🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <5101@gold.gvg.tek.com>, mikea@zorba.gvg.tek.com (Michael P. Anderson) writes:
> Nevada City just witnessed a similar logging/raping operation brought to
> you by the lovely CDF. There are so many private land timber plans being
> submitted at the moment that these folks are basically rubber-stamping
> everything that crosses their desk. The reason for this is probably
> because greedy and ethics-deprived landowners know that once Clinton/Gore
> are elected, the logging zeitgeist in this country is going to dramatically
> shift to more conservative land use.
> 
> Your only hope is to throw everything you have at them. First, organize.
> Then contact lots of lawyers, find someone who is willing to go to bat
> for you. Start filing for extensions to the plan. Contact the CDF, fax
> them letters, call them, visit their offices, make it so they can't get
> any other work done. Blanket your community with leaflets. Organize
> protests, and get the media involved. We did all of these things, but
> after a few extensions the logs fell anyway. If this happens to you,
> the next step is to get your county supervisors to ammend their general
> plan so that all future logging operations must be approved by the
> county gov't. Then elect supervisors who are sympathetic to your views
> so this won't happen again.
> 
> The main thing is, it's time to lay down the gauntlet. This will polarize
> your community, but denial is no option either. Those of us believe that
> the western forests are disappearing at an alarming rate must act now.
> For those of you who don't, take an airplane ride up the coast. Look
> down at the destruction. Then we'll talk.
> 
> 								MPA
TO: Mike

FROM: Rick

Thanks alot Mike for your response to my message!  It's great to be 
able to communicate with people who feel the same way I do about our 
environment. Here is an update on the situation:

Last night, 3-Sept-92, at the Cobb Community Center we had our first 
public meeting with the CDF on the proposed Timber Harvest Plan.  The 
turn out was inspiring, about 125 residents.  Also attending was 
Steve Zalusky, Environmental Officer for the County of Lake.  His 
involvement is a result of our, The Freinds of Cobb Mountain, request 
for the Board of Supervisors to uphold the County's General Plan 
which classifies Cobb Mountain as a "Critical Resource" and a 
"Natural Area".  The request was passed 3 to 2 and the County 
apporinted Steve to represent them at all preharvest meetings and 
recommend he be on the Preharvest Reveiw Committee.  As a result of 
the temendous public interest and demands for a visual 
impact study, the preharvest review has been delayed until 
25-Sept-92.  This gives a little more time to gather our resources 
and send individual written concerns about this project. It was 
revealed and substantiated by the County representative that the 
Timber Harvest Plan, filed by Mr. Carder, had eroneous information 
about rainfall and soil composition.  Because of the extremely 
erosive qualities of the soil on Cobb Mountain the County is asking 
that no logging be done in those areas where creeks are present.  
Questions were also raised about the Cultural Resource report.  A 
Native American in the audience wants to insure that the 6 American 
Indian Tribes in Lake county are sent copies of the report and 
suggests a representative of the Native Americans be an observer on 
the logging project. Members in the audience sited a nearby logging 
site which resulted in clear cutting and a total destruction of the 
site.  It is known as the Mt. Hanna logging project and the CDF 
officer was inept in replying to how this could have happen.  Many of 
us also questioned the officer about site inspections and tried to get 
him to enumerate the inspections which will be made.  He vasillated 
with his resonse saying maybe once a week or less but that they are 
affected by the recent budget cuts in the State government.

At any rate, I'm starting to ramble, some left a little more 
frustrated than when they arrived, some, as was I, were inspired to 
keep up the fight.  All in all I felt it to be a very constructive 
meeting, drawing the community together making me proud to be a 
member of the Human Tribe.  Thanks again for you support.  Anyone 
interested in helping us fight the possible distuction of a very 
beautiful and sensitive Mountain please send donations to the Sierra 
Club Foundation, specifying the Freinds of Cobb Mountain, as the 
recipients of your donation.

I am also interested in any advice concerning the possiblities of 
getting the Nature Conservancy to consider purchasing Cobb Mountain 
to preserve it's beauty and resources now and forever.  If not the 
Nature Conservancy, then maybe the State Government as a State Park, 
or the Sierra Club or some rich entrepreneurs or.......you see why 
I'm asking for advice.  Thanks to anyone out there who can help.

Rick Prusso