Gypsy Mountain Threatened

The mountain where David “Gypsy” Chain was murdered in 1998 when an outraged logger fell a tree at a group of forest defenders is on the chopping block again. The Timber Harvest Plan borders the clear-cut where Gypsy was killed trying to halt illegal logging by Maxxam/Pacific Lumber, the same company who is gearing up for another round of destruction. This area includes an un-entered, old-growth area, a rich web of wildlife, and the massive tree named Aradia, where forest defenders were tree-sitting on the day of Gypsy’s murder. Forest defenders are once again residing in Aradia in order to defend what must never be cut. This tree is among the dismal 2% of old-growth trees left in California. She stands not only as a reminder of the forests that used to thrive from California to Alaska, but also as a reminder of the greed of Maxxam Corporation and their hostile take over of this county. Aradia is also a reminder to us all of Humboldt county’s law enforcement and forestry regulation agencies being deep in the pockets of Maxxam. It is no wonder that they have chosen to go after this hillside in order to sweep their corrupt shadows under the rug. Gypsy Mountain does not need another clear-cut, turning rich forestland into a dry desert, and Humboldt County mustn’t allow Maxxam to get away with yet another violation. To log Gypsy Mountain (which is THP 01-382 in their bizarre language) is a violation of the truth. The truth is that Gypsy’s death was not accidental, as Maxxam/PL claims, but murder in the name of corporate power and greed. The truth is that Maxxam/PL’s destructive logging practices are undermining the foundation of Humboldt County by destroying the forests as well as jobs. The fact that this THP was even filed, let alone approved, is a perfect example of Maxxam’s values and policies. Healing the wounds inflicted on the forests and residents of Humboldt County is not on their agenda.

Urge Maxxam/Pacific Lumber to withdraw Timber Harvest Plan 01-382. Call them up and let them know how you feel at (707) 764-2222.