For Immediate Release
April 21, 2003
Maxxam Tree Climbers Arrest Tree-Sitter on Traverse
Heavy Rains Do Not Keep Maxxam Climbers Out of Trees
On Monday, during a drenching downpour, Maxxam/PL climber, Eric Schatz, ascended
a "traverse line" to extract yet another tree sitter from one of
the few old growth redwood trees still standing in the Freshwater watershed
near Eureka. An intense struggle to save the last giants has been going nonstop
here for the past month. 41 people, including many tree sitters and
supporters, have been arrested so far in the growing protests against Maxxam/PL's
destruction of the ancient trees. The timber harvest plan, which calls for
clear cutting on very steep slopes, has virtually leveled the landscape and
spares no ancient trees.
Luigi had harnessed himself to the traverse, a rope connecting two old growth
redwoods, in a last ditch attempt to save them from Maxxam's saws. After setting
up and going out on a second traverse line, Schatz apprehended Luigi and restrained
him in pain compliance holds as the activist dangled 100 feet above the ground
and hauled him back to the tree where two other climbers were waiting.
He was then lowered to the ground and arrested by the Humboldt County Sheriff.
Maxxam fallers immediately cut five more old growth trees.
"The tree sitter's hands and feet were bound and he was put into some
sort of a sling and lowered to the ground," said Kathie Bunnell, a local
resident, witnessing a tree sitter being extracted for the first time. "
I was deeply moved and have great respect for the courageous and dignified
way Luigi handled himself, even when the climbers were cutting large branches
above him in the tree."
Local residents and activists have been holding daily vigils along Greenwood
Heights Rd. since March 17, to witness the extraction of tree sitters and
protest the cutting of the last old growth trees along the road. Although
Maxxam/PL had initially closed the road, claiming they had a permit, local
law enforcement and government officials determined the closure was illegal
and Greenwood Heights Road has stayed open ever since.
Ignoring both public outcry and scientific analysis showing impacts to the
watershed so severe it called for the cessation of logging there, the Regional
Water Quality Control Board recently approved a waste discharge requirement
waiver for Maxxam/PL. The ruling gave a green light to the company's previously
illegal logging, and allowed Maxxam/PL to continue their controversial accelerated
rate of cut. The elevated rate of cut, in fact, is the basis of fraud charges
in the recent lawsuit filed by District Attorney, Paul Gallegos. The suit
claims Maxxam/PL concealed and suppressed critical information about the impacts
of cutting on steep slopes, thereby reaping millions in illegal profits.
Maxxam/PL has hired a public relations firm to orchestrate a smear
campaign of T.V. and print media ads against the activists, attacking
their unbroken record of nonviolent civil disobedience.
###--
Karen Pickett
|
Thank
you for support of this important movement, and your specific support for
HAVC & Earth Films.Our documentation has already changed people's perception
and increased awareness. You can help us to continue our media and eductional
work by making a tax deductible, make checks out to Earth Films/ESP to the
address below
P.O. Box 2198, Redway, CA 95560
|
