Earth First! Humboldt

The summer is finally upon us, foggy mornings and sunny days abound. A Northern Spotted Owl was recently encountered by one of our crew about 100′ above the ground. This is great news since they were not seen for quite a while after the Barred Owls moved in.

A recap on the arrest scenario the other day; One person was arrested on the ground by security guards and a Sheriff after refusing to leave the tree-sit area. This was the first person to be arrested at our tree-village for the entire three years we’ve been there. He was disrupting some kind of tour of the area by several different parties in regular attire. The road was partially opened with the aid of chainsaws. More unrecognized people visited the following day, they appeared to be sizing up the situation.

We’re holding strong and are ready if they try something. We can use your help if you are motivated to defend the Earth and are ready to join in.

If you’d like to come and stay in the trees with us for a week or more this summer please contact us at contactefhum@gmail.com, or call 707.845.1325

It’s been a quiet, sunny, summer day so far. We’re staying alert nonetheless.

One of our comrades was arrested on the ground today in the McKay Tract by a Sheriff who was accompanying a Green Diamond security guard. Numerous defensive blockades on the road leading to the tree-sits were also removed. Food and climbing gear were confiscated from our friend as well. He was later released from jail and is now safe and sound.

This comes as the potential expiration date of the logging plan (Aug 4th) approaches, raising the concern that Green Diamond may be preparing to try to clear-cut this biological hot-spot. It would be easy for them to extend the permit, if they so desired, for up to two more years.

The tree-village is, of course, still occupied- and those in the trees remain strong-willed and committed to keeping this forest standing. Now is a better time than ever to come out and help us defend this forest.

We’ll update in the morning.

Earth First!

(click a photo to see more)

The Current Situation: A Critical moment approaches

With little more than two months until the possible end of the logging plan permit, we are redoubling our efforts to keep the tree-village defense strong and keep the forest standing. On August 4th, the Green Diamond timber company could let the logging permit expire, or they could extend it for another year. For almost three years we have kept their chainsaws at bay and we’ll continue to do so for another two years if necessary. We are covering several acres with our ropes course of traverses and have over 45 trees tied together.

Considering that Green Diamond may decide to cut this magnificent Redwood grove before the expiration date, we are seeking volunteers to participate in the tree-sits in June and July.

Would you like to tree-sit or help with supplies?

We have had a great response since our last post here in March and send out huge thanks to those spending time and personal resources helping to defend this wild forest. If the logging permit is extended, then the tree-sits will continue and volunteers will still be needed for up to two more years.

We think that the best outcome for the grove would be for Green Diamond to let the logging permit expire and let this grove continue to be a wildlife sanctuary, possibly as part of their new (but vague) plan to designate a 2,000 acre community forest which would include the tree-sit area.

More Photos

Here is one of the platform tree-sits, and below is a tree-village dweller enjoying a hot cup of tea in a dream-catcher style web.