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Activists and Residents Speak Out, Rally for Rights, Trees & Reputation
Humboldt County, Ca, May 7, 2002
Activists demand retraction and apology from PL President Robert Manne.
Activists and community supporters packed the Board of Supervisors meeting today to speak up for their 15 year record of nonviolence in response to statements made by MAXXAM/Pacific Lumber's President Robert Manne made two weeks ago, calling its critics 'eco-terrorists' and asking for Homeland Security funds to quell future protests. Activists have demanded a retraction and apology from Manne. A statement was expected today but none was forthcoming.
"His failure to issue a clarification hurts his credibility", said forest activist Oak who attended the meeting and rally. "The longer he delays, the more his statements look like a smear campaign."
Statements from the two Freshwater tree sitters, Raven and Remedy, were read by local watershed residents. Remedy's statement outlined what the activists are fighting for: "an end to unsustainable clear cutting, herbicide spraying, the cutting of Old Growth and logging on steep slopes". She also emphasized the need to protect water quality from liquidation logging.
Eli Veerkamp, small business owner and Freshwater resident, brought out testimony by Sheriff-elect Gary Phelps at the Judi Bari vs. FBI trail in progress in Oakland confirming that North Coast Earth First! activists have always been nonviolent in this area.
Resident Kristina Hall asked the Supervisors 'not to bring the war on terrorism to Humboldt County'. All the speakers urged the Board to reject the call for Homeland Security funds saying that to accept the funds would be to falsely characterize the activists as terrorists.
After the Board of Supervisors public comment period activists gathered for a free speech rally on Greenwood Heights Rd. under the tree sits holding a large banner that read "Fresh Water Forever" and signs reading, "Water Quality Equals Quality of Life" and "Activists Make Banners not Bombs".
"Activists have been the real victims of terror" said River, "for example in Grizzly Creek where the largest Old Growth tree is currently being protected by tree sitters in honor of slain activist David 'Gypsy' Chain".
Activists and community supporters packed the Board of Supervisors meeting today to speak up for their 15 year record of nonviolence in response to statements made by MAXXAM/Pacific Lumber's President Robert Manne made two weeks ago, calling its critics 'eco-terrorists' and asking for Homeland Security funds to quell future protests. Activists have demanded a retraction and apology from Manne. A statement was expected today but none was forthcoming.
"His failure to issue a clarification hurts his credibility", said forest activist Oak who attended the meeting and rally. "The longer he delays, the more his statements look like a smear campaign."
Statements from the two Freshwater tree sitters, Raven and Remedy, were read by local watershed residents. Remedy's statement outlined what the activists are fighting for: "an end to unsustainable clear cutting, herbicide spraying, the cutting of Old Growth and logging on steep slopes". She also emphasized the need to protect water quality from liquidation logging.
Eli Veerkamp, small business owner and Freshwater resident, brought out testimony by Sheriff-elect Gary Phelps at the Judi Bari vs. FBI trail in progress in Oakland confirming that North Coast Earth First! activists have always been nonviolent in this area.
Resident Kristina Hall asked the Supervisors 'not to bring the war on terrorism to Humboldt County'. All the speakers urged the Board to reject the call for Homeland Security funds saying that to accept the funds would be to falsely characterize the activists as terrorists.
After the Board of Supervisors public comment period activists gathered for a free speech rally on Greenwood Heights Rd. under the tree sits holding a large banner that read "Fresh Water Forever" and signs reading, "Water Quality Equals Quality of Life" and "Activists Make Banners not Bombs".
"Activists have been the real victims of terror" said River, "for example in Grizzly Creek where the largest Old Growth tree is currently being protected by tree sitters in honor of slain activist David 'Gypsy' Chain".
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To:
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors * Pacific Lumber Company * Maxxam Corporation * All residents, human and non-human of Humboldt County
In an act of nonviolent civil disobedience, I am occupying an ancient redwood on Pacific Lumber property in protest of the destructive logging practices that continue, regardless of consequences suffered by neighboring residents, displaced timber workers, and the countless forms of life that make up the forest. It is in the spirit and practice of nonviolence, which has been an agent of celebrated change in our history, that I chose to defend the forest, and the rights of the people of Humboldt County, with my body and my voice. I am not acting as a representative of any group or organization, such as Earth First! or the Natural Guard, but of my own accord in response to the destruction and injustice being carried out against the people and ecosystem of this area. As a conscientious human, who values the health and rights of the Earth and people, it is my responsibility to resist and call attention to the ills that are plaguing Humboldt County.
I am advocating that we make the necessary changes to ensure the health and longevity of our community and our environment. This includes an end to clear-cutting, an end to herbicide spraying, an end to cutting old growth, and an end to logging on steep slopes. The quality of our lives begins with taking responsibility for the health and integrity of our environment. After numerous violations of the Clean Water Act, and the Forest Practices Act, I do not trust Maxxam/ PL or the regulatory agencies with this awesome responsibility.
The residents of Humboldt County are not having a mere “difference of opinion” with the timber industry. It is not a difference of opinion that wiped out homes in Stafford, and it is not a difference of opinion that is killing the salmon. The enforcers of liquidation logging need to be stopped from continuing their destruction of the ecological and economical base of Humboldt County, and be held accountable for the great damage that has been done. My concerns are as real as the rain flooding Freshwater homes instead of watering the disappearing forests.
