Redwood Curtain Action Camp

-Update-06-04-2010

Direct Action Camp For Organizing To Save Richardson Grove

This past May 28 through the 30th
By Jack Nounan

We set up our flags and hoisted our banner of purpose to guide people to our encampment. Our primary concerns here to prepare ourselves for the months ahead and reaching out to a caring public to join us in facing this constant human hacking away at the remains of our precious local natural beauty and way of life...this huge necessity to be prepared as a community.

It's been a weekend of great wake up call to save this awesome entry way into our unique life of Humboldt, a sumptuous sharing of food delights, visiting and renewing our ties, the many new folks with their strengths adding to our defense, an awesome companionship and gearing up for the long haul ahead.

We wasted no time, from early morning on until long after darkness over the fire, with open discussions of why we must bother being here, the history of our great movement to defend the Earth, bringing up the audacity of those who who are determined to design our life in terms of their motives and where they live.

We held trainings about the bedrock of our beliefs, non violent action and living each day in the face of such harsh, thoughtless and misplaced abilities that do such harm to others and our precious environment. We took treks in the forest and along the highway, detailing the newest plans, to reshape natures finest, being aware of the species in jeopardy, murrelet's, bald eagles and bats, detailing those specific natural wonders up for destruction.

(See Updates on continuing actions below:)

Caltrans, and others, so determined to superimpose their giant consumerism and militant modernized plague, yes even the Department of Defense, in this continued plowing over, called 'streamlining' and "get on with the business at hand" subtle 'demands'... like freeway styling that ought to enrage even the the millions who tour here in attempting to escape the densities of where they've come from... for a few days, not wanting more of the massive cementing embankments or giant roads... but moments of reflection. Why is it so hard to understand how this is an amazing park, as if a treasure... to set aside, which we have long been led to believe it has been?

In our getting together, first it was about how to camp carefully, allowing us to immediately be part of the unique and precious bonding of a people working, enjoying and thriving together for the most basic living purposes again, the amazing 'quality of life' re-emergence that so well defines and sustains us at moments, the realization of this almost "lost art" of sharing and combined strengths of humans in touch with their most elemental and endearing qualities again. It was L or C's and others cooking, the ever ready help of more and the contagious warmth and humor, V's, training, F's facilitating another meeting, the kids running about in this family atmosphere, Jeff and or S's to the woods again for other trainings, P's, unimposing in videoing our life together for European documentaries.... K's standing at the river for long moments, reminding us of the necessity of renewing this spirit......of coming to terms with ourselves, renewing our spirits as well, in this form of making peace with the river and all of what surrounds us.This is the prototype for what could be called transitional living and learning about how best to be collective in our times... in our world.

We, as a community ought to be able see the further mischief of these present plans, the irresponsible cuttings and messing with the organic parts of these great beings, which almost promises to be a certain stigma carried forward into the future.....of how these thoughtless changes finally lame and sicken these giants, making certain they must be torn down too.

The EIR (Environmental Impact Report) is something to behold, entitled; "The Richardson Grove Improvement Project." an awakening in itself of being confronting by the "I Am" of overzealous human tinkering's, a whole departments esoteric way of talking in patronizing terms, overbearing, scientific specificity of a jammed syntax that assures us, assures the public mind-set of it's authoritative wisdom, it's unfaltering understanding of absolutely all definable elements and essentially... 'yes', what makes the very life of trees! It's always posed as reasonable of course and is just so routine as to be glib and in the expected terms of.... "necessity" to tear down and rebuild in progressive images, always, of course, it's"minimal changes" and of course.... never never too detrimental, 'something anyone can lived with' and thus to simply trust our government. Pure "mitigation bull!"

Being in this great park,one can't help but relishing it's delicacy, yet the monumental presence, the incredible vistas along this narrow river valley ... coming upon an extraordinary swimming area in the midst of rock faces with the forest and ridges just above, the river flowing by silently here, yet a splice of the present highway regularly flashing us as the sun gleams off yet another roaring truck darting across the distant mountainside. Yes, already this area is blemished by the shudder and howling of trucks, at all hours, projected up into many of the camping areas. More? Impact statements? Who wrote the one back in time that passed and allowed this to happen? Is this part of what we envision parks to be and part of Humboldts best?

When are we going to stop this expanding mass commercial squalor and density, control of everything, authoritative hype and loss of what's so dear to us?

So, yes...we've begun again, with not too much time to lose in preparing for this latest vendetta... managing this fine kick off to our processes this past few days for stopping this latest government/Caltran/corporate fiasco!

It's such a shame how those who attempt to run things never seem to see the overall picture of life, as if their being part of nature, rather then attempting to destroy and/or to control it (us)! Such a complex of continued American zeal to control the world and our strategies for how best to confront these incessant forces. We're going to need everyone who cares about such things to find ways to help . Let's all plan to get together soon in following through!

Updates:

Locals in Percy and adjacent areas will help. We need food, money contributions and other supplies, call ins to radio stations to outreach others. This is envisioned as a Community wide Campaign. Everyone's ideas are as welcomed as surely as in this past weekends gatherings.

-Update- 06-01-2010

So many heartfelt thanks to all of you who attended, organized, trained and donated to the Redwood Curtain Action Camp! We had over 60 attendees and have made so much progress in preparing for direct action to Defend the Redwood Curtain! More photos and camp info coming soon.


-Update- 05-26-2010

Set up begins on Friday at 4PM, trainings held Saturday through Sunday. Scroll down for location. We will be visible :)

Be prepared to camp. Here is a suggestion list of what you may need to make your stay comfortable. Keep in mind that the community will help you if you cannot afford food, shelter, etc. Scroll down to the 5-23-10 update for a list of needs for the camp out, we still need donations and supplies.

This is going to be fun, awesome, and inspiring! See you on Friday evening, just south of Richardson Grove State Park. Look for banners, signs and the group, you can't miss us :)

-Tent or tarp shelter((2) 4' X 8' tarps)
-Sleeping bag, rated at least 40 degrees(or warmer)
-Sleeping pad or blow up camp mattress(optional)
-Pillow(optional)
-Personal garbage bag
-Toilet Paper and Sundries(toothpaste, soap, etc.)
-Blissware(dish, cup, and utensils)
-Water(gallon size works great)
-Pocket knife
-Headlamp or flashlight
-Cordage
-Warm/hot weather clothing
-Wet and cool weather clothing(no cotton, wool is best)
-Lightweight and nonperishable "emergency" food(energy bars, bread, peanut butter, jelly, granola, jerky,etc.)
-Other food items, needs, wants, etc. Remember, sharing is caring :)
-Small day pack

One of the problems of "camping out" is bringing too much stuff. Please be prepared, but also keep in mind that weighing yourself down too much can be very uncomfortable. There will be plenty of available parking on site, auto camping is permitted.

There is to be no oppression or hierarchy at this event. However, please respect the opinions and views of others in their personal choices, such as keeping vegetarian and omnivore food items separate.

We are also asking participants to refrain from using medicinal "drugs" or alcohol at meetings, trainings, workshops and other group events. There will be plenty of time for that around the campfire. Camps and campfire circles will also have separate intoxicant free areas.

If you feel the need to imbibe or partake in alcohol or medicinal "drugs", please do so away from the events, trainings and workshops in order not to distract or detract from the importance of what the group is trying to achieve in regards to these crucial trainings and workshops.

Since this is an "open event", your participation is at your own risk. No one, especially the property owner, is liable or responsible for any injuries or damages during, after or from this event. Participants are required to pay a sliding scale admission fee of at least ONE PENNY and to sign a liability release before entering the property.

So many