The Watershed

Volume 5, Number 1 The newsletter of Forests Forever Spring, 2001 HR 1494 would save forests, taxpayer dollars

Do you believe that the eliminate the commercial log- U.S. Forest Service protects our ging program on federal public national forests? lands and assist communities If you are like most dependent on this program Americans you do. with economic recovery and But unfortunately, instead diversification. of preserving our national If enacted the bill not only 1620 forests, the agency too often would help protect and restore has been using taxpayers’ dol- America’s natural heritage but lars to facilitate destruction of also would save taxpayers’ U.S. natural resources. money by cutting corporate In October, 2000, Forests welfare. Forever began a new campaign "H.R. 1494 is the most far- to pass the National Forest reaching forestry reform bill at Protection and Restoration Act the national level in decades," (H.R. 1494). said Paul Hughes, executive 1990 Authored by Cynthia director of Forests Forever. McKinney (D-GA) and lead Hughes said the bill pre- Republican co-author Jim vents the Forest Service from Leach (R-IA), H.R. 1494 would Unlogged Forests see “HR 1494,” p. 11, col. 1 map courtesy of Forest Conservation Council and Save Our Public Lands Bush Cabinet threatens environmental gains

With Gale Norton at the Robert Perez, communications President Bill Clinton gained a many environmental organi- helm of Interior, Ann Veneman director of the California reputation among many con- zations that have opposed leading the department of agri- League of Conservation Voters servationists as being one of the Bush’s most toxic Cabinet culture, and Christine Todd (CLCV). more environmentally friendly choices. Whitman heading up the "Shortly after the energy presidents in recent times. Many conservation groups Environmental Protection crisis in California went public, In December, however, say Norton is the most distress- Agency (EPA), conservationists President (George W.) Bush then-Texas Gov. George W. ing choice among the new are bracing themselves for a announced he was willing to Bush was elected to the presi- agency heads. potential environmental disas- relax environmental standards dency and brought with him a "We’re particularly con- ter now that the Bush adminis- to get power on line and push truckload of anti-green leaders cerned with Gale Norton," tration is in office. oil exploitation." to serve in his Cabinet. "It’s already started," said Over the past eight years The CLCV is only one of see “Bush,” p. 9, col. 1

Inside the Watershed Headwaters cut Okayed...4 Roadless Areas plan Approved...3 post-mortem AB 717...5 California Gains New Monuments...3 Clear-cutting our forests...6 Sierra Nevada Plan Unveiled...4 Martin Litton Speaks Out...8 from the Executive Director... New Bush administration adds new urgency to ever-mounting deforestation problems

"In wilderness is the preservation of the January: The George W. Bush stituents on with regard to HR 1494 is world." -Thoreau Administration is bearing down like a the removal of subsidies– our tax dol- running crown fire– that’s a really big, lars enriching for-profit persons and Why should Californians be con- fast-moving one– about to race through corporations. Seldom can such subsi- cerned about saving forests, in the midst the forests of this land. dies be justified and even rarer does the of an electricity crisis, an economic Bush’s Cabinet appointments public really support such policies. slowdown and a welter of other nation- remind most folks of James Watt, former Yet in many extractive industries– al and world problems? President Ronald Reagan’s retrograde ranching/grazing, mining, road-build- The overarching answer is, the ram- interior secretary. Worse, however, ing, and development, to name a few– pant destruction of forests here and Bush fils seems to have picked more- enormous out-of-view public subsidies around the world poses threats as basic media-friendly lieutenants than did sustain and accelerate ecosystem degra- to human survival as the need for air, Reagan. dation. Logging is another such activi- water and the beauty that makes life The forestry reform movement must ty. If we can eliminate subsidies to Big sweet. not allow itself to be placed on the Timber on our public lands we will We have seen much in recent have made enormous headway for months about victories for the forests of forests elsewhere. California and the U.S. To name two, in Is it too much to suppose that defor- January then-President Bill Clinton If we can elimi- estation could lead to broad-based announced his historic roadless areas social upset in our times? Well, defor- policy placing 58 million acres of nate subsidies to estation contributes enormously to national forest lands off limits to road- decreases in water quantity and quality; building. This affected mainly the Big Timber on our given that an estimated 85 percent of building of roads for logging access. California’s water supply originates in Also of note to California, which is public lands we forested watersheds, is over-cutting a home to 18 national forests– in the same serious threat to our social fabric? month the U.S. Forest Service unveiled will have made How about deforestation’s destruc- its Sierra Nevada Framework land-use tion of irreplaceable biological diversi- plan governing timber harvesting, road- enormous headway ty– of which forests are our richest building and other activities on national storehouses, our data banks for new forests in the Sierra Nevada. for forests else- pharmaceuticals and foods? Both moves were by-and-large wel- How about adverse impacts to comed by forest defenders. But while where. strong and relatively clean recreation these and other developments have and tourism economies? The potential- been heartening, conservationists have ly apocalyptic effects of global warm- learned all too well that apparent for- defensive. During the Reagan years we ing? And what about spiritual refresh- ward gains usually end up looking a lot fought many battles to mitigate bad pol- ment in an increasingly crowded and less impressive on closer inspection. icy initiatives. While overall we were stressful world? The environmentally well-regarded surprisingly successful in turning aside The integrity of our atmosphere and Sierra framework plan, for instance, still the Great Communicator’s anti-environ- water and the mesh of life evolved over contains loopholes that would allow mental blitzkrieg our tactics chiefly billions of years all represent real sur- excessive grazing and logging in the were defensive. We longed for a few vival issues for the world’s industrial northern Sierras and other areas. more offensive moves. civilization and the America of George Moreover, both the January deci- We have one right now. The W. Bush. sions face threats to their implementa- National Forest Protection and And California, as many times in the tion. Restoration Act, HR 1494, represents a recent past, is where the pertinent pub- So this is another reason to move sweeping change in U.S. forest manage- lic policy debate may well play out first. forests up everyone’s priority list: In rel- ment. (See our page one article.) And atively good times we have a tougher- the bill is picking up more and more than-normal fight convincing the public support in Congress all the time, thanks that there is really a problem left to in no small part to Forests Forever and address. other groups organizing behind the But now there is something much measure. bigger to deal with than prior to But the best point to mobilize con-

The Watershed Spring, 2001 2 Roadless policy wins, but is it a short-lived victory?

