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The redwood region of California defines the southern extent of the temperate rainforest of the Pacific Northwest. Industrial logging corporations hold the titles for much of the private forestlands in our region, and present threats to ecosystem health and economic stability. Years of corporate logging has created a wasteland of clearcuts and roads beyond the visable "beauty strips" retained near highways and towns.
EPIC confronts the corporations responsible for this destruction through monitoring their Timber Harvest Plans, engaging policy makers and litigating illegal actions. After 30 years of confrontation, our Industrial Forestlands Program intends to enrich this strategy by promoting sound forest management practices, restoration and encouraging more community members to engage in California Department of Fire and Forestry processes. Fueled by enthusiasm, we look forward to offering community forums, educational workshops and multi-media presentations so we may, as the wider Humboldt community, protect and enjoy our shared legacy.
Through our program, we will promote principled reforms to timber management practices, including but not limited to the following:
o Restore forestlands for high-quality timber production and wildlife habitat;
o Create an economy based on preserving high-quality timber and wildlife habitat; and
o Integrate the region's human communities into this effort.
o Establish a third-party process that includes the public to monitor and track progress of forestry planning.
o Ensure long-term forestry planning that provides employees with living wages, benefits and opportunities that enhance workforce stability, worker safety, and local economic well-being.
Additionally, through our programs, and to achieve proactive community relationships, we have created achievable no compromise areas, including but not limited to the following:
Forbid the use of herbicides and other toxic chemicals on industrial forestlands
Forbid clear-cuts, even-age management, and group selection greater than an acre
Preserve the land base as timberlands.
Establish areas of permanent protection for wildlife, including the designated Marbled Murrelet Conservation Areas.
Create incentives for forest planners to manage forest lands above the standards of regulatory agencies
Increase the rotation age of forest lands for improved carbon sequestration