Maxxam/PL's 4th SLAPP Suit & Cross-Complaint

Pacific Lumber Company is pursuing their fourth Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation(SLAPP) in the recent couple of years.

The first SLAPP suit was filed against those defending the Headwaters sacrifice zone, the Mattole. (see mattoledefense.org) Some 70 plus defendants exist in that lawsuit. The case is ongoing. A unrealistic settlement offer was proposed recently. No word as to whether that case is heading to trial anytime soon.

The Second SLAPP suit Maxxam/PL filed was against a few protesters from the "Hole in Headwaters" logging. The criminal charges waged by Carl flicking his fingers were dropped for lack of evidence. It is believed that Slapp #2 has been dismissed.

The Third SLAPP Maxxam/PL filed against activists was from a lockdown incident in the summer of 2002 at Maxxam/PL's corporate headquarters in Scotia. The rumor is that that lawsuit is expected to go to trial in April of 2003.

The Fourth SLAPP suit should be enclosed within this posting. The lawsuit has close to a dozen named defendants at this point. PL's attorney told the judge in chambers he is expecting more to be added in the upcoming future. A status conference hearing took place in closed session on 1-24-03. PL's tactic of excluding the public from seeing how these proceedings take place. Future court dates are unknow at this time.

Apparently the lawsuits have had the opposit effect of deterring people, as it appears activist continue the resistance. A dozen plus treesits exist in Freshwater, Grizzly Creek and the Mattole.

Both documents are in PDF format. They are the same documents that have been filed with the court except the removal of addresses and phone numbers.