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Caltrans issues final EIR for project that will degrade Richardson Grove
A coalition of conservation organizations has vowed an "all out legal challenge" to defend Richardson Grove State Park from a Cal Trans highway widening project.
“This is a statewide issue and anyone who cares about the redwoods, the integrity of our state parks, and the rural charm of Humboldt County should weigh in to overturn this project,” said Kerul Dyer, Richardson Grove campaign coordinator for the Environmental Protection Information Center. “The final environmental report is disappointing and misleading, and despite a torrent of critical public comment Caltrans has not budged from its insistence on this disastrous project.”
Here is the latest news release from the Environmental Protection Information Center and the Center for Biological Diversity.
Photo courtesy of Richardson Grove State Park.
“This is a statewide issue and anyone who cares about the redwoods, the integrity of our state parks, and the rural charm of Humboldt County should weigh in to overturn this project,” said Kerul Dyer, Richardson Grove campaign coordinator for the Environmental Protection Information Center. “The final environmental report is disappointing and misleading, and despite a torrent of critical public comment Caltrans has not budged from its insistence on this disastrous project.”
Here is the latest news release from the Environmental Protection Information Center and the Center for Biological Diversity.
Photo courtesy of Richardson Grove State Park.
For Immediate Release: May 20, 2010
Contact: Kerul Dyer, Environmental Protection Information Center, (707) 834-3358
Center for Biological Diversity, Jeff Miller (510) 499-9185
Caltrans Releases Final Environmental Review for Highway Project That Will Degrade Ancient Humboldt County Redwood Grove
Conservation Groups Vow Legal Challenge, Seek 100,000 Letters of Opposition
GARBERVILLE, Calif.— The California Department of Transportation today released the final Environmental Impact Report for a controversial highway-widening project that threatens to degrade the ancient redwood grove at Richardson Grove State Park and could change the rural character of Humboldt County. The Environmental Protection Information Center and the Center for Biological Diversity today vowed an all out legal challenge of the project, and are seeking to have state and federal legislators pressure Caltrans to rescind the project.
“This is a statewide issue and anyone who cares about the redwoods, the integrity of our state parks, and the rural charm of Humboldt County should weigh in to overturn this project,” said Kerul Dyer, Richardson Grove campaign coordinator for the Environmental Protection Information Center. “The final environmental report is disappointing and misleading, and despite a torrent of critical public comment Caltrans has not budged from its insistence on this disastrous project.”
“Caltrans is hell-bent on a misguided project that not only threatens the fragile root systems of Richardson Grove's ancient redwoods but also opens the rest of Humboldt County to sprawling big box development,” said Jeff Miller, conservation advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity. “Caltrans needs to take a hard U-turn on this project or it will end up in court.”
The conservation groups are launching an action campaign to save Richardson Grove, seeking to get 100,000 comments and letters sent to Caltrans, federal Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, and to federal and state elected officials. The project is widely opposed by local residents, business owners, conservation and Native American groups, and economists as unnecessary and damaging to the state park, the venerable old-growth grove and its wildlife, tourism, and the coastal communities of Humboldt County.
Caltrans and certain business interests have attempted for decades to provide access for larger commercial trucks through the area, and in the past few years have pushed for widening the narrow, meandering section of Highway 101 through the world-renowned ancient redwood grove in Richardson Grove State Park. This park at the southern entrance to Humboldt County is considered to be the “redwood curtain” protecting the small communities of the north coast from blight and urban development.
Public outcry has so far protected the grove from development, but Caltrans and a handful of business interests have aggressively pushed for access for larger trucks. The final Environmental Impact Report for the project is available at http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist1/d1projects/richardson_grove/
The Environmental Protection Information Center works to protect and restore ancient forests, watersheds, coastal estuaries, and native species in Northern California. http://www.wildcalifornia.org
The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting endangered species and wild places. http://www.biologicaldiversity.org
Background on the Park and the Project
Established in 1922, Richardson Grove State Park was recently rated as one of the top 100 state parks in the United States, and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world every year to explore one of the last protected stands of accessible old-growth redwoods. It is here you first encounter significant old-growth forest when driving north, and this popular tourist destination has provided many people with a transformative experience walking through some of the oldest living beings on the planet.
