Herbicide spraying by logging corporations is one of the most pervasive practices existing in California today, but remains as one of the most unregulated. These chemicals threaten our forests, streams, and rare plants and animals, but all federal and state agencies have evaded their responsibilities to monitor and prevent resulting impacts.
EPIC was formed in 1977 when community members came together to successfully end aerial herbicide spraying by logging corporations in Humboldt County. Though aerial applications haven't occurred in Humboldt since, this struggle is not over.
Logging corporations are now spraying herbicides by hand, and as the rate of clearcutting has accelerated across the North Coast forests, the use of these chemicals has also skyrocketed. Today, more than 20,000 acres of North Coast forestland are sprayed with toxic herbicides every year.
EPIC has partnered with other organizations to address these growing concerns. Several of our actions have already led to success, and we are researching and implementing others to see that herbicide spraying does not degrade streams or harm plants, fish, or wildlife.
