It is with great pleasure that we present you with EPIC’s 2019-2020 Annual Report. As we reflect on the victories from the past year, we are reminded of the strength and importance of collaboration with other advocacy groups, activists and legal experts to protect wildlife and wild places. In just one year, with a little help from our friends, we saw state and federal victories in the campaign to save Richardson Grove, reinforced wildlife protections on the proposed Humboldt Wind Project, banned the commercial trapping of fur-bearing mammals in California, filed a rule-making petition to protect beavers, banned the trapping of Humboldt martens in Oregon, and celebrated the 20-year anniversary of the Headwaters Forest Reserve.
EPIC 2019 Board and Staff
Our work depends on people power. EPIC is unique in that about half of our income comes from donations from our members. Looking back on our track record, it’s clear to see why this organization has thrived in the heart of the Redwoods for 43 years; because the people who live in and enjoy the places we work to protect, believe in the work we do.
As we embark on the new reality of social distancing, our hearts go out to the families whose health, daily lives, and financial welfare have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve made it through some hardships before, but never at this scale. While some are struggling with kids at home and increased workloads, others have more time to reflect on the people, places, and things that matter most.
With the great pause, we have seen wildlife return to city streets, pollution recede enough to see mountains that have not been visible for decades, family bonds strengthening, and a new appreciation for those providing services deemed essential in this time.
We would like to think of environmental protection as an essential service, because we all depend on clean water, fresh air and healthy ecosystems to survive, but without watchdog groups like EPIC, many of our favorite places would not exist. As the world begins to start up again, we need to direct our resources to the entities we want to thrive. Remember, we are all in this together and we must support each other through these difficult times. So if you believe in the work we do, please take a moment to read our Annual Report and support our work.