Northern Calif. redwood grove could be preserved under pending sale to state
Copyright 2001 Associated Press
June 28, 2001
By COLLEEN VALLES, Associated Press Writer
SAN FRANCISCO - A stand of redwoods on the state's northern coast would be protected under an agreement announced Thursday among the state, a timber company and a preservation group.
The parcel of dense forest covers 25,000 acres and houses 23 endangered species. It would link existing state and national parks and recreation areas, and is located about 475 miles north of San Francisco.
The Save-the-Redwoods League has raised $15 million in private funds, which the state's Wildlife Conservation Board has matched. California lawmakers are trying to raise the rest to meet the $60 million price.
So far, lawmakers have allocated $17.5 million, but that could change as budget negotiations continue. The sale could be completed this year if the state finds the money.
"It's in a key area; we're constantly trying to link existing parks," said Steve Capps, a parks department spokesman. "We're competing against urban interests, especially in Southern California, which is park-starved."
The land contains some of the healthiest waterways in the state. Mill and Rock creeks and the Smith River run clear of sediment and stay at an ideal temperature for endangered fish including the coho, chum and chinook salmon, as well as steelhead and cutthroat trout.
"When you find these key ecosystems that are in good condition, it's important to keep those healthy," said Mark Stopher, habitat conservation manager with the state Department of Fish and Game. "It's important to have these sources that keep generating these fish."
Most of the land has been logged in the past 50 years, but more than 100 acres of old growth redwoods remain.
Representatives of the owner, Stimson Lumber Co., based in Portland, Ore., could not be reached for comment Thursday.