Heralded by most forest-protection last May by U.S. Forest groups as a major victory for conserva- Service Chief Michael tion, 58 million acres of undeveloped Dombeck– the Draft national forest will be protected from log- Environmental Impact ging and road building thanks to a policy Statement (DEIS)– was approved in January by former President widely criticized for fail- Bill Clinton. ing to fully protect wild The final roadless areas policy not only forests. will spare these roadless tracts from tim- Clinton initiated the ber cutting, but also will protect water plan in October, 1999, to quality and biodiversity for future genera- "protect priceless, back- tions. country lands" in the “It’s a better policy than we ever national forests. dreamed of," said Tina Andolina, The first draft of the Conservation Associate for the California policy, however, only Wilderness Coalition. "We were thrilled. banned road building, We were just asking for a ban on road while allowing logging building, but it turned out to be so much and mining to continue. more." After much public out- photo courtesy CDF Under the final roadless plan, practices cry the DEIS was extensive- was presented in November, 2000, and such as road building, logging, mining ly revised. The forest service held over includes a ban on logging and mining in and ski area development are banned in 500 public hearings and received nearly the forests. Logging for habitat restoration large areas of the public forests. two million comments. A majority of and fire prevention, however, remains Especially gratifying to preservation- those comments denounced the DEIS and legal. ists was the inclusion of vast areas in supported full protection of national According to Andolina, the biggest Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. forests, said Andolina. surprise with the final draft was the pro- The approval of the policy was long in The revised plan, called the Final tection of the Tongass. coming. The original document compiled Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), see “Roadless,” p. 14, col. 4

Clinton designates monuments America’s newest monuments

• Carrizo Plain– 204,000 acres of savanna in cen- that Bush may try to rescind tral California. It hosts endangered species and American Indian tribal sites. In the final weeks of his presidency, Interior Secretary Bruce former president Bill Clinton used his Babbitt the sites are expected • Upper Missouri River Breaks– 77,000 acres executive power to create seven new to include bans or restriction along 149 miles of river in Montana. It is the only national monuments. on off-road vehicle activity, portion of the Missouri river to be protected in its These new monuments protect over mining and oil drilling. natural, free-flowing state. one million acres of federal land from According to the New commercial use, including 200,000 acres in York Times in order to become • Pompeys Pillar– 51 acres along the Yellowstone California a national monument the des- "There are few wild places left, ignated land must have at River in Montana along the Lewis and Clark rugged reminders of our rich history and least one nationally significant trail. nature’s enduring majesty," Clinton told resource that is to be pre- the Associated Press. served. • Mindoka– part of a WW II-era Japanese- "Because they are more important In California, the Carrizo American internment camp, located in Idaho. than ever, after careful review and exten- Plain– made up of some of the sive public input, we protect them today last rolling grasslands in the • Sonoran Desert– 486 acres of desert ecosystem, by establishing them as national monu- state– is one of the newest mountains, valleys and a saguaro cactus forest. ments.” monuments. Aside from California, the other sites Located between San Luis • Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks– a 7-million-year- reside mostly in the western U.S. includ- Obispo and Bakersfield, this old volcanic rock formation near Santa Fe, N.M. ing Arizona, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. • U.S. Virgin Islands Coral Reef– 12,000 acres of see “Monuments,” p. 13, col. 1 Proposed in December by former submerged lands off St. John.

The Watershed Spring, 2001 3 Sierra Nevada framework approved, appeals pose threat

In a move that could help to reverse • Protection of all large trees (20- Harte, Calif. years of ecological destruction in the inch diameter or greater), "The changes were better than expect- Sierra Nevada, the U.S. Forest Service though trees up to 30 inches ed because the plan was science based. unveiled a new management plan in diameter could be removed in Some great improvements will be made January that calls for a sharp reduction in proximity to residential or other because the Forest Service relied on scien- logging and stronger protections for developed areas where it is neces- tists to help make the decision." watersheds and endangered species. According to Buckley, the forest ser- The Sierra Nevada Management Plan vice’s planning efforts for what eventually covers over 11 million acres of national “The changes were became the framework plan were drafted forests in the Sierra Nevada range. in the early 1990s. The goal of the plan Of that amount, 4.25 million acres better than expected was to protect the California spotted owl. have been designated "old-growth empha- But that first blueprint broadened to sis areas," which will be managed to pro- because the plan was include several other endangered species mote old-growth forest conditions. and their habitats. The final draft of the plan will come science based.” An early draft of the framework plan after the review of appeals, in May. was withdrawn after a federal advisory Although the record of decision was committee identified it as having "critical issued in January, the plan will go through sary to reduce the risk of shortcomings" including "inadequate pro- an extensive appeals process because it is spreading wildfires. tection for the spotted owl." It also report- controversial, officials say. edly posed an unacceptable risk of extinc- Other highlights of the new Sierra • Designation of wide management tion for the Pacific fisher. Nevada framework plan include: buffers along rivers and streams. The plan then took a different route and was revised according to science- • Preservation of all remaining "We are incredibly happy," said John based research. "It really became a plan to old-growth stands five acres Buckley, director of the Central Sierra

or larger. Environmental Resources Center in Twain see “Framework,” p. 13, col. 3

Hole-in-Headwaters cut okayed, logging looms

On March 6 the California legal action on this latest approval of THP recently announced that it is buying Owl Department of Forestry (CDF) gave 520. Creek for $67 million, potentially leaving Maxxam Corp./Pacific Lumber Co. (PL) The logging in the Hole-in-the- $13 million for this acquisition. the green light to move forward with Headwaters has sparked controversy These new logging plans pose a seri- Timber Harvesting Plan (THP) 520 and because it is completely inside the newly ous threat not only to the proposed acqui- cut in the "Hole-in-the-Headwaters," area. designated Headwaters Forest Reserve. sition area, but also to the biological Logging, however, will not begin Two years ago taxpayers spent nearly integrity of the new Headwaters Forest until PL completes a formal consultation half a billion dollars to acquire the 7400- Reserve itself. with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service regard- acre reserve. New logging on the South Fork ing Northern spotted owl nesting sites The "Hole" parcel is not part of the (except on THP 520) currently is con- and buffers on the parcel, said Rob preserve, but is bordered by it on every strained by a moratorium imposed by the DiPerna, THP review director with the side. It was created to save the ancient CDF in January, 1998. Environmental Protection Information Headwaters Grove and other patches of In the nearby Freshwater Creek Center (EPIC). old-growth redwoods within the greater watershed, however, a similar moratorium "They are not logging yet," DiPerna Headwaters Forest ecosystem. has been lifted under a substantially said. "They won’t until they get a formal The land inside the "Hole" and across weaker standard than that originally consultation." the South Fork Elk River from it– some imposed by CDF. This present incarnation of the highly 7000 acres of forest– were traded to The Hole-in-the-Headwaters issue controversial THP was in direct response Maxxam/PL as part of the Headwaters first arose on Mar. 1, 1999, when state and to an EPIC/Sierra Club lawsuit, which deal in March, 1999. federal officials reached agreement with resulted in an injunction halting the log- This 7000 acres of forest was identi- PL to establish the Headwaters Reserve. ging last July. fied in the state law that funded the deal The deal culminated a heated 10-year EPIC and the Sierra Club are looking as a priority for acquisition with whatever controversy, sparked in large part by the into continued legal challenges to stop the funds remained after the purchase of the 1990 Forests Forever initiative, Prop. 130. Hole-in-the-Headwaters cut, but accord- Owl Creek grove. Eighty million dollars ing to DiPerna there will be no further were allocated for the purchase. The state see “Headwaters,” p. 15, col. 3

