Shasta Environmental Alliance, Marilyn Woodhouse of Battle Creek Alliance wrote a 32 page letter to CalFire regarding a 1000 acre Timber Harvest Plan that was cut and pasted from a close by project. One local commented it was the first time in 20 years that a THP was withdrawn. Thank you hero Marilyn for protecting that forest with your hard work and determination. We are grateful.
Small local organization defeats Sierra Pacific.
The Battle Creek Alliance has won a big victory in fighting a Timber Harvest Plan that would have clear cut over 1000 acres of forested land in the Battle Creek watershed. Marilyn Woodhouse, Director of Battle Creek Alliance filed an extensive 32 page comment against a Sierra Pacific Industries THP that she found to be factually and scientifically flawed. She stated she had found much of the Plan had used information from adjacent areas that did not apply to the proposed area to be cut among other issues.
Following her appeal or comments of the THP and several phone calls to CalFire Board of Forestry personnel indicating she was willing to follow through with a lawsuit, Sierra Pacific quietly withdrew their application. This is something that rarely happens according to Rob DiPerna of Arcata based Environmental Protection Information Center or EPIC as it is commonly known.Marilyn said it took many hours of work, however her previous experience in reviewing THP’s allowed her to see the “cut and paste” work done by Sierra Pacific in this plan and because she knew the area where the cut would take place. Usually these issues are not noticed by CalFire/Board of Forestry personnel either out of lack of time to properly review them, lack of concern and/or dependence on Sierra Pacific employees to properly submit factual data.
The Battle Creek watershed is a very important habitat for migrating salmon and steelhead trout because it has year round cold water from deep volcanic rock in the watershed keeping the water cool. This makes an ideal habitat for the fish. Keeping the creek free of sediments and herbicides is also important in restoring the fishery in Battle Creek.
Congratulation to Marily Woodhouse and Battle Creek Alliance in defeating multi-billion dollar Sierra Pacific Industries in this battle. It is very rare that a THP will be withdrawn following a complaint from the public. While the land could be clearcut in the future, now Sierra Pacific knows it will have to submit more relevant and scientific information in future THP. The Battle Creek Alliance is a supporting organization of Shasta Environmental Alliance. If you would like to see her 32- page letter of comments, go towww.ecoshasta.org where we hope to have it posted next week. You heard it first on KFOI Radio.