Logging without laws– in California?

Posted 12/13/96

A forestry bill so hideous it did not seem to be a threat unexpectedly passed out of a California State Senate Committee recently. If the California Legislature passes this bill we will have a version of the disastrous federal "salvage logging" law right here at home. This measure must be stopped.

In the name of fire prevention Assembly Bill (AB) 1357 would allow logging of sensitive habitat areas on state-regulated forest lands. The big difference between the federal salvage-logging measure and this one is that AB 1357 is not limited to "dead, dying, or diseased" trees. All trees are the target and there is no acreage limit.

AB 1357 would eliminate public comment and agency participation, now required before logging permits are issued. The measure would apply to ancient forests, riparian/watercourse zones, and any other private forests– a total of 7.5 million acres.

Please take action today.

Phone or e-mail one or more of the following key Senators:

• Patrick Johnston (D-Stockton), 916/445-2407, senator.johnston@sen.ca.gov

• Mike Thompson (D-Napa Valley), 916/445-3375, senator.thompson@sen.ca.gov

• Henry Mello (D-Watsonville), 916/445-5843, senator.mello@sen.ca.gov

Also contact the senator who represents your district by phoning 916/445-4251.

Tell them massive deregulation of the timber industry is unnecessary and environmentally destructive. Tell them to defeat AB 1357!