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   Protect Los Padres
   
   Potential wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest is threatened
   by oil and gas development. A Faultline guest editorial by the
   [14]California Wilderness Coalition
   
   The [15]Los Padres National Forest is offering oil and gas leases on
   approximately 140,000 acres. Over 100,000 of these acres are in
   roadless areas, including the Sespe Frazier, Nordhoff, White Ledge,
   Sawmill-Badlands, Madulce-Buckhorn, Fox Mountain, Cuyama, Spoor
   Canyon, Tapusquet Peak, La Brea, Horseshoe Springs, and De La Guerra
   Roadless Areas. This project is currently the largest threat to
   roadless areas in California.
   
   Between 1979 and 1998, the Los Padres National Forest lost 130,067
   acres of roadless land to development, the largest loss of roadless
   resources of any national forest in California.
   
   Within the areas that could be developed for oil and gas, 20
   threatened and endangered species make their home, including the
   California condor and San Joaquin kit fox. According to the Forest
   Service, the species most at risk from oil drilling are the hybrid
   blunt-nosed leopard lizard, as well as the California condor. The
   mountain plover, Swainson's hawk, southern rubber boa, mule deer,
   brush rabbit, and California spotted owl are all at risk from habitat
   loss, human disturbance, and noise disturbance.
   
   Two critical habitat areas could be harmed, including Lion Canyon, the
   original release point for reintroduction of the condor into the
   wilderness. Also at risk are fragile areas adjacent to the Condor
   Sanctuary.
   
   Introducing new oil and gas development could also damage unexplored
   archaeological sites that contain a wide variety of Native American
   history, including permanent village and temporary habitation sites,
   cemeteries, rock art and places of religious significance.
   
   While drilling in these areas poses significant risk, it offers no
   real solution to our energy needs. The potential oil reserves within
   the Los Padres National Forest add up to only a five day supply for
   the nation.
   
   By fast-tracking the pursuit of oil and gas, the Forest Service is
   subverting a process intended to protect the public interest, and the
   forest. Seventy-two percent of California voters support government
   protection of more of our remaining wild lands and free-flowing
   rivers, according to a recent statewide public opinion survey. The
   survey, conducted by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin and Associates,
   interviewed 900 likely voters during August 25 to 30, 2001.
   
   What You Can Do
   
   Write the Forest Service today (the deadline is February 15) and let
   them know "Oil and Wilderness Don't Mix." In your letter, tell the
   Forest Service that you do not want to see any oil or gas leases in
   the potential wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest. These
   areas should be permanently protected with wilderness designation!
   
   Send your letter by February 15 to:
   USDA Forest Service, Attn: Al Hess, Project Manager,
   1190 East Ojai Ave., Ojai, CA 93023
   [ (805) 646-4348 x 311 ]

   For more information on how you can help protect the Los Padres
   National Forest, contact [16]Tina Andolina.
   
              All content copyright � 2002, Faultline Magazine

References

  14. http://www.calwild.org/
  15. http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/lospadres
  16. mailto:tina@calwild.org