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Comments
by Leona Walden |
July 7, 2002
Chris Rowney, Deputy Chief for State Forests
Californi Department of Forestry
Po Box 944246
Sacramento, CA 94244
RE: Draft Management Plan and EIR for Jackson Demonstration State Forest
Dear Mr. Rowney:
For nearly twenty years I have hiked, camped and horseback ridden
innumerable times in Jackson State Forest. There have been many changes
over the years many of which resulted in the loss, temporarily or
permanently, of trails which I loved. I firmly believe the highest and
best use of Jackson State Forest is as a carefully managed forest for the
recreational and educational use of the citizens of California. The years
I participated in the Mendocino Fifty Endurance Races in Jackson State
are highlights in my life and in those of my friends.
The areas of old growth and aged second growth trees are most valuable
left standing. I strongly oppose the Draft Management Plan for Jackson
State Forest. I oppose the plan's clear cutting, large-scale commercial
logging, cutting of the oldest second-growth stands, inadequate stream
protection, herbicide use, and lack of a plan to expand recreation. I
personally want Jackson State restored to an old growth redwood forest
for habitat, recreation, education and research.
I favor restoration of Jackson State Forest, which the draft EIR fails to
evaluate. The closest alternative, Alternative E, does not restrict
timber operations to those needed to restore the forest to old growth, to
enhance recreation opportunities or to improve wildlife and botanical
habitats. It does not include significant expansion of recreation, nor
direct that proceeds from timber harvests be spent within Jackson State.
The EIR does not present data on the cumulative impacts of past and
proposed logging operations. Its stream protection measures are not
justified scientifically. It does not recognize the critical habitat
contribution that Jackson State could make to the recovery of the Marbled
Murrelet. For all of the above reasons, the Draft EIR fails to provide me
with the information and analysis I need to be able to judge the merits
of the Draft Management Plan.
Please carefully consider your plans for Jackson State Forest with the
future in mind. It's value is in the preservation of the trees and the
wildness aspects. Please preserve Jackson State Forest for my children,
my grandchildren and the generations to come.
Thank you.
Leona Walden
Po Box 745
Mendocino CA 95460
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