Caltrans plans to take down some 54 trees in the Richardson Grove, and pave over the roots of many old-growth trees, in order to widen and straighten US-101 in southern Humboldt County. Reported to contain the 9th largest tree of all remaining coast redwoods, local residents refer to the Richardson Grove as the edge of the "Redwood Curtain."

Studies show that removing redwoods from a grove can have adverse affects on the root systems of remaining massive old-growth redwoods, causing death to unintended trees and habitat. Local residents also say the highway expansion project will lead to unlimited commercial development in Humboldt County.

Under the banner "protect the forest and our future, resist invasion," preservation groups and community members against the project have called for a mass rally at Caltrans District 1 headquarters in Eureka on Monday, February 7th and over 200 came to demonstrate against the highway expansion. Twelve people were arrested.

Reports: 200+ Protest Road Widening Through Richardson Grove at CalTrans, 12 arrested | Jan. 23rd report from the grove

Previous Coverage: Groups Vow Legal Challenge Against Highway Widening Threatening Ancient Humboldt Redwoods

Photo credit: Caltrans