Pacific Lumber Loses Timber Operating License
12/23/97
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RELAYED TEXT STARTS HERE:
Headline: Pacific Lumber Loses Timber Operating License
Source: EPIC * Environmental Protection Information Center, Inc.
POB 397, Garberville, CA 95542 * 707-923-2931 * FAX 707-923-4210
http://www.igc.org/epic/
Date: 12/23/97
Contact: Paul Mason, 707-923-2931
In a letter sent to Pacific Lumber last Thursday, the California Department
of Forestry (CDF) has indicated that they have decided not to issue Pacific
Lumber Company a standard Timber Operating License in 1998. CDF has taken
this unusual action because of Pacific Lumber's repeated failures to comply
with the State Forest Practice Rules.
Over the past three years, CDF has noted 103 violations of the Forestry
Practice Rules by Pacific Lumber Company, many of which were significant
and uncorrectable. Many of the violations were for improper winter
operations which degrade salmon habitat.
For many years both environmentalists and local residents affected by
Pacific Lumber's reckless forestry practices have been pointing to the
mounting number of violations against the timber company, which was fined
and put on probation by the Humboldt County Superior Court on July 31 of
this year. "I am surprised and pleased that CDF is beginning to hold
Pacific Lumber accountable" said EPIC President Paul Mason. "Although it
remains to be seen how this changes operations on the ground, it is
gratifying that CDF is finally acknowledging that Pacific Lumber cannot be
trusted to follow the law."
The California Department of Forestry renews roughly 2,000 Timber Operator
Licenses each January. Of those 2,000 they notify about 11 that they are
reviewing their record of violations, and take action against about 5
operators. Pacific Lumber Company is by far the largest operator to lose
their license.
"I hope that this action slows PL's reckless destruction of forests and
salmon habitat" said Paul Mason of EPIC. "Unfortunately I fear that PL
will simply rely more upon contract loggers who have separate licenses."
Roughly half of PL's logging is currently done by contract loggers, known
as "gypo loggers".
"Given the extremely important negotiations currently happening regarding
the Headwaters Deal, I hope that the negotiators remember that this company
routinely violates the law, and cannot be expected to do the right thing on
their own accord." concluded Mr. Mason.