The proposed spoiling of Richardson Grove and widening of the highway through the “Richardson Grove Operational Improvement Project” does not serve the region’s best interests and threatens the area’s environment, economy, and way of life. The Humboldt County Economic Development Program has used public funding for a misleading public-relations campaign claiming the widening and increased large-truck traffic are needed for safety and commerce and will benefit Humboldt County through falling retail prices, bolstering the local economy, and making travel into the county from the south safer.
Bigger trucks do not somehow translate to consumer savings, but do increase wear and tear on roadways and decrease safety for smaller vehicles. The widening would provide incentive for big-box retailers like Walmart and Home Depot to move into Humboldt County, to the detriment of local businesses. The reality is that this project has the potential to change forever a rural lifestyle cherished by residents of the North Coast.
Caltrans claims the “realignment” project is needed to safely accommodate large-truck travel, remove the restriction of larger vehicles on this section of highway, and improve movement of commercial goods. However, it appears from Caltrans’ own statements and signage that the portion of road for which this project is contemplated is currently designated for larger trucks and that Caltrans has exaggerated potential safety problems. The project was never identified as essential or a priority project in the numerous planning documents most relevant to statewide transportation by the California Transportation Commission or even Caltrans - such as the 2006 Corridor Management Plan for Route 101: Golden Gate-Oregon Border, the 2006 and 2008 State Transportation Improvement Program documents, or 2008 Interegional Transportation Improvement System documents. Caltrans has not established that this project is necessary for safety or for goods movement and the economy.
Advocates for the grove forced the agency to complete a full Environmental Impact Report, rather than the Categorical Exemption and minimal environmental analysis Caltrans originally tried to employ. Caltrans’ preferred project appears to be a predetermined decision taken in advance of the environmental analysis. Federal law prohibits transportation projects on public-park lands except in cases where there is no feasible alternative. Since smaller-sized commercial trucks already travel through the grove to deliver goods to Humboldt County, one feasible alternative would be to leave the highway as it is and retain the integrity of Richardson Grove.
The project is opposed by the Environmental Protection Information Center, Save Richardson Grove Coalition, North Coast Environmental Center, InterTribal Sinkyone Wilderness Council, Friends of the Eel River, Center for Biological Diversity, Bay Area Coalition for Headwaters, and Californians for Alternatives to Toxics, among others.
Contact: Kerul Dyer, Environmental Protection Information Center, (707) 834-3358
Center for Biological Diversity, Jeff Miller (510) 499-9185
Caltrans Releases Final Environmental Review for Highway Project That Will Degrade Ancient Humboldt County Redwood Grove
Conservation Groups Vow Legal Challenge, Seek 100,000 Letters of Opposition
GARBERVILLE, Calif.— The California Department of Transportation today released the final Environmental Impact Report for a controversial highway-widening project that threatens to degrade the ancient redwood grove at Richardson Grove State Park and could change the rural character of Humboldt County. The Environmental Protection Information Center and the Center for Biological Diversity today vowed an all out legal challenge of the project, and are seeking to have state and federal legislators pressure Caltrans to rescind the project.
“This is a statewide issue and anyone who cares about the redwoods, the integrity of our state parks, and the rural charm of Humboldt County should weigh in to overturn this project,” said Kerul Dyer, Richardson Grove campaign coordinator for the Environmental Protection Information Center. “The final environmental report is disappointing and misleading, and despite a torrent of critical public comment Caltrans has not budged from its insistence on this disastrous project.”
“Caltrans is hell-bent on a misguided project that not only threatens the fragile root systems of Richardson Grove's ancient redwoods but also opens the rest of Humboldt County to sprawling big box development,” said Jeff Miller, conservation advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity. “Caltrans needs to take a hard U-turn on this project or it will end up in court.”