I recognize PL’s allegations against Forest activists, presented to the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on April 23 to be a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation and fear for the purpose of avoiding real issues, and/or a critical symptom of the community’s dis-ease that has festered since Maxxam’s hostile take over of PL in 1985. In either case, it does not solve the very real problems facing the residents, whose homes are flooding with a new regularity, or the timber workers, who are being prompted to clear-cut themselves and the coming generations out of a job.
The only future for logging in Humboldt County is sustainable logging. To allow it to be anything else is to rob our children of the right to a healthy future. I advocate that we immediately turn to a method of sustainable timber harvest, and that restoration be made a priority, with preference given to displaced timber workers at comparable wages to timber jobs.
Water quality, and the impacts of logging should be monitored by a council of residents, who have no ties to timber dollars, and whose goal is a healthy forest with healthy waterways. The approval of every THP shall require an approval from this council.
Regardless of the strife and schism that Maxxam has brought to Humboldt County, our community and our environment can begin to heal if we collectively choose to. Open, honest communication with each other, along with critically needed restoration work, will solidify the foundation we need to re-build a strong and healthy community.
Mother Earth shall not be crucified for the debts of Charles Hurwitz!
To the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors and the Citizens of Humboldt County,
Hello, my name is Raven. I am writing to you from the branches of an ancient Redwood tree, named Everlasting Life. This tree lives on Pacific Lumber’s THP 01-451 in Freshwater watershed. I am writing to you to explain my reasons for risking MY life and freedom, by living in and protecting Everlasting Life. I am also writing in response to PL’s allegations that Forest defenders are “self-labeled eco-terrorists”. First off, I wish to assure everyone that my actions though deemed illegal are non-violent and based on the democratic principles of civil disobedience. I believe that it is one’s duty to try to stop harm and injustice when one encounters them. My actions may seem extreme to some. But they are based on respect for life, and my love and concern for the land and residents of this watershed. I would also like to state for the record that I am acting as a concerned and frustrated member of this community. I do not claim membership in Earth First! or any other group. I can therefore only speak for my actions. Most of my support comes from local landowners and residents who have been or will be affected by Maxxam’s liquidation logging methods in this watershed, NOT from “out-of-state environmental groups” as Maxxam would like you to believe.
In spite of the hard scientific evidence that shows Maxxam’s methods of logging have had adverse effects on the health and well being of both the residents and lands of Humboldt County. Also in spite of the countless legal efforts that residents, concerned biologists, and Forest defenders have made to get Maxxam to respond to the urgent need for them to use more sustainable methods of logging their lands. Maxxam continues to ignore and violate the rights of its neighbors and employees to clean watersheds, healthy forests, and a sustainable economic and ecological future.
PL has slanderously portrayed myself and other Forest defenders as terrorist, who have no respect for others’ rights, and pose a threat to the well being of their employees. The people I know who label themselves “Forest defenders” are some of the most thoughtful, loving and non-violent people I have ever had the fortune of knowing.
I have seen videos of Forest defenders enduring acts of terror at the hands of agents hired by Maxxam to remove them from protests on PL lands. I have never heard of one PL employee being harmed by a Forest Defender.
I believe that one’s actions speak for who one is.
I also believe that Maxxam, as it has many times in the past, is currently running a misinformation campaign, dreamed up by their public relations firm. In order to discredit its critics, and to take the spotlight off its own actions that are the root of this issue. It seems to me that it is a waste of the company’s dwindling financial resources that could be used to help the company transition to a more sustainable way of doing business.
Sustainable logging methods would allow PL to continue to provide its employees with a living without further harming the ecological health of the lands we all must live off of. As one of the largest landowners in Humboldt County, Maxxam has a responsibility to ensure that its logging methods don’t cause further damage to our already damaged watersheds and dwindling forests. To ensure that everyone’s rights are respected; not just the rights of a few profit-minded individuals.
Tree sitting is a last ditch effort to save the trees and bring attention to the harm involved in clear-cutting the land. I choose to tree-sit and risk my life because agencies like CDF and Water Quality have refused to act on behalf of the citizens affected by PL’s logging methods.
I understand the fear and frustration that both Mr. Manne and Mr. Bettis feel. I too have felt those same feelings towards their company and it’s policies. I urge them to open their ears and hearts to those who oppose them, as I pledge to open my heart to their views.
I urge you, the Board, to listen with open hearts and minds to both sides of this issue. To demand that those responsible for ensuring health and safety, act on behalf of the residents of Humboldt County, to protect their rights to clean water, healthy forests, flood-free land.
I urge you to help mediate and de-escalate this situation to ensure that everyone’s rights are upheld.
I also urge law enforcement officials to ensure that everyone’s safety and well being and rights are protected. Too much harm and death has come from PL’s past policy of dealing with Forest defenders.
It is easy to fear and hate those you don’t know or understand.
I urge Mr. Manne and PL not to take any harsh actions to remove Forest defenders from trees. I hope instead of reacting from fear and anger, they open their hearts and minds and take the time to get to talk to the Forest defenders. I think they will find we are not extremists who wish to stop all logging. I think you will find kind, caring, yet frustrated people who only want to better the quality of life for all residents. I hope and pray that in spite of the frustrations we all feel, that we can open our hearts and work together as a community to find solutions to the problems and issues we face. Thank you for your time.
Yours in love and peace,
Raven