About Us | EPIC Website

About EPIC

The Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC) is a grassroots, 501(c)(3) non-profit environmental organization that combines public education, citizen advocacy, and strategic litigation to advocate for the protection and restoration of Northwest California’s forests, watersheds, and wildlife using an integrated approach based on best available science. EPIC was founded in 1977 when local residents joined together to successfully end aerial applications of herbicides by industrial logging companies in Humboldt County.

Based in the coastal community of Arcata in the rural region of Humboldt County on the North Coast of California, EPIC is surrounded by industrial timberlands and state/federal public lands, where the health of our forests, watersheds, and wildlife is vital to the rich cultural and traditional practices of our local communities. Our region is home to the Earth’s largest remaining stands of old-growth redwood trees, the striking Trinity Alps, the largest undammed river in California (the Smith River), and many other unique natural features.

EPIC works extensively with the people and communities in the region, understanding that the environment of Northern California is an interconnected whole consisting of flora, fauna, and people. EPIC’s goal is to protect Northwest California so that people may live harmoniously in a community of all beings, and one that respects and cares for the landscape in a way that demonstrates a serious commitment to the wellbeing of the future generations.

What We Do

Since 1977, EPIC has been at the forefront of forest protection, ensuring that state and federal agencies follow their mandates to uphold environmental laws and protect endangered species. EPIC uses an integrated, science-based approach that combines public education, citizen advocacy and strategic litigation to protect and restore natural areas within our bioregion. We implement strategies that will strengthen the way conservation laws are interpreted and implemented throughout the state and nation. We work with diverse stakeholders including rural communities, tribes, regulatory agencies, and activists to monitor public lands, enforce environmental regulations, engage decision-makers and develop natural resource policies to protect biodiversity and habitat connectivity.

We have filed hundreds of lawsuits on behalf of imperiled species and their habitats, and many of our victories, including successful cases before the United States and California Supreme Courts, have established important legal precedents. EPIC’s achievements and important role in California resource policy have been recognized by the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, which named EPIC one of the most effective organizations in California.

Who We Work With

Since our inception, EPIC has worked with community groups to support conservation and restoration of lands in Northwest California. Long-standing, close relationships with Californians for Alternatives to Toxics, Friends of the Eel River, Bay Area Coalition for the Headwaters, Trees Foundation, and many other Humboldt County-based organizations, have enabled the defeat of many of the most egregious practices seen in our region.

In more recent years, EPIC staff has developed a group of close allies to work alongside on effectively protecting and restoring Northwest California’s forests, watersheds, and wildlife. The contemporary era of EPIC includes collaborative work on nearly every issue. EPIC’s network includes: Klamath Siskiyou Wildlands Center, Klamath Forest Alliance, Humboldt Waterkeeper, Salmon River Restoration Council, Northcoast Environmental Center, Oregon Wild, Friends of Del Norte, Klamath Riverkeeper, Center for Biological Diversity, California Native Plant Society, Sierra Club California, Intertribal Sinkyone Wilderness Council, and Klamath Environmental Law Center.