The conservation groups are launching an action campaign to save Richardson Grove, seeking to get 100,000 comments and letters sent to Caltrans, federal Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, and to federal and state elected officials. The project is widely opposed by local residents, business owners, conservation and Native American groups, and economists as unnecessary and damaging to the state park, the venerable old-growth grove and its wildlife, tourism, and the coastal communities of Humboldt County.
Caltrans and certain business interests have attempted for decades to provide access for larger commercial trucks through the area, and in the past few years have pushed for widening the narrow, meandering section of Highway 101 through the world-renowned ancient redwood grove in Richardson Grove State Park. This park at the southern entrance to Humboldt County is considered to be the “redwood curtain” protecting the small communities of the north coast from blight and urban development.
Public outcry has so far protected the grove from development, but Caltrans and a handful of business interests have aggressively pushed for access for larger trucks. The final Environmental Impact Report for the project is available at http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist1/d1projects/richardson_grove/
The Environmental Protection Information Center works to protect and restore ancient forests, watersheds, coastal estuaries, and native species in Northern California. http://www.wildcalifornia.org
The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting endangered species and wild places. http://www.biologicaldiversity.org
Background on the Park and the Project
Established in 1922, Richardson Grove State Park was recently rated as one of the top 100 state parks in the United States, and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world every year to explore one of the last protected stands of accessible old-growth redwoods. It is here you first encounter significant old-growth forest when driving north, and this popular tourist destination has provided many people with a transformative experience walking through some of the oldest living beings on the planet.
The proposed spoiling of Richardson Grove and widening of the highway through the “Richardson Grove Operational Improvement Project” does not serve the region’s best interests and threatens the area’s environment, economy, and way of life. The Humboldt County Economic Development Program has used public funding for a misleading public-relations campaign claiming the widening and increased large-truck traffic are needed for safety and commerce and will benefit Humboldt County through falling retail prices, bolstering the local economy, and making travel into the county from the south safer.
Bigger trucks do not somehow translate to consumer savings, but do increase wear and tear on roadways and decrease safety for smaller vehicles. The widening would provide incentive for big-box retailers like Walmart and Home Depot to move into Humboldt County, to the detriment of local businesses. The reality is that this project has the potential to change forever a rural lifestyle cherished by residents of the North Coast.
Caltrans claims the “realignment” project is needed to safely accommodate large-truck travel, remove the restriction of larger vehicles on this section of highway, and improve movement of commercial goods. However, it appears from Caltrans’ own statements and signage that the portion of road for which this project is contemplated is currently designated for larger trucks and that Caltrans has exaggerated potential safety problems. The project was never identified as essential or a priority project in the numerous planning documents most relevant to statewide transportation by the California Transportation Commission or even Caltrans - such as the 2006 Corridor Management Plan for Route 101: Golden Gate-Oregon Border, the 2006 and 2008 State Transportation Improvement Program documents, or 2008 Interegional Transportation Improvement System documents. Caltrans has not established that this project is necessary for safety or for goods movement and the economy.
Advocates for the grove forced the agency to complete a full Environmental Impact Report, rather than the Categorical Exemption and minimal environmental analysis Caltrans originally tried to employ. Caltrans’ preferred project appears to be a predetermined decision taken in advance of the environmental analysis. Federal law prohibits transportation projects on public-park lands except in cases where there is no feasible alternative. Since smaller-sized commercial trucks already travel through the grove to deliver goods to Humboldt County, one feasible alternative would be to leave the highway as it is and retain the integrity of Richardson Grove.
The project is opposed by the Environmental Protection Information Center, Save Richardson Grove Coalition, North Coast Environmental Center, InterTribal Sinkyone Wilderness Council, Friends of the Eel River, Center for Biological Diversity, Bay Area Coalition for Headwaters, and Californians for Alternatives to Toxics, among others.
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-Update- 05-26-2010
Be prepared to camp. Here is a suggestion list of what you may need to make your stay comfortable. Keep in mind that the community will help you if you cannot afford food, shelter, etc. Scroll down to the 5-23-10 update for a list of needs for the camp out, we still need donations and supplies.