The Watershed Spring, 2001 4 Gov. Davis fails to act, AB 717 dies in Senate

A wave of frustration "To change the forests is likely Mills) passed budget control Assembly to the Senate in swept over environmentalists to cause extreme negative language that would have January, 2000, then sailed when Assembly Bill (AB) 717 impacts in the Sierra Nevada required that, in effect, the through the Senate Natural died in the California legisla- ecosystem." governor’s BCP funding be Resources committee in April ture last August, allowing In its turbulent end game released only upon passage of of that year. clear-cut logging to continue AB 717 faced its biggest chal- a strong AB 717. According to Hughes, AB throughout the state. lenges: the Senate Conservationists, of course, 717 was important because it "We were extremely disap- Appropriations committee supported this budget control would have taken a giant step pointed because we believe the vote and the Senate and California forestry regulations Assembly floor votes. to be extremely inadequate," Ultimately the bill said Elizabeth Barclay, legisla- bypassed the Appropriations “Davis played a political shell tive aide for Assembly Speaker committee but was not called Pro Tem Fred Keeley (D-Santa up for a vote on the Senate game with 717 last year... His tac- Cruz), author of AB 717. floor before the legislature tic was to let the bill die through Drafted nearly two years adjourned on the evening of ago, the bill would have Aug. 31, 2000. willful neglect.” banned clear-cutting until Gov. Gray Davis, in appar- independent scientists com- ent response to timber indus- pleted a statewide study of the try pressure, withheld his language, which would have toward making sure logging is effects that this harmful log- endorsement of AB 717 effectively eliminated the pro- done with an eye to science– to ging practice has on forest throughout its life in the logging bias. measuring the devastating ecosystems, endangered Capitol. His failure to actively A Senate committee head- impacts and potential impacts species and water quality. support the bill– as well as ed by Sen. Byron Sher (D-Palo of many timber projects. Clear-cut logging has pro- other actions he took in the Alto) passed identical budget From January to August, duced devastating impacts on months prior to August– were control language just prior to 2000, Forests Forever can- California’s key reasons the the action by Strom-Martin’s vassers collected 16,197 letters forests, bill was killed. panel. from citizens in support of AB watersheds In the But on June 30 Davis "red- 717 and obtained commit- and fisheries. “We were months before lined," or deleted, the budget ments for 42,427 letters, phone These effects the bill died control language passed by calls, FAXs and e-mails. have been extremely disap- Davis had been Strom-Martin and Sher. Upon hearing of AB 717’s felt from the pointed because pushing for a The governor stated, death, it was clear that citizens redwoods of $6.9 million "Although I am deleting this were outraged with Davis for Northern we believe the North Coast language, I wish to express my not taking action to assist AB California to Watershed commitment to work with the 717. the Giant California Assessment legislature during the remain- Forests Forever staff col- sequoias of Budget der of this session on the lected 933 letters from people the Sierra forestry regula- Change development of a watershed angry with Davis and gar- Nevada. tions to be Proposal (BCP). proposal, to address logging, nered 2886 commitments to AB 717 The BCP related impacts to salmon and write, phone, FAX and e-mail also would extremely inade- would have water quality." him. have funded a pro- He stopped short of speci- Forests Forever was one of required that quate.” gram collating fying how he intended to fol- four core groups that worked the legisla- landowner and low up this commitment. on AB 717 in a coalition of ture take industry-gener- "Davis played a political about 10 groups action on ated data, shell game with 717 last year," "At Forests Forever we new forestry which the California Depart- said Paul Hughes, executive were disappointed because we laws based on this research. ment of Forestry would have director of Forests Forever. had birthed the bill and were AB 717 was the most environ- used to approve future water- "He wanted the best of key in getting it all the way to mentally progressive forestry shed analysis. Forests Forever both worlds– environmental- the Senate floor," Hughes said. bill to go through the legisla- and other environmental ists’ support and timber indus- "But the steps that come next ture in over 30 years. groups expressed strong con- try backing and contributions. will build on that progress… "We fear the salmon are on cerns that this data would His tactic was to let the bill die we will explore reintroducing the edge of extinction in carry a pro-logging bias. through willful neglect. By the bill next session and are Northern California, plus to Last May, the Assembly running out the legislative looking into a possible ballot clear-cut huge numbers of budget subcommittee headed clock there were ‘no finger- measure." acres in the Sierra Nevada is by Assemblymember Virginia prints’ on a dead bill." – M.H. irreparable," Barclay said. Strom-Martin (D-Duncans AB 717 moved from the

The Watershed Spring, 2001 5 Clear-cutting: Forest devastation for short-term profit

ou’ve seen the pictures or est ecosystem– such as soil erosion, to cut trees for dollars– so in some areas it experienced it yourself– a lush, decreased aesthetic value and habitat frag- looked like clear-cuts." Ypristine evergreen forest with a mentation– conservationists argue that Clear-cut logging began to boom after large hole, exposing bare dirt, carved out clear-cutting especially worsens these World War II, when returning soldiers of the middle. It resembles a nuclear impacts. qualified for homebuilding funds under bombsite– there are no signs of plant or Not surprisingly, many in the timber animal life. Everything just looks dead. industry defend clear-cutting. They say it This destruction results from a is an effective and successful silvicultural forestry practice called clear-cutting, and it technique that has been used for centuries. “We already know a is the most popular method for timber Some proponents say it’s a cheaper removal on national forests in the U.S. form of harvesting, and allows for faster lot about the devastat- today. re-growth. They argue that growing Clear-cutting, also known as even- under shade does not allow the trees to ing results of clear-cut- aged management, occurs when several grow as fast as if they were completely ting: mudslides, silta- acres or more of trees are cleared from a under sun. Other clear-cutting advocates site. Then, if conditions permit, a new, say that clear-cuts provide the best condi- tion, loss of large-area even-aged stand of timber grows back. tions for certain species to grow, such as Since the 1960s clear-cutting has ignit- the highly merchantable Douglas fir. They habitat, dispersal of ed a fight between conservationists and say some species do not re-grow in shady the timber industry. Although all logging conditions. pesticides and herbi- typically causes adverse effects to the for- Environmentalists, however, say clear-cutting is the log- cides into our water- ging method of industry ways.” choice because it gener- ates short-term profits, even though it leaves degraded land and water quality behind. the GI bill. By 1970 clear-cutting was the According to Dale most common form of timber harvesting Thornburgh, professor in national forests and by the mid-1970s it of silviculture and ecol- was public knowledge that this form of ogy at Humboldt State harvesting produced significant harm to University in Arcata, the environment. clear-cutting has been In November, 1973, the U.S. District practiced in California Court rendered a landmark decision con- for over 150 years. The cerning clear-cutting in West Virginia’s state’s native redwood Monongahela National Forest. The court forests were some of the struck down the practice on all national first tracts to be logged, forests. he said, and the cutting In August, 1976, the same court found began in the late 1880s clear-cutting illegal under the Multiple- when there was no real Use Sustainable Yield Act and the management system in National Environmental Policy Act. But place. later that year Congress effectively over- Today 95 percent of turned the clear-cutting ban. the redwood region has Since those days, California has led been cut at least once, the country in forestry regulation by he said. enacting laws to reduce logging and "Back then loggers enforce better timber management. would just go in and cut Unfortunately, conservation groups trees they wanted," including Forests Forever point out, this Thornburgh said. leadership role does not necessarily mean "Whatever old- good forestry is being practiced– only growth looked more forestry better than in other states. valuable they’d cut Last August, state Assembly Bill (AB) Clear-cuts in sequoia old-growth photo by Martin Litton since their purpose was 717, which would have banned clear-cut-

