EPIC's Forest Watch project got off to a tremendous start this summer, with more than 130 volunteers joining us on our monthly hikes. Through this project, we are exploring some of the most beautiful--and most threatened--places in our National Forests, investigating timber sales and other land use activities that are targeting ancient forests and critical salmon streams.
Our first hike explored old growth forests found in the Knob and Meteor timber sales, which total more than 1,300 acres in the Wild and Scenic Salmon River watershed. Over 30 people joined us for this 3-day adventure, with refreshing swimming, great food, and incredible views along the way.
In June, we headed to an area next to the Pacific Crest Trail, where the Whittler timber sale is threatening old-growth forests and roadless lands that are proposed additions to the Russian Wilderness. A geologist, restoration worker, and former Forest Service biologist were among those attending this hike. Together we picked apart the phony fire-reduction arguments that the Forest Service used to justify the plan.
In July, we explored the site of the proposed open pit gold mine in Canyon Creek, planned right near the most popular trail into the Trinity Alps Wilderness (see page 1). A growing number of citizens are expressing concern about this proposal, but we were still amazed when 70 people showed up for the trip! We examined areas that were mined in the past and have not recovered since, and discovered many huge, old trees that are slated for cutting in an area where a "test pit" for the project is planned.
About 20 people joined EPIC's last hike of the season, which went up the Pacific Crest trail and into the site of the Horse Heli timber sale. Before hiking into the logging units, we were rewarded with views of the Siskiyou Wilderness, Marble and Trinity Mountains, and Mount Shasta. Our view also included the 1,680 acres targeted by the timber sale, and from this vantage point, it became clear how important these forests are to migrating wildlife species.
Because Forest Watch has been so successful, we will likely continue this volunteer project again next year. We aim to galvanize active public participation in protecting our forests, providing opportunities to make a personal connection with these areas, learn more about these issues, and scrutinize the Forest Service's plans on the ground. This work has already helped expand the number of motivated, committed, and informed activists. EPIC looks forward to blazing more of these happy trails.