This is going to be fun, awesome, and inspiring! See you on Friday evening, just south of Richardson Grove State Park. Look for banners, signs and the group, you can't miss us :)
-Tent or tarp shelter((2) 4' X 8' tarps)
-Sleeping bag, rated at least 40 degrees(or warmer)
-Sleeping pad or blow up camp mattress(optional)
-Pillow(optional)
-Personal garbage bag
-Toilet Paper and Sundries(toothpaste, soap, etc.)
-Blissware(dish, cup, and utensils)
-Water(gallon size works great)
-Pocket knife
-Headlamp or flashlight
-Cordage
-Warm/hot weather clothing
-Wet and cool weather clothing(no cotton, wool is best)
-Lightweight and nonperishable "emergency" food(energy bars, bread, peanut butter, jelly, granola, jerky,etc.)
-Other food items, needs, wants, etc. Remember, sharing is caring :)
-Small day pack
One of the problems of "camping out" is bringing too much stuff. Please be prepared, but also keep in mind that weighing yourself down too much can be very uncomfortable. There will be plenty of available parking on site, auto camping is permitted.
There is to be no oppression or hierarchy at this event. However, please respect the opinions and views of others in their personal choices, such as keeping vegetarian and omnivore food items separate.
We are also asking participants to refrain from using medicinal "drugs" or alcohol at meetings, trainings, workshops and other group events. There will be plenty of time for that around the campfire. Camps and campfire circles will also have separate intoxicant free areas.
If you feel the need to imbibe or partake in alcohol or medicinal "drugs", please do so away from the events, trainings and workshops in order not to distract or detract from the importance of what the group is trying to achieve in regards to these crucial trainings and workshops.
Since this is an "open event", your participation is at your own risk. No one, especially the property owner, is liable or responsible for any injuries or damages during, after or from this event. Participants are required to pay a sliding scale admission fee of at least ONE PENNY and to sign a liability release before entering the property.
So many of you are asking "Where exactly is the location?" That's a secret... :)
The location is just south of Richardson Grove State Park. Just look for the banners, signs and people.
We'll see you Friday evening for setup. All are invited at any time during the event, so if you cannot make it for the entire weekend, please come check us out at your convenience.
This will be a fun, safe and inspiring environment. We can't wait to see you there! :)
-Update- 05-23-2010
Wow! We are getting such a great response from people wishing to help out with action camp by bringing food, supplies, skills, music, art and great vibes!
Here is a partial list so far. So much is being added as we get closer Friday the 28th. Remember, this is your action camp! So bring what you feel will make this experience fun, peaceful, colorful, inspiring, and above all important to you :)
Provisions and supplies:
What we still need:
-Water containers
-Tarps
-Buckets for dishes, etc.
-Dishes
-Food and donations for food(If you are a carnivore, that's great but please bring your own meat and grill!)
-Pots, pans, stove, grill(veggie and non)etc.
-Utensils
-Cordage and stakes
-Easy ups
-Toilet seats
-Used and unneeded 5 gallon buckets w/lids
-Plastic bags
-Solar Shower
-Extension Cords
-Firewood
-Large Dry Erase Board and dry erase pens and/or Chalkboard
-Easel
-Blankets
What we have:
-(1) 4 person tent
-(1) 5gal water container
-(3) tarps
-(2) buckets, 2 gal
-(2) 4 piece sets of camp dishes
-(3) 2 lg. pots, 1 sm.
-(2) cast iron skillets, reg.
-(1) free-standing 2 burner stove w/propane tank
-(1) lg. griddle
-assorted utensils
-assorted cordage
-dishes, utensils, pots and pans, tarps
Creative/Artistic:
What we need:
-Signs and banners(small, medium and large)
-Music and instruments
-PA system
-Portable power/inverter
What we have so far:
-lot's of musical equipment, including a couple of amplifiers.
This list of material needs will be update with your responses by email (humboldtforestdefense(at)gmail(dot)com or comments on this post.