The Watershed Spring, 2001 6 ting on California’s private forestlands, was shot down by the legislature and Gov. Gray Davis. Forests Forever had ini- tially proposed the bill. AB 717, the "California Clear-cut Moratorium" bill, would have banned clear-cut- ting until independent scien- tists completed a statewide study of the impact of this log- ging practice on forests. The study would have assessed the effects on the forest ecosystem, watersheds, fish and wildlife, and rural economies, as well as the impacts to human health and safety from clear-cutting- induced fire risk and flooding. When a tree is cut down the ecosystem around it sacri- fices much more than wildlife habitat and aesthetic value. The soil around the base of the tree loses nutrients. Without a Sequoia National Forest clear-cut at Apocalypse Grove photo by Maribeth Sherwood canopy the ground dries out. Disturbed soil loosens and erodes in the next rainfall. After a forest is logged and cutting has become a problem because it is water supplies. harvesters are cleaning up, small trees are practiced on many sites every 30 to 40 According to the Sierra Club Mother often uprooted, further destabilizing the years. This is a relatively fast rotation if Lode Chapter, 85 percent of California’s soil. Mud and sediments wash into near- viable re-growth is to occur. annual water runoff originates in its by rivers and streams, polluting the water Because clear-cutting aims to produce forested watersheds. Much of Los and harming aquatic wildlife. relatively high volumes of wood fiber on a Angeles’ water derives from the forested The exact causes and effects of clear- quick turnaround, the quality of the lum- areas of the Sierra Nevada. And because cutting damage are not fully known, but ber produced suffers dramatically along California’s population is increasing according to Kristin Kirk, canvass supervi- with the health of the forest, McKay said. rapidly this is all the more reason to pro- sor at Forests Forever, this study would Longer rotations and more-selective tect a quality water supply. have monitored and assessed the harmful cutting creates higher-skilled jobs, higher- In many areas of the state, though, results. quality lumber and more benefits to com- communities suffer not only from job loss- "A study on the effects of clear-cutting munities without cutting off the supply of es, but also from depletion of timberlands would reveal the negative impacts this when distant investors decide to "cut and type of logging has on the environment, run." based on science," Kirk said. " We already In 1973 the California legislature know a lot about the devastating results of “I think there’s a adopted the Z’berg-Nejedley Forest clear-cutting: mudslides, siltation, loss of Practice Act (FPA). This act sharply large-area habitat, dispersal of pesticides basic premise that we changed forestry practices in the state. and herbicides into our waterways. An need to be building According to Jerry Ahlstrom, chief of actual study, however, would quantify the forest practice program for the these ill effects in concrete terms that with new wood California Department of Forestry and would be hard to argue with," she said. Fire Protection (CDF), unlike other states, According to Tim McKay, director of instead of recycled California’s FPA requires that any timber the Northcoast Environmental Center in material, but that’s harvest on private lands must have a Arcata, the thing that makes clear-cutting Timber Harvesting Plan (THP) prepared most alarming in 2001 is the frequency at not true." by a registered professional forester (RPF) which it occurs. and submitted to CDF for its review and "The problem with forestry is that approval. there are a lot of elements– it’s very com- "Washington is probably the closest plex," McKay said. "Clear-cutting every wood coming from the forests. A slower state in the West to having laws like ours," 200 years is vastly different than if we’re harvest cycle also means better preserva- said Ahlstrom. "Most other states, like talking about clear-cutting every 35 years." tion of wildlife habitat, and cleaner water McKay said that over the years clear- for both native fisheries and community see “Clear-cut,” p. 14, col. 1

The Watershed Spring 2001 7 Martin Litton: a conservation legend Saving Mother Earth is not easy, but after more than than 60 years fighting for the environment Litton has won many battles. Still, he continues to fight harder with each year and each new problem.

all legenday activist Martin ex-U.S. Forest Service Chief Mike phony because the monument excludes Litton an environmentalist and Dombeck approved an historic roadless critical areas needed for protection and he’s quick to correct you. areas preservation policy, and a bill to end includes many rocks but not many trees. C commercial logging on national forests Litton said Sequoia National Forest "I’m not an environmentalist, I’m a conservationist," smirks the 84 year-old. gained significant support in Congress. personnel, on behalf of the Clinton "If I were an environmentalist I would But Litton, a former travel editor at Administration, drew up the areas chosen not have driven my car 300 miles to get "Sunset" magazine, is hesitant to call these to be part of the monument. The monu- here today; I would have walked. I’m a and similar events a victory for Mother ment’s designers included the Sequoia conservationist. I like to conserve." Earth. Especially upsetting to him is the National Forest’s timber sales planner. And that he does. Giant Sequoia National Monument Hence the plans were made to benefit the For over 60 years Litton has been a (GSNM), located in the southern Sierra forest service, not the forest. crusader for conserving natural "It was a half-baked plan," Litton resources in California and said. throughout the western U.S. When the GSNM was created, the The late environmental arrangement was that the timber sales movement patriarch David within the monument that were Brower referred to Litton as his already sold or slated for sale could go "conservation conscience," say- forward until logged, thus allowing ing that if anyone understood more damage to the forest rather than and was educated about con- protecting it, said Litton. servation it was Litton. "It allows for every loophole in the With little fear, Litton has book," Litton said of GSNM. "It does made more than a few waves. not protect the sequoias. It will His unconventional views have increase logging, actually the logging spurred him to challenge gov- will quadruple." ernments, activist groups and In the late 1980s Litton began lob- the general public. bying Congress and helping to file Throughout his lifetime he lawsuits to halt the Sequoia National has been a photographer, jour- Forest timber harvesting. nalist, pilot, husband, father Along with other logging oppo- and grandfather. But all along nents Litton helped slash the timber he’s been a conservationist, and harvest from 85 million board feet a his goal has been simple: to year in 1989 to 7 million in 1999. safeguard Mother Earth– a Litton says commercial logging daunting task, but one in which inside the GSNM will surge to 28 mil- he has been successful. lion board feet in the next year and a It’s no wonder Litton’s cred- half. its include playing key roles in When Litton first proposed a mon- the creation of Redwood ument to protect the sequoias he lob- National Park, saving the bied the elder George Bush’s adminis- tration, but the president never did Colorado River (which runs Activist Martin Litton photo by Esther Litton through Dinosaur National anything but get a tree named after Monument and the Grand himself, says Litton. Canyon) and, his most recent fight, Nevada. For the past 14 years Litton, who But even though Clinton established defending the last unprotected stands of has served on numerous conservation 18 national monuments during his time in Giant sequoias in California’s Sequoia groups’ boards and advisory councils, office, Litton says he wasn’t much better National Forest. including the Sierra Club’s and Forests than the elder Bush or the newest Bush. "There’s more to do now than there Forever’s, has made protecting the Giant "Clinton makes you think he accom- ever has been before– there’s more to do sequoias his number one cause. plished things, but a lot of it was just every day," said Litton, who has been ral- In April, 2000, Clinton declared baloney," Litton said. "If he had guts his lying for the environment since he was a 328,000 acres of the Sequoia National presidency would have been a truly great teenager. Forest a monument. one. Clinton was too poetic, and with In recent months actions on behalf of As expected, the GSNM was applaud- Bush, well, there are not any hidden U.S. national forests have grabbed head- ed by many conservationists, but not all, lines– former President Bill Clinton pro- and especially not by Litton. claimed several new national monuments, According to Litton, the GSNM is see “Litton,” p. 16, col. 1

