Celebrating 25 Years of Protecting the North Coast Redwood Region

In 1977, the North Coast was under siege from the logging industry, with aerial herbicide spraying occurring at a rampant level. Outraged community members in southern Humboldt County banded together to end this practice, determined to protect the forests and water sources that sustained their families and native fish populations. Born from this successful community organizing effort, the Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC) is now celebrating its 25th year of using innovative strategies and tactics to protect the forests, watersheds and wildlife on California's North Coast.

EPIC has filed more than 60 lawsuits on behalf of the wildlife and wild places in the redwood region since making its debut in the courtroom in 1983. Together with EPIC's administrative advocacy and educational outreach, this work has led to the permanent protection of thousands of acres of ancient forests, including Sally Belle Grove in the Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, Gilham Butte adjacent to the Redwood State Park, and Headwaters and Owl Creek Groves within Headwaters Forest. Importantly, this work also strengthened the interpretation and enforcement of environmental laws and helped expand environmental protections throughout the state and nation.

Despite many hard-won victories, additional challenges lie ahead, and EPIC remains vigilant in its efforts to protect the spectacular environment of California's North Coast. EPIC continues to work on problems related to logging on private land in California, but has also expanded its program area to address the growing concerns facing the Klamath, Six Rivers, Shasta-Trinity, and Mendocino National Forests as well as those facing Humboldt Bay. As we celebrate 25 years of community environmental activism, EPIC is prepared to meet the challenges that await us in the upcoming years.

The current staff and board would like extend a heartfelt "thank you" to everyone who supported EPIC over the years and made it possible for the organization to become the strong advocate for ancient forests, fish and wildlife that we are today. We are excited for this opportunity to reflect on the events of the last 25 years and to host special events for EPIC's members and supporters throughout the year.


This article can be found online at www.wildcalifornia.org/publications/article-26