Humboldt Tree-Sits Continue On!

Both of the tree-villages here in Humboldt are going well as summer grows near. The recent disrespectful accusation by Maxxam/PL( Pacific Lumber Company) president Robert Manne that local forest activists are terrorists or are on the brink of becoming violent is not being taken seriously by many. In fact it has brought attention to the current situation here in Humboldt, and the fact that while there is a 15 year history of non-violent direct action in this county, Manne is just a recent arrival, and may be ignorant of the political climate here, not to mention the likelyhood tht he is a corporate puppet here to dismantle the Pacific Lumber Company and blame the his layoffs of hundreds of workers on the Headwaters Deal and current direct action.
Raven and Remedy are the current occupants of the tree-village in Freshwater and they have had much support so far from the local residents. In fact, most of their supplies are brought by locals on their way to and from their homes. There is a rumor going around that Maxxam/PL may have logged their limit in the Freshwater watershed this year but this has not been substantiated thus far. Both sitters have reported hearing chainsaws and trees falling in the distance. So far the two sitters have been visited by several people associated with the company including Maxxams’ PR person, Josh Reese.
On Gypsy mountain sitters have been rotating in and out of the trees occasionally but we are seeking a few dedicated long term sitters willing to non-violently defend this stand of trees. PL employees have visited the trees occasionally but the only sign of aggression so far was the recent sweep by BPTs (Dpt. Fish and Games’ Bear Poacher Trackers). They dumped out some oats they found hidden in the bushes but didn’t accomplish much else.
In the Mattole, as moreTHPs(Timber Harvest Plans) are approved, and drier weather approaches the situation of these magnificent old-growth groves is dire. There are many people working to get funds allocated that were made available for the creation of new parks and preserves with the passing of prop. 40. Usnea Longisima, a rare lichen for that area was found in a THP called "Taylor Made" that has already been approved. We ask that those interested in defending the Mattole attend our upcoming Skillshare in order that we can all be on the same page if/when Maxxam/PL begins an attempt to log in this precious, unique area.
There will be a Direct Action/Forest Defense Skillshare happening June 1-9 in Southern Humboldt. Trainings offered include; Non-violence, Tree Climbing/Defense, Backwoods Living, First Aid and more. Look for more detailed postings soon.