protection regarding management of a state forest.
(8) Existing law makes various declarations regarding state forest
policy.
The bill would amend those provisions to emphasize the variety of
purposes that state forests may serve, as well as the reasons for
which state forest lands may be acquired, purchased, leased, or
granted.
(9) Existing law requires the management of state forests and the
cutting and sale of timber and other forest products from state
forests to conform to regulations prepared by the Director of
Forestry and Fire Protection and approved by the board, as specified.
Existing law limits the sale of timber and other forest products to
raw materials only.
The bill would, instead, require those management and cutting and
sale activities to conform to all applicable laws, including
regulations adopted by the board. The bill would authorize the sale
of minimally processed products, in addition to raw materials.
(10) Existing law requires state-owned lands classified by the
department and approved by the board as not suited to the growing of
forest products, or necessary to the management of the forest, to be
sold according to state laws.
The bill would, instead, permit the sale.
(11) Existing law provides for the acquisition of demonstration
forests.
The bill would make legislative findings and declarations
regarding Jackson Demonstration State Forest. The bill would require
the director to establish a citizens' advisory committee for the
forest, to facilitate communication, as specified, and an interagency
technical advisory committee, as specified. The bill would require
the use of an even-aged regeneration system, as defined by the board,
in the forest, to be minimized and limited, as specified.
Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: no.


Campaign to Restore Jackson State Forest website;