Trainings:
This is an open forum. The following trainings and skills are being offered at this point. Aside from Non-violence and Direct action trainings, topics could be anything from gender related issues, non-oppression and group social skills, backwoods and canopy survival, climb trainings, water purification, herbs and medicine, CPR and First Aid, etc. ,etc....
-Non-violence and Direct Action Trainings by multiple trainers with different focuses.
-Climb Trainings and "The Ropes"
-First Aid
-Backwoods and Ground Support
-Edible and Medicinal local Herbs and Mushrooms
-Spirituality
-Cooking for Groups
-Singing and Dancing
-Art and Face Painting
My vision is for everyone to take a lead in bringing their own knowledge and experiences to each training that inspires them, to be taught by single individuals or groups, in which individuals in the audience may interact with questions and additional info in the standard stack method. Trainings will be scheduled daily in the AM after breakfast circle and/or as to trainer's availability. NO ONE will be talked over, oppressed, undervalued or discouraged. The goal is to encourage positive behavior, and address negative behavior and disruptions as a group pro actively.
We all need to keep the vibe safe, peaceful, positive and inspiring. All of us are on "Vibe Patrol".
I'm completely open to your suggestions on this, and invite trainers to basically do their own thing in their own unique style. That is truly our strength and I feel that ANYONE can and should volunteer to train on any subject relevant to, well... pretty much everything that interests you about this campaign, social issues and forest defense.
A schedule will be circulated by email(humboldtforestdefense(at)gmail(dot)com after your responses, so trainers please list your availability between the dates May 28th-30th and whether or not your training is time or day sensitive.
This is a very exciting moment for all of us! This will be a great opportunity to come together and share our passion for the ancient redwoods that make the Redwood Curtain. This is non-exclusive. All are invited. It's time to come in peace and share our similarities, for which you will find are not rarities :)
For the Trees always!
Jeff
Be prepared to camp. Here is a suggestion list of what you may need to make your stay comfortable. Keep in mind that the community will help you if you cannot afford food, shelter, etc. Scroll down to the 5-23-10 update for a list of needs for the camp out, we still need donations and supplies.
This is going to be fun, awesome, and inspiring! See you on Friday evening, just south of Richardson Grove State Park. Look for banners, signs and the group, you can't miss us :)
-Tent or tarp shelter((2) 4' X 8' tarps)
-Sleeping bag, rated at least 40 degrees(or warmer)
-Sleeping pad or blow up camp mattress(optional)
-Pillow(optional)
-Personal garbage bag
-Toilet Paper and Sundries(toothpaste, soap, etc.)
-Blissware(dish, cup, and utensils)
-Water(gallon size works great)
-Pocket knife
-Headlamp or flashlight
-Cordage
-Warm/hot weather clothing
-Wet and cool weather clothing(no cotton, wool is best)
-Lightweight and nonperishable "emergency" food(energy bars, bread, peanut butter, jelly, granola, jerky,etc.)
-Other food items, needs, wants, etc. Remember, sharing is caring :)
-Small day pack
One of the problems of "camping out" is bringing too much stuff. Please be prepared, but also keep in mind that weighing yourself down too much can be very uncomfortable. There will be plenty of available parking on site, auto camping is permitted.
There is to be no oppression or hierarchy at this event. However, please respect the opinions and views of others in their personal choices, such as keeping vegetarian and omnivore food items separate.
We are also asking participants to refrain from using medicinal "drugs" or alcohol at meetings, trainings, workshops and other group events. There will be plenty of time for that around the campfire. Camps and campfire circles will also have separate intoxicant free areas.
If you feel the need to imbibe or partake in alcohol or medicinal "drugs", please do so away from the events, trainings and workshops in order not to distract or detract from the importance of what the group is trying to achieve in regards to these crucial trainings and workshops.
Since this is an "open event", your participation is at your own risk. No one, especially the property owner, is liable or responsible for any injuries or damages during, after or from this event. Participants are required to pay a sliding scale admission fee of at least ONE PENNY and to sign a liability release before entering the property.