The Watershed Spring, 2001 8 “Bush” continued from p. 1 Norton’s environmentally nicknamed "the litigation arm said. "The only difference is Perez said. "Having been a pro- dubious acts began in 1979, of the Wise Use movement," she will have learned from tégé of James Watt– easily the when she worked under Watt, represents loggers, mining and Watt’s unpopularity, so she’ll worst interior secretary in his- who was President Ronald oil companies, ranchers, snow- couch her positions in gentler tory– and combining that with Reagan’s highly controversial mobile interests, hunters and terms." her own environmental history, interior secretary from 1981 to others in their legal battles for As Colorado’s attorney gen- it’s very worrisome. She’s 1983– one of the most turbulent unfettered access to public eral in the 1990s, Norton insti- capable of doing a lot of dam- tuted environmental "self- age." audits" for polluting industries. "Forests Forever’s view is “ It’s no exaggeration to say that This allowed corporate self- that Norton, Veneman and policing on environmental reg- Whitman are capable of doing Gale Norton is a chip off the James ulations– an action that was great harm to the environment frowned upon by the federal rather than helping it," said Watt block. The only difference is EPA. Mark Fletcher, president of the In Colorado she is perhaps Forests Forever Board of that she will have learned from most famous for failing to levy Directors. Watt’s unpopularity, so she’ll penalties against a Hayden, Here is a closer look at these Colo., power plant that a feder- three new officials: couch her position in gentler al judge had ruled violated the Clean Air Act 19,000 times. terms.” Norton’s office did not hold the GALE NORTON power plant accountable for its unlawful actions. Finally a pri- vate attorney sued the plant on Despite a lobbying crusade periods of natural resource lands. behalf of the Sierra Club and by environmentalists to stop abuse efforts in U.S. history. Most concerning to envi- won a $130 million clean-up the appointment of Gale In the days leading up to ronmentalists, however, is settlement. Norton, in January the U.S. her appointment as interior sec- Norton’s stance on key conser- Similarly, Norton failed to Senate approved the former retary she worked as an attor- vation legislation and issues place criminal penalties on a Colorado attorney general as ney at the Denver-based law she will be forced to tackle dur- Summitville, Colo., gold mine. Secretary of the Interior on a 75- firm Brownstein, Hyatt and ing her early months in office. It was determined that the gold 24 vote. Ferber (BHF) representing The newly resurfaced pro- mine had caused cyanide poi- This powerful position developers and oil companies posal to develop oil and gas in soning of the Alamosa River, allows Norton, who has a long in Colorado. the Arctic National Wildlife deadening 17 miles of the track record of anti-environ- In addition to serving as a Refuge (ANWR) is one subject river’s ecosystem. mental actions, to administer registered lobbyist with BHF that has environmentalists anx- half a billion acres of federal she was a key lobbyist for N.L. ious. From 1985 to 1990 Norton land and natural resources. Industries of Houston, a defen- was assistant solicitor for con- "What is most worrisome," ANN VENEMAN dant in cases involving chil- servation and wildlife at Fletcher said, "is that Norton dren’s exposure to lead paint. Interior, where she fought to has indicated she favors oil Ann Veneman, the new In the late 1970s Norton allow oil drilling in the ANWR. drilling and other development Secretary of the U.S. worked at the Mountain States " It’s no exaggeration to say of public lands, ahead of pro- Legal Foundation (MSLF) that Gale Norton is a chip off tecting these lands." see “Bush,” p. 10, col. 1 under Watt. The MSLF, often the James Watt block," Fletcher

Doonesbury copyright 2001 G.B. Trudeau. Reprinted with permission of Universal Press Syndicate. All rights reserved.

The Watershed Spring, 2001 9 “Bush” continued from p. 9 Veneman.

Department of Agriculture (USDA), sailed through her CHRISTINE TODD confirmation hearing. As the WHITMAN former California agriculture secretary, Veneman’s environ- Although ex-New Jersey mental history is a cause for Gov. Christine Todd concern to groups such as Whitman may not appear to Forests Forever because her be as ominous as Norton, she new position gives her jurisdic- too has conservationists tion over the U.S. Forest doubting her promises to Service. protect Mother Nature. "Veneman’s environmental Most concerning to green responsibilities have much to groups is her inconsistent do with California’s forests," environmental record. As Fletcher said. "The Forest governor of the Garden State, Service is within the USDA and according to the Sierra Club, this state contains 18 national Whitman’s actions included: forests." Veneman’s environmental • Eliminating the position record, associations and tactics of Environmental Prosecutor include: Multiple Use and Stewardship tive for the national Sierra Club at the state and county levels Coalition on the issue of the in Washington, D.C. and the Office of Public • As California secretary of Sierra Nevada Environmental Newman said given Advocate. agriculture Veneman opposed Program. This group defends Veneman’s history she has the efforts to ban the dangerous the interests of loggers, miners potential to make ecologically • Weakening state over and ozone-depleting pesticide and off-road vehicle enthusi- sound decisions on agricultural sight of pesticide use and fail- methyl bromide. asts who pushed for fewer pro- issues. But her background as ing to implement farmworker tections for wild forests and an attorney worries him. health and safety protections. • During the 2000 presiden- wildlife. "She has represented clients tial campaign the Sierra Club "Depending upon what her that have positions that are • Trying to abolish the state reported that Veneman told priorities are, Veneman can consistent with the Wise Use Clean Water Enforcement Act. farmers and ranchers they have a dramatic impact– posi- movement’s," Newman said, would no longer be subjected tive or negative," said Michael noting that Sierra Club neither • Eliminating a more pro- to "unnecessary and burden- Newman, political representa- opposed nor endorsed tective state hazardous waste some" environmental program in favor of and safety regulations a weaker federal under the Bush program. administration. • Failing to ade- • She has a history quately monitor of promoting free water pollution in trade agreements such the state, which led as NAFTA, which lack to the federal EPA adequate environ- imposing sanctions. mental safety, labor and human rights "The one thing safeguards. we’re concerned about with Whitman As a lawyer in is her enforcement of Sacramento, Veneman environmental laws– represented clients she has a bad record whose positions run of cutting funding counter to environ- for enforcement," mental protection. Newman said. "(Her job at the EPA) For example, will be a real test for according to the Sierra her. There are some Club, Veneman repre- things we’re happy sented the Sierra about and others Nevada Access, see “Bush,” p. 15, col. 2

