EPIC installs roadside billboard
Redwood Times
Posted: 01/27/2010 10:23:27 AM PST
A new roadside billboard installed by the Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC) sends a clear message to motorists traveling north on Highway 101 to Humboldt County: Save Richardson Grove.
EPIC staff and volunteers painted and installed the new billboard Jan. 16. The sign faces northbound traffic about 13 miles south of Richardson Grove and reads “Save Richardson Grove” as well as listing EPIC’s website address, wildcalifornia.org.
”This billboard is just one element in our grassroots, community-based campaign to stop this ill-advised construction project proposed by Caltrans,” said Kerul Dyer, EPIC’s Outreach Director. “The billboard lets all passing motorists know that the cathedral grove within Richardson Grove State Park faces real threats and encourages them to learn more about the issue at our website, wildcalifornia.org.”
EPIC will host a public forum February 16 at the Bayside Grange from 6:30-8:30 p.m. to discuss the proposed Richardson Grove project, in coordination with the Richardson Grove Coalition, who will host additional forums in Garberville and Fortuna. In addition, EPIC will organize other strategic events before the release of the project’s final Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment, which are expected at the beginning of March. Once Caltrans releases these final documents, the agency has indicated it will not accept further public input on the plan.
District 1 Caltrans reported last month that planners have made major changes to the original project proposal to address concerns brought forward through the public comment in the planning process. In recent weeks, Humboldt County Supervisors Mark Lovelace and Clif Clendenen attended a private tour of these proposed changes but no information has yet been made available to the public.
EPIC’s efforts represent only one strand of a vibrant coalition from across California, organizing to protect the ancient grove and our unique region’s local economy.
”There are many levels on which this proposed project is a bad idea,” said Scott Greacen, EPIC’s Executive Director. “This project will negatively impact Richardson Grove’s immediate environment and potentially damage protected species’ habitat. Additionally, there are concerns that allowing larger commercial trucks through the grove will lead to an influx of big box retailers and threaten the rural character of Humboldt County.”
Submitted by EPIC
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY EPIC
A new roadside billboard installed by the Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC) sends a clear message to motorists traveling north on Highway 101 to Humboldt County: Save Richardson Grove.
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