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Redwood Empire again tries to log Lompico headwaters
by Kevin Collins
The Lompico Timber Harvest Plan (THP) which was stopped by an unprecedented
decision of the CA Board of Forestry on appeal by Santa Cruz County
in April 2004 has come back as a “new” filing. Essentially
the same logging plan, it is newly numbered 1-05-158 SCR. We could
find no reference whatsoever in this “new” THP to the
Board of Forestry’s ruling. This is probably because the Timber
Industry and California Department of Forestry (CDF) are terrified
of having to deal legitimately with the issue of cumulative watershed
impacts. Perhaps they think if they ignore the issue, it will go
away.
This is unlikely. The Sierra Club and its partner organizations
such as the Lompico Watershed Conservancy have no intention of abandoning
our rivers and streams to continual decline from water pollution.
Lompico Creek is listed as impaired under the Clean Water Act as
is its parent watershed, the San Lorenzo River. The water from this
creek for the Community of Lompico and the steelhead which spawn
in Lompico Creek are critical public resources. We will continue
to defend our right to live in healthy watersheds surrounded by
wildlife. Wildlife can only survive in streams that we protect from
abuse. About 40% of our steelhead and salmon runs are now extinct.
We cannot afford to lose any more.
The Lompico Watershed Conservancy and the Lompico County Water District
both tried to resolve this dispute by arranging a purchase of this
headwaters land. In 2001 the landowner asked a price for these 425
acres far in excess of its legal appraisal value.
There will be a public hearing at the Zayante Fire House on this
new THP. At press time the date of the hearing was not known. Please
check the Conservancy’s website for the hearing date and additional
information, www.lompicocreek.org or call 335-8136.
How to help
• Attend the public hearing.
• Write a letter to CDF opposing this Timber Harvest Plan.
The address for comment is Public Comment (List the THP # 1-05-158
SCR), CDF Forest Practice, 135 Ridgway Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95401.
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