The Watershed Spring, 2001 10 “HR 1494” continued from p. 1 subsidies that currently under- write timber company road National Forest building in national forests would be eliminated. The bill Protection & Restroation bending over backward for the then would channel part of the timber companies and the savings into a program to Act (H.R 1494) members of Congress who are restore the health and ecologi- backing them. cal integrity of damaged "It’s wrong that taxpayers national forest lands. • Protects federal forests by ending the should be footing the timber H.R. 1494 also would fund timber-sale program. companies’ bills," explained the development of alternative Hughes. "We’re paying for fibers for paper and building building and maintaining the materials, create jobs by start- • Saves taxpayers at least $300 million logging roads, and much of the ing a scientifically based forest annually in reduced subsidies to industry. surveying and preparation restoration program, and costs, as well as virtually all replace any lost timber rev- the damage to streams and enues to counties for schools • Funds the development of alternative fiber wildlife." and roads. for paper and building materials. Currently U.S. taxpayers According to a 1999 study shell out over $1.2 billion a conducted by the federal year to subsidize the timber General Accounting Office • Creates jobs by starting a science-based industry’s logging on the (GAO), Forest Service person- restoration program. national forests. According to nel "tend to," "(1) focus on Hughes, the present system is areas with high-value commer- nothing less than mismanage- cial timber rather than on areas • Replaces lost timber revenues to counties ment of our public trust with high fire hazards, or (2) for schools and roads. resources. include more large, commer- As a result national forests cially valuable trees in a timber sale than are necessary to reduce the accumulated fuels." companion bill will give the public restoration," Russell GAO also found that, "cur- act more substance so that said. “The obstacle rent incentives in the agency’s Congress doesn’t just see H.R. A majority of Americans facing this bill is fuel reduction program are 1494 as an isolated issue, said believe in keeping profit-mak- acreage driven, not hazard Steve Nystrom, field canvass ing activities off public lands, primarily the based, and incentives in its director at Forests Forever. said Russell. One way to timber program are largely dri- Forests Forever began its ensure this is for the public to current make-up ven by commercial rather than campaign for H.R. 1494 in elect officials that truly care safety considerations." October, 2000, and since then about the environment, she of Congress– here Last year, when H.R. 1494 has generated 3177 collected said. is a lot money went before Congress it gained and mailed letters from "I’m confident that this bill 100 co-sponsors, said Jeanette California constituents to will gain momentum this ses- and many back- Russell, network coordinator Boxer and 9106 additional sion. We need to move for- for the National Forest commitments to contact her. ward with this so that it has a ers of corporate Protection Alliance (NFPA), of "Boxer has a strong pro- significant presence on the which Forests Forever is a environmental record and Hill." business. That member group. there certainly aren’t any other Another goal for this con- "Our goal for this year is to Senators we can turn to," gressional session is to build doesn’t always increase the number of co- Nystrom said. "She fought support in the U.S House of bode well with sponsors," Russell said. "We very hard to oppose Gale Representatives on a hearing are also hoping to get a Senate Norton’s nomination as interi- for H.R. 1494, Russell said. public restora- companion bill, so we are or secretary." Specifically, support from working hard to get someone According to Russell, with western states and their repre- tion.” to champion it. We don’t new political leaders in sentatives are needed. expect it to pass this year but Washington she expects H. R. "We need to gain a critical we are committed to making 1494 to hit a few speed bumps mass of public support to push progress so that it does pass– before it is passed. this through. That’s why are over-cut and excessively probably next year. " "The obstacle facing this working together with other carved up by logging roads– On the western front, con- bill is primarily the current politically active conservation enough miles of road to stretch servationists are asking make-up of Congress– here is a groups is important– we’re all to the moon and back four California Sen. Barbara Boxer lot money and many backers working together in this.” times, he said. to step up and introduce this of corporate business. That By enacting H.R. 1494, companion Senate bill. A doesn’t always bode well with – M.H.

The Watershed Spring, 2001 11 Loose Leaf Briefs

Bahia housing plan up for grabs FTAA threatens forests, environmental laws

NOVATO– Approval of a much-debated 424-unit housing QUEBEC CITY, CANADA– On Apr. 22, 34 Western development will be left up to voters at a special election May 22. Hemisphere countries met here for the Summit of the Americas. Conservationists say the proposed Bahia development northeast The countries agreed to move forward with a trade pact known of town is expected to destroy nearly 70 acres of Blue oak forest– as the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). over 3000 trees, and historical baylands (including 18.4 acres of This deal was made despite the fact that hundreds of environ- wetlands) and harm critical wildlife habitat that is home to sever- mental and social justice groups including Forests Forever had al endangered species. demanded that this plan not be culminated until the public has a In addition, the subdivision would add 4000 cars a day to say in the decision making process. Up to now, decision making Hwy. 101 and local roads, and add roughly 240 children to the has been kept secret from all but large corporations and govern- already-crowded schools. ment trade representatives. Scientists say the area is the only one left in the state where a The deal threatens to eliminate all border taxes and pest Blue oak forest and a salt marsh exist as one intact ecosystem. restrictions on the import and export of forest products. This Local activists are urging residents to vote no on Measure A could raise deforestation rates in the Western Hemisphere by to stop the housing plan from being approved. hundreds of thousands of acres per year. It also would give cor- For more information contact Citizens to Save Bahia at porations the power to sue and cancel out federal, state and local 415/897-8298 or www.savebahia.com. laws protecting the environment, public health and labor rights if corporations can prove that such laws interfere with their Mattole valley in danger ability to make profits. This deal is set to be fully ratified by the year 2005, The Forest but will not move forward if President George W. PETROLIA– State Sen. Wesley Chesboro (D- Bush cannot convince Congress to give him the Arcata) has proposed a plan to allocate $13 mil- Curing madness trade negotiating authority known as ‘Fast lion left over from the Headwaters purchase Track.’ agreement to buy 3000 acres of endangered Peaceful, and without This power would enable the President to land in the Mattole River valley. sadness. A beautiful negotiate trade deals without the input of the If action is not taken before July 31 this place which shall Congress. This gives our representatives a funding opportunity will expire. Public sup- never be erased. Rich final yes or no vote on such agreements with- port is needed to ensure this does not happen. without money, as alive out being allowed to amend them. In May Currently Maxxam Corp./Pacific Lumber Bush asked Congress for this authority. Co. (PL ) owns 14,000 acres in the Mattole and as you and I. Public comments are needed to let senators is logging 350 acres of old-growth Douglas fir. and representatives know how their con- Chesboro’s plan, formerly Senate Bill 907, is – Monet Lane, stituents feel about the FTAA and Fast Track. now a line item in the state budget. His proposal, age 10 now called the Mattole Funding Provisions, asks Palo Alto for the money to be handed over to the state Wildlife Save the redwoods, boycott The Gap Conservation Board and used to purchase the remain- ing 3000 acres of old-growth in the Mattole. SAN FRANCISCO– The Fisher family of San Francisco, Conservationists say the land is not suitable for logging founders and shareholders of The Gap, Old Navy and Banana because of its unique geography, including tall peaks and steep Republic clothing stores, bought and are heavily logging 235,000 hillsides. It is also one of the most seismically active areas in the acres of redwood forest in Mendocino and Sonoma counties. continental U.S. because it is positioned on top of three tectonic In 1998 the Fishers purchased the already overharvested plates. forestland from Louisiana Pacific Corp. (LP) and under the newly The Mattole valley is a rare type of California ecosystem and formed Mendocino Redwood Co. (MRC) are cutting at a faster is home to several endangered species, including the Northern rate than LP ever did. spotted owl and Coho salmon. The Mattole is one of the last When the Fisher family took over, it promised to be an excel- rivers to host native Coho, which have recently been listed lent steward of the land. LP had removed most of the old- endangered. growth, harmed the area’s watershed and put endangered species at risk. The Fishers said they would log in a sustainable and environmentally sound manner. This has not happened, as clear-cutting seems to be MRC’s prefered method of logging. A few links to save the forests: Neither government nor industry has responded to local communities and environmental groups calling for a halt to the logging. • www.ecologyfund.org Forests Forever and the Save-the-Redwoods / Boycott the • www.rainforestweb.org Gap campaign are asking that consumers boycott Gap, Inc., prod- ucts so the Fisher family feels direct consumer pressure to change its behavior.

