Pacific Lumber may be land-sliding into bankruptcy, but its parent company – the Houston based Maxxam – continues to target endangered habitat for logging. The Marbled Murrelet – a fast-flying seabird - is an “old-growth dependent” species, and a large stand of ancient redwoods where they nest has recently been marked for cut.

The logging plan, called “Bonanza”, is open to public comment until July 8, 2005. Of the 249 acres covered by the plan, 192 acres are occupied stands for the murrelet. The Environmental Protection Information Center is requesting letters opposing the plan be sent to the California Department of Forestry. A sample letter is available.

Since the take-over of PALCO by MAXXAM CEO Charles Hurwitz in 1986, the forest – and the timber industry it supports – has suffered a swift decline. A recent report commissioned by the California Water Resources Control Board found that logging such irreplaceable areas would not deter bankruptcy. “...even if (MAXXAM) cut every tree they own, it may not be enough to pay back its current debts.” Maxxam continues to pursue logging in landslide-prone areas, in habitat for many sensitive, threatened and endangered species including the northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, and coho and chinook salmon. “Maxxam is driving Pacific Lumber and marbled murrelets into extinction,” said a long-time critic of the Texas-based corporation. Read more