2018 was another EPIC year. The numbers don’t lie: We have nine ongoing lawsuits, two rulemaking petitions, and commented on over 30 projects—all with a staff of just five! Here are some of our highlights from 2018.
Year of the Marten: 2018 was the year of the marten. We successfully listed the marten under the California Endangered Species Act and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed listing the marten under the federal Endangered Species Act. But not all is well for the marten. Shady backroom deals threaten to undermine future protections for the marten. (Sounds like something EPIC) should work on in 2019, right?)
Beat Back Beaver Batterers: In December, EPIC sent a notice of intent to sue to Wildlife Services, the taxpayer-funded wildlife-killing arm of the USDA, because of the agency’s problematic beaver “management.” By killing beavers that were improving salmon habitat, without consulting with the National Marine Fisheries Service, the agency violated the Endangered Species Act.
Saving Shasta Salamanders: EPIC, together with our friends at the Center for Biological Diversity, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for dragging its feet in considering whether to list the Shasta salamander under the Endangered Species Act. Why the foot dragging? The Service anticipated making a final decision in 2022, two years after a dam raising project would imperil the salamander’s habitat. We hate this malarkey so we are in court!
Defense of Richardson Grove Continues! Another year of defense of the ancient redwoods of Richardson Grove State Park in the bag. So far we have held back the bulldozers for 11 years and we won’t stop until Caltrans follows the laws!
EPIC Sues over “Salvage” Timber Sale Scam: The Klamath National Forest is back with another dumb/wasteful/corrupt/harmful (pick your favorite negative adjective, they all work!) timber sale. The Seiad-Horse Project is all about getting big bucks for timber companies, selling off old growth for record low prices. EPIC, together with our friends at KS Wild, are challenging the timber sale in federal court.
Last Chance for Last Chance Grove? EPIC was on the ground in the summer to look at a potential re-route of Highway 101 around Last Chance Grade that would cut down acres of old-growth. Check out Last Chance Grove before it is too late but looking at our photo gallery.
EPIC Celebrates Jene McCovey with Sempervirens Award: Activist Jene McCovey was honored at the Fall Celebration for her lifetime of work on behalf of the people and lands of the North Coast. Luckily, Jene is not slowing down. We see her at every protest and government meeting, leading the charge. We are so grateful for her work.