The Watershed Spring, 2001 12

“Monuments” continued from p. 3 approval. lenge Clinton’s actions and industries are appealing the Although the sequoia rescind the declarations. approval of this plan, Buckley delicate savanna is home to trees themselves have been According to the Antiquities said. several endangered species, a protected by a U.S. Forest Act, however, Bush cannot sin- It will, however, be up to handful of American Indian Service policy, other tree gle-handedly reverse Clinton’s new forest service chief Dale tribal sites and part of the San species in the forest have been actions. This would have to be Bosworth to make the final Andreas Fault . available for logging. act of Congress. decisions on appeals. "We’re quite happy to This logging has had an Bosworth, a 35-year career have it be a national monu- adverse effect on the ecosys- ` – M.H veteran of the natinal forest ment," said Larry Mercer, pub- tem. The GSNM expansion serive took over after former lic affairs director for the fed- now helps to protect all near- Chief Mike Dombeck resigned eral Bureau of Land by groves and forests, but in March Management (BLM) in allows many destructive tim- "I don’t think (Forest Bakersfield. "We’re quite confi- ber sales to proceed. Service executives) will over- dent in our management plan. Lastly, California’s Santa turn the decision, but through Aside from a few more protec- Rosa and San Jacinto “Framework” the appeals process they are tive measures because of it Mountains were legally continued from p. 4 likely to change key restric- becoming a national monu- declared a national monument tions on logging, mining and ment, our existing plan will in October, preserving close to protect the environment, " grazing,” Buckley said.. remain in effect." 500 plant and animal species. Buckley said. "We’ll see how "The essential restrictions The Carrizo Plain is just Clinton selected the long it lasts, though." will either be ratcheted down the latest monument in nation’s newest treasures for The 1800-page document is or completely gutted." California. Out of the 18 mon- their historical value. the forest agency’s first forest Although the conservation uments (or 5.6 million acres) Pompeys Pillar, located near management plan to incorpo- plan is good for wildlife and Clinton declared during his Billings, Mont., consists of a rate former President Bill old-growth forests, it does not eight-year term, four new 150-foot standstone column Clinton’s policies on old- include sufficient restrictions monuments and one monu- that William Clark carved his growth forests and roadless on livestock grazing and out- ment expansion were estab- name into in 1806 while on his areas (see related story, page door recreation vehicle activity, lished in the Golden State. historic trek with Meriwether 3). Buckley said. In January, 2000, Clinton Lewis. The Forest Service esti- The document has loop- named the entire California Another area preserved mates that the plan allows for holes that still allow for high Coast a national monument. for its rich history is the new removal of 187 million board levels of grazing and logging The protected area covers Minidoka National Monument feet of timber per year in the in the northern Sierra and in all 840 miles of California in south central Idaho. At Sierra Nevada. other "adaptive management coast, including thousands of one time this land housed a This represents a reduction areas," he said, adding that the islands, rocks and exposed WWII-era Japanese-American result may adversely impact reefs. The preserve extends 12 internment camp. critical habitat for imperiled nautical miles out from the Although Clinton estab- species. shoreline and is full of rich lished the new monuments "If roadless "Right now we’re just try- biological and geological before he left office, several areas are opened ing to protect the framework value. proposals unfortunately were plan and make sure it is not At the same time, Clinton denied such status. up the whole undermined by the Bush also expanded the 92-year-old Aproposal to protect the administration," said the Sierra Pinnacles National delicate Klamath-Siskiyou framework plan Club’s Barbara Boyle, who is Monument, a unique rock for- bioregion in northern also with the Sierra Nevada mation area located 65 miles California– a mecca of biodi- will crumble." Forest Protection Campaign. south of San Jose. versity– never was carried "If roadless areas are The protection of this area out. opened up, the whole frame- was deemed crucial to the The region suffers every of about 40 percent, compared work plan will crumble." continued preservation of the day from timber sales, graz- to timber sale offerings in Boyle said that one of the monument, which was estab- ing, mining and construction. recent years. Campaign’s first priorities is lished by former president A similar scenario hap- The framework plan went monitoring logging projects Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. pened with an attempt to cre- through the necessary legal that do go forward. According to the BLM ate an old-growth national processes, including an exten- "We want to make sure that the area was expanded monument in national forests. sive National Environmental no increased logging is put because it is threatened by ex- Environmentalists say it is Policy Act (NEPA) review. into the final plan," she said. urban development and a travesty that Clinton did not It received more than watershed degradation. grant lawful protection to 47,000 public comments and — M.H. Another conservation vic- these endangered areas espe- peer reviews by independent tory came in April when the cially because new Vice scientists. Giant Sequoia National President Dick Cheney has Members of the timber, Monument (GSNM) received been quoted saying that the livestock and off-road vehicle Bush administration will chal-

The Watershed Spring, 2001 13 “Clear-cut” continued from p. 7 clear-cut in California can be seedlings that are planted Thornburgh said. Idaho, just have guidelines. If no larger than 40 acres, said die, loggers are required to But according to a person wants to do some Ahlstrom. "Forty acres is the plant again. But after a sec- Stromsmoe, intensive harvest- timber harvesting all they have maximum amount allowed ond failed attempt, the har- ing in one relatively small area to do is just fill out a piece of and you have to have special vester is let off the hook and is not the answer. paper and start harvesting." permission and justify your is no longer responsible for Stomsmoe said reusing old In Washington State a reason for cutting that much." restoration, Stromsmoe said. buildings instead of knocking clear-cut may not exceed 160 Ahlstrom said a space as "Even more disturbing is them down, requiring new acres, he said. According to the large as the area harvested, or that if the land is already construction to include non- CDF’s forest practice rules, a at least 20 acres, must be left damaged before the cut– say wood materials, and using standing next to a clear-cut a fire comes through– the recycled wood to build new and cannot be harvested for stocking can be waived," he homes, schools and shopping another five years. said. malls are all ways to reduce CLEAR-CUT In 1973 the forest practice The forest practice rules clear-cutting. FACTS rules were only about 15 also allow each county in the "Each clear-cut, big or pages long, but now there are state to set its own rules, but small, is disturbing," nearly 200 pages of rules these local rules must be rat- Stromsmoe said. which are tightly enforced by ified by the timber-industry- "There is plenty of wood in • Less than five per- the CDF, according to controlled state Board of circulation already. I think cent of the original Ahlstrom. Forestry (BoF). For example, there’s a basic premise hat we But Kent Stromsmoe, a in Santa Cruz County clear- need to be building with new forest cover in the Forests Forever Advisory cut harvesting is banned. continental U.S. Council member, disagrees The county also restricts tim- “Roadless” continued from p. 3 remains. and said the rules contain ber companies from logging many loopholes. a site to no more than once This addition to the policy Buffer zones between clear- every decade. increased the federally protect- cuts are only mandatory if the But even though there ed acreage from 40 million to • Less than half of clear-cut is within the same are laws and regulations 58 million acres. the Earth’s origi- ownership, Stromsmoe said. governing logging in Although Clinton nal forest cover A clear-cut can adjoin a prop- California, clear-cuts are still approved the FEIS, President remains; most was erty line and the two adjacent popular and the debate on George W. Bush said he is owners could cut against this how to halt the undue ready to challenge Clinton’s lost in the last line, effectively creating an 80- exploitation of forests con- action and eliminate the docu- three decades. acre clear-cut, he said. tinues. ment entirely. After a harvest is complete, "We need to use wood, "The entire environment is loggers are required to restock and in terms of sustainabili- facing a threat (under the Bush the cut area. According to the ty we need to concentrate on Administration)," said • Clear-cuts in CDF, loggers have to plant 300 logging in just a few acres Andolina. "But I think it will California are lim- trees per acre. If the instead of all the forests," be tough for Bush to eliminate ited to 40 acres this policy. It’s incredibly pop- under state forestry ular with the public." regulations. At press time Andolina said Bush has until spring to take action. If Bush tries to Forests Forever now accepts rescind the policy it still would • Clear-cutting began bequests and gifts of stock have to go through a public to boom after reviewprocess. Because the Donors to the Forests Forever Foundation now can help public has shown overwhelm- WWII, when ing support for the policy, a returning war vet- in two new ways. Those who wish to leave a lasting legacy toward our work can establish a tax-deductible bequest to reversal is likely to be opposed erans could obtain the foundation. by citizens, she said. home building We also now can receive deductible gifts of appreciated "If he reverses the policy funds under the stock. then it would go directly against public sentiment," said GI bill. For information on bequests please call our accountant, Russell Stanaland, CPA (650/548-1700), and mention your Andolina, adding that the interest in a “charitable remainder trust” to the Forests Congress probably will take a Forever Foundation. whack at eliminating the poli- • Total volume cut from For stock gifts phone the Foundation office and ask for cy too. Paul Hughes, Executive Director (415/974-5927). "The public really wants national forests in strong protection for national fiscal year 1997: 3.28 As ever, the Foundation greatly appreciates the gen- erosity of its donors! forests," she said. "It’s going to billion board feet. be hard to fight." – M.H.

