Published on July 7, 2004
© 2004- The Press Democrat
BYLINE: LORI HUBBART, California
Native Plant Society, Point Arena
PAGE: B4
COLUMN: Let the Public Speak
EDITOR: Thank you for printing state Sen. Wes
Chesbro's thoughtful July 1 piece on Jackson Demonstration State
Forest. The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) has long advocated
for better management of this important public resource. Rather than
trying to halt all logging, CNPS has stressed:
* Establishment of a formal, ongoing science program
to determine baseline biological data and biological trends.
* Restoration and stewardship of Mendocino pygmy
forest, a rare plant community.
* Control of invasive weeds and toxic dumping.
* Preservation of biological function, biodiversity
and non-timber resources.
* Informed public participation in forest
management.
* Logging that promotes these goals and helps fund
forest programs.
This forest could serve as a living
laboratory, a refuge for disappearing native species and ecosystems, an
ongoing restoration site, timber source, and recreation destination -- a
model for a truly multi-use forest. Instead, it is currently used
as a cash cow for other CDF programs.
Chesbro's bill, SB 1648, will help the local economy
while preserving the biological integrity of the forest. Let's step
boldly forward to manage the forest for the good of the forest and
all Californians.
LORI HUBBART
California Native Plant Society, Point Arena |