Updates + News
California Gray Wolf Update 2018
August 9, 2018
The Lassen Pack has grown! Up to five pups, two confirmed, were born this spring. The wolf family now includes the new puppies, three yearlings and the alpha pair. The pair was first spotted traveling together in 2016. The alpha male (CA08M) is now four years old. He is the son of famous OR-7 of the Rouge Pack. Genetics of the alpha female (LAS01F) indicate she may have traveled from Idaho. In June 2017 she was captured and fit with a GPS collar weighing in at seventy-five pounds. Surveys for the pup count are ongoing. read more >>
Green Diamond HCP
August 9, 2018
Green Diamond does it again! The company has gotten another sweetheart deal that allows them to clearcut with impunity, once again proving that the rules don’t apply to the big boys. Previously we reported on a deal struck with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife that would exempt the company from protections for the Humboldt marten. Today’s story is similar: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has just released a draft Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) that would allow Green Diamond to clearcut more northern spotted owl habitat than otherwise permitted in exchange for a promise to shoot barred owls. We think this deal stinks. read more >>
Martens Need Your Support August 23 in Fortuna!
August 9, 2018
Take Action Now! The Department of Fish and Wildlife has recommended that the Humboldt marten be listed as “endangered” under the California Endangered Species Act. This is huge news and the culmination of over three years of work by EPIC. (Phew!)read more >>
A New Era of Timber Wars?
July 31, 2018
Several trusted sources have reported that Humboldt Redwood Company (HRC) has hired Lear Asset Management Company , a private security firm, to conduct paramilitary operations against forest protectors in the Mattole watershed. Last week, Lear security guards turned out in force with black helicopters, dogs and tasers, ultimately making a citizen’s arrest of three people. read more >>
2018 EPIC Base Camp
July 24, 2018
EPIC Base Camp will focus on the Last Chance Grade Project alternatives, in and around Redwood National and State Parks September 7-9, 2018. Base Camp attendees will have the opportunity to participate in groundtruthing, map and compass orienteering, environmental policy, know your rights trainings, and more! Sign up for this event at the link below, as space is limited! read more >>
Green Diamond Strikes “Killer” Agreement for Martens
July 23, 2018
Despite the recent spate of good news for the Humboldt marten—California is recommending they be listed under the California Endangered Species Act, EPIC petitioned to list the critter under the Oregon Endangered Species Act, and EPIC has filed a rulemaking petition to prohibit marten trapping in coastal Oregon—we have some major bad news to report. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has given a permit to Green Diamond Resource Company that would make marten recovery much more difficult. Under the so called “Safe Harbor Agreement,” Green Diamond only has to make minimal changes to its forest practices to get around the teeth of the California Endangered Species Act. read more >>
EPIC Objects to Seiad-Horse Creek Post-Fire Logging
July 23, 2018
On Monday, EPIC formally objected to the Seiad-Horse Project on the Klamath National Forest. The Seiad–Horse project threatens to clearcut over 1,000 acres along the Siskiyou Crest, on the California-Oregon border. It is one of multiple US Forest Service timber sales in the region that is likely to adversely affect threatened species. EPIC’s objection puts the Forest Service on notice that the timber sale violates the law and sets forth what the agency can do to avoid litigation. read more >>
EPIC Victory for Wildlife in Shasta County
July 23, 2018
Have you ever heard of Wildlife Services? They are the rogue federal agency that kills "problem" wildlife. Did you know that local governments subsidize them? EPIC and our allies have had enough. In June, our coalition sent a letter to Shasta County warning them that if the county renewed its contract with Wildlife Services, we would sue them for failing to evaluate the impacts through the California Environmental Quality Act. We are proud to report that Shasta County has pull its contract with Wildlife Services. Read our press release here. read more >>
Inbred Spotted Owls Doomed By Their Own Genes?
July 22, 2018
Northern spotted owls in the Pacific Northwest are facing a new threat: decreasing populations and a lack of suitable mates are forcing the owls to breed with their own parents or siblings. This may lead to an "extinction vortex," where each new inbred generation further amplifies harmful genes from already-inbred parents, resulting in weaker and weaker offspring until a population goes entirely extinct. Once caught in this downward spiral, recovery is difficult without human intervention, like capture-and-translocate programs that shuffle owls between areas to improve genetic diversity. read more >>
Redwoods Rising Seeks Scoping Comments
July 20, 2018
Under the umbrella of Redwoods Rising, the National Park Service, California Department of Parks and Recreation and Save the Redwoods League are beginning the process of considering various restoration efforts for the Greater Prairie Creek watershed in Redwood National and State Parks. Activities that are being considered as part of the project include forest restoration, road removal and aquatic restoration. read more >>