The Watershed Spring, 2001 14 “Bush” “Headwaters” continued from p. 10 continued from p. 4 The Watershed that we’re not happy with," Newman added. In executing the deal the timber com- A publication of Forests Forever, Inc. "On the whole she has a mixed record, pany pulled off what many conservation- and the Forest Forever Foundation but I think she is someone we can work ists believe was an underhanded land with," he said, referring to some positive swap. contributions she made for the environment Under an earlier version of the deal, while she was in New Jersey. relatively strict logging stipulations would FORESTS FOREVER Whitman advocated protection of nearly have prevented cutting in areas such as one million acres of open space in New 973 Market St., Suite 450 the one in THP 520. Jersey, Newman said. In addition, Whitman During deal negotiations, however, PL San Francisco, CA 94103 joined other northeastern governors to saw to it that such strict rules would apply Phone 415/974-3636 demand that Midwest utilities clean up their only to forests it owned at the time of the FAX 415/974-3664 air-polluting coal-fired power plants. deal’s signing. It was well known that a "We’ll expect Whitman to carry out the [email protected] different logging company, Elk River spirit and letter of the Clean Water Act and Timber Co., owned the land in question. www.forestsforever.org protect public health and safety," said The purportedly sneaky move came Fletcher. when PL demanded that, as part of the "It’s a particular problem on account of Headwaters deal, it receive ownership of Board of Directors logging activities." THP 520 through a trade with Elk River Newman said the issues on the horizon Mark A. Fletcher, Ph.D. Timber and that this trade take place after have conservationists watching closely. President the deal was approved. "We’re going to have to step up and hold the This land transfer went through and Ken Smith foot to the fire," he said. PL got hold of the valuable timber stand Secretary Other conservationists are trying to look free of the stronger logging restrictions in on bright side. James Newman the overall deal. "We’re all watching and organizing Treasurer THP 520 is an important part of the around this," said CLCV’s Perez. "It’s really larger 7000-acre "Hole" and is located in motivated our members. When we talk the most pristine area of the Headwaters Jesse Noell with them, they like to talk about these poli- Forest Reserve. THP 520 is composed of Kent Stromsmoe tics. Our members show a really strong con- 705 acres located on a steep slope directly cern." above 2.5 miles of the South Fork Elk. Advisory Council "I think when any community is up This waterway contains one of only five Richard Gienger against a wall they unite to fight the com- remaining spawning grounds in California Betsy Herbert mon enemy. I think (Norton’s appointment) for the dwindling Coho salmon. is having that effect– we’ll all be monitoring Martin Litton If PL logs THP 520 the resulting dam- their every move." age could well destroy this precious – M.H. salmon spawning stream.

Paul Hughes Thank You ! Executive Editor The Forests Forever Foundation enthusiastically thanks – M.H Michelle Hopey "Dancing Swimmer" for her recent generous contribution. Editor Gary Bentrup Flag Artwork FORESTS FOREVER FOUNDATION 973 Market St., Suite 450, San Francisco, CA 94103 “Restore, Phone 415/974-3636 FAX 415/974-3664 Reinhabit, [email protected] www.forestsforever.org Re-enchant”

© 2001 Mark A. Fletcher, Ph.D. Ken Smith James Newman Forests Forever, Inc. President Secretary Treasurer All rights reserved

Printed on 100% recycled paper Paul Hughes 50% post-consumer waste. Executive Director

The Watershed Spring, 2001 15 been cautious." As for the roadless initia- tive (see related story on page Action Rolodex 3), Litton said it does not stand much of a chance of being HR 1494 implemented. He says that since the policy’s two champi- In your own words, write U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer and urge her to introduce a ons have departed– Clinton Senate companion bill to HR 1494, the National Forest Protection and Restoration Act. (the president to approve the policy) and Dombeck (who Now is the time for responsible forest management that would protect our pub- drafted the policy)– the policy lic trust resources and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires brought on by log- does not have someone to pro- ging operations. Taxpayers should no longer be forced to foot the bill for the tect it. He said the policy is destruction of our national forests by timber companies. subject to change for the worse We have nothing to lose and our national forests have much to gain by ending with the Bush Administration. timber company welfare. "I hope it’s not doomed," Sen. Barbara Boxer Litton said. " If so, I think peo- 112 Hart Senate Office Building ple will see the character of Washington, DC 20510 our so-called government in phone: 202/224-3553 Washington and all of the ene- fax:415/956-6701 mies of the Earth and [email protected] America." But don’t get Litton wrong. He believes the conservation movement has made some great strides. "The conservation move- ment has gotten a lot of notice. But it’s taking more and more strides to get noticed, and it’s “Litton” not close to the rate at which continued from p. 8 Litton says that he was dis- Litton said. "He could have appointed to see Dombeck pulled every lever until then." we are losing our Mother give in to the new Bush Calling Dombeck’s resigna- Earth." secrets.” Litton said he is Administration and quit. tion foolish, Litton said he had praying for a Democrat party- In March the conservation- at least hoped Dombeck would – M.H. dominated Congress for the minded Dombeck resigned, have disclosed information next time around. citing conflicts with the incom- about the forest service’s prac- “We’re stuck with Bush for ing administration. Dombeck tices after his departure. a while, but if we can get a had led the way since 1997 "He could have said any- Democratic Congress then we helping national forests remain thing," Litton said. "Why does- might not have to worry about intact. n’t he tell the truth now– tell our government being totally "He still had a month or the public what is really going corrupt.” two to make a lot of noise, " on? But I guess he’s always

If you do not wish to FORESTS FOREVER NONPROFIT ORG. receive The Watershed 973 Market St. #450 U.S. POSTAGE send this along with the San Francisco, CA 94103-9528 PAID San Francisco, CA mailing panel at right to: Permit No.3573

Forests Forever Address Service Requested 973 Market St. #450 San Francisco, CA 94103

Thank you.

Please remove me from the news- letter mailing list. - Paul Hughes .