Harm from Maxxam Logging Continues

Humboldt County, CA - Today marked the first flood of the season for Northern California’s Freshwater Creek and Elk River after a storm delivered 1.65 inches of rain in one twenty-four hour period. Elk River rose 11 feet in 10 hours, alarming residents who maintain a water quality monitoring station on the river. Historically, one foot per hour was considered extremely fast in this area bordering Headwaters Forest.

Multiple flood events per year have become the norm in these neighboring valleys since Maxxam Corporation took over The Pacific Lumber Company (PL) in 1985 and ramped up the rate of logging. Dozens of residents are suing Maxxam/PL for damage to their properties.

According to the Regional Water Board, the carrying capacity of Elk River is 40% of what it was in 1965. The main stem of Elk River now contains up to eight feet of fine sediment, most of which has been deposited in the last decade.

Only ten years ago, Elk River boasted gravel streambeds, deep pools and riffles – ideal habitat for spawning salmon. But that was before increased logging operations eroded millions of pounds of sediment into the streambeds.

Hundreds of residents near the Elk River are directly affected by flooding; either through damage to their property or loss of access after roads are submerged in floodwaters. Emergency vehicles are unable to get to residents isolated by floods, causing threats to health and safety. In recent years, residents have had to be rescued by the coastguard who uses helicopters and boats to reach stranded people caught by quickly rising water.

The California Dept. of Forestry identifies 97 properties in Freshwater directly affected by flooding.

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