The year since our last newsletter has been filled with momentous changes, surprising victories, bitter defeats and a lot of difficult work. Scientists and citizens from across the state and nation submitted voluminous and well-researched comments on the proposed Headwaters Forest agreement and its various components. Members of the media and the public began to see so-called Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) for what they really are: licenses to kill endangered species and destroy otherwise protected habitat.

Meanwhile, our other legal, advocacy and educational work continues. A lawsuit against logging adjacent to the wilderness of Gilham Butte resulted in victory, while a seemingly successful lawsuit in McCoy Creek failed to keep other ancient trees standing. A new threat to forests both locally and globally is taking shape in the form of global warming , but the international agreements and domestic legislation supposedly designed to address this problem may actually make matters worse. In a guest opinion piece, a former EPIC Board member sheds new light on our proper relationships with the corporations that have seized so much power in modern society, and with the laws and regulations promulgated in their interest. Two articles address Maxxam Corporation's violations and deceptions. The Sinker Logging lawsuit proved successful and Judi Bari and Darryl Cherney's lawsuit against the FBI and the Oakland Police continues to move forward

We are excited to include excerpts from our 1998 Annual Report so you can see that 1998 was quite an epic year!

The new year, as always, presents many promises, pitfalls and unanswered questions. One thing, however, is certain: as our forests, fish and wildlife decline before the advance of corporate interests, communities throughout the region are rising to meet the challenge. Our vigilance and participation, in whatever forums we feel most effective, are more important now than ever. All of us at EPIC wish to express our deep gratitude for your past support, and our hope that you will stay with us through the successes and trials of the coming year.