So many of you are asking "Where exactly is the location?" That's a secret... :)
The location is just south of Richardson Grove State Park. Just look for the banners, signs and people.
We'll see you Friday evening for setup. All are invited at any time during the event, so if you cannot make it for the entire weekend, please come check us out at your convenience.
This will be a fun, safe and inspiring environment. We can't wait to see you there! :)
-Update- 05-23-2010
Wow! We are getting such a great response from people wishing to help out with action camp by bringing food, supplies, skills, music, art and great vibes!
Here is a partial list so far. So much is being added as we get closer Friday the 28th. Remember, this is your action camp! So bring what you feel will make this experience fun, peaceful, colorful, inspiring, and above all important to you :)
Provisions and supplies:
What we still need:
-Water containers
-Tarps
-Buckets for dishes, etc.
-Dishes
-Food and donations for food(If you are a carnivore, that's great but please bring your own meat and grill!)
-Pots, pans, stove, grill(veggie and non)etc.
-Utensils
-Cordage and stakes
-Easy ups
-Toilet seats
-Used and unneeded 5 gallon buckets w/lids
-Plastic bags
-Solar Shower
-Extension Cords
-Firewood
-Large Dry Erase Board and dry erase pens and/or Chalkboard
-Easel
-Blankets
What we have:
-(1) 4 person tent
-(1) 5gal water container
-(3) tarps
-(2) buckets, 2 gal
-(2) 4 piece sets of camp dishes
-(3) 2 lg. pots, 1 sm.
-(2) cast iron skillets, reg.
-(1) free-standing 2 burner stove w/propane tank
-(1) lg. griddle
-assorted utensils
-assorted cordage
-dishes, utensils, pots and pans, tarps
Creative/Artistic:
What we need:
-Signs and banners(small, medium and large)
-Music and instruments
-PA system
-Portable power/inverter
What we have so far:
-lot's of musical equipment, including a couple of amplifiers.
This list of material needs will be update with your responses by email (humboldtforestdefense(at)gmail(dot)com or comments on this post.
Trainings:
This is an open forum. The following trainings and skills are being offered at this point. Aside from Non-violence and Direct action trainings, topics could be anything from gender related issues, non-oppression and group social skills, backwoods and canopy survival, climb trainings, water purification, herbs and medicine, CPR and First Aid, etc. ,etc....
-Non-violence and Direct Action Trainings by multiple trainers with different focuses.
-Climb Trainings and "The Ropes"
-First Aid
-Backwoods and Ground Support
-Edible and Medicinal local Herbs and Mushrooms
-Spirituality
-Cooking for Groups
-Singing and Dancing
-Art and Face Painting
My vision is for everyone to take a lead in bringing their own knowledge and experiences to each training that inspires them, to be taught by single individuals or groups, in which individuals in the audience may interact with questions and additional info in the standard stack method. Trainings will be scheduled daily in the AM after breakfast circle and/or as to trainer's availability. NO ONE will be talked over, oppressed, undervalued or discouraged. The goal is to encourage positive behavior, and address negative behavior and disruptions as a group pro actively.
We all need to keep the vibe safe, peaceful, positive and inspiring. All of us are on "Vibe Patrol".
I'm completely open to your suggestions on this, and invite trainers to basically do their own thing in their own unique style. That is truly our strength and I feel that ANYONE can and should volunteer to train on any subject relevant to, well... pretty much everything that interests you about this campaign, social issues and forest defense.
A schedule will be circulated by email(humboldtforestdefense(at)gmail(dot)com after your responses, so trainers please list your availability between the dates May 28th-30th and whether or not your training is time or day sensitive.
This is a very exciting moment for all of us! This will be a great opportunity to come together and share our passion for the ancient redwoods that make the Redwood Curtain. This is non-exclusive. All are invited. It's time to come in peace and share our similarities, for which you will find are not rarities :)
For the Trees always!
Jeff
For more information:
http://saverichardsongrove.blogspot.com/
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