4-24-02 - North Coast Earth First! Refutes “Eco-terrorist” Label

For Immediate Release:

April 24, 2002

North Coast Earth First! Refutes “Eco-terrorist” Label
Regarding Robert Manne’s comments to the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors.

Eureka, California – In light of recent statements made by Pacific Lumber management to the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, North Coast Earth First! activists are expressing outrage at being labeled “eco-terrorists”. Activists feel that such accusations are being raised as an attempt to obscure the actual harm that MAXXAM/Pacific Lumber is causing to the forests, watersheds and communities of California’s North Coast.

North Coast Earth First! has affirmed its continued adherence to a strict non-violence code. In response to Pacific Lumber Company’s recent allegation of terrorism, organizer, Josh Brown stated, “North Coast Earth First! has an impeccable fifteen year record of non-violence. In fact, those who have committed violence have been employees of MAXXAM/Pacific Lumber and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department and have done so against non-violent
activists.”

Regarding PL’s irresponsible and unfounded labeling of non-violent activists as terrorists, NCEF! activist Sara March stated, “It is a despicable exploitation of tragedy to try to make a comparison between those who would take thousands of human lives and individuals sitting peacefully in trees.”

Since the days of Judi Bari, North Coast Earth First! has gone to great lengths to promote a sustainable timber industry on the North Coast, whereas PL’s consistent policy of over-cutting without regard for their neighbors,
employees, or ecosystems has resulted in the loss of jobs and massive watershed destruction.

Many feel that this recent plea by PL directly contradicts the intentions of the Forest Peace Alliance. “I attended a Forest Peace Alliance event and felt it had the potential to open dialogue in an effort to prevent another tragedy like the death of David Chain, but I certainly don’t feel like I can have effective dialogue with people who have labeled me an eco-terrorist.” – Ash, NCEF! Activist