MATTOLE FOREST ACTIVIST BEGINS 30 DAY JAIL SENTENCE

MATTOLE FOREST ACTIVIST BEGINS 30 DAY JAIL SENTENCE FOR LOGGING BLOCKADE;

Protesters Blockading Maxxam DAILY to Protect Mattole Old Growth Forest

Yesterday, A Mattole Forest Defender was sentenced to 30 days in jail for protesting Maxxam/ Pacific Lumber’s liquidation logging in the Mattole watershed. Jemima Lamb, age 20, locked to a schoolbus in a prime backwoods intersection which leads to many Maxxam/PL logging plans. The Mattole plans are subjecting the land to clearcuts, old growth Doug Fir extinction, herbicide spraying, and cutting on steep slopes- in the most seismically active area of the country.

Ms. Lamb pled “no contest” to a misdemeanor trespass for her non-violent action. She was given an unusually harsh sentence for charges that commonly result in a $10 ticket or a 10-day jail sentence.

On the other hand, Maxxam/PL along with state agencies, California Dept. of Forestry and Dept. of Fish and Game, received NO punishment after being found guilty in 2003 of harmful logging for 5 years under an illegitimate and invalid plan.—The judge gave Maxxam/PL the go ahead to continue the mass deforestation.
Now forest advocates, including Mattole residents, believe that the once extensive old growth Doug Fir ecosystem will be fragmented beyond repair for hundreds of years. Activist Kim Starr explains, “Maxxam/PL is logging the Mattole at an explosive rate.”

In the early mornings before Lamb’s court hearings, Mattole Forest Defenders have been blocking logging vehicles with their bodies at two main entances into the Mattole. This morning, unthwarted by the heavy jail sentence for Lamb, activists staved off logging for over 5 hours. There were no arrests, however activists filed a complaint with the Humboldt Co. Sheriff’s after PL employees/subcontractors trapped in the protesters’ parked van and a PL employee tampered with the van so it could not drive.

Protesters believe that the unique and spectacular old growth forests and adjacent highland meadows of the Mattole are being destroyed for money, by corporate greed. In recent dialogues with Maxxam/PL subcontractors, activists have found that timber workers agree and feel “under the corporate thumb.”

Lamb, starting her jail sentence tonight encourages the community to “…remember the forest in all you do. Even if you do not participate in non-violent direct action, risking your body or freedom, it is crucial to do daily positive actions toward protecting our vital ecosystems.” Vigils and protests outside the Humboldt County Correctional Facility will be held during Lamb’s imprisonment.

Mattole Forest Defenders continue their action camp. To get involved and informed call (707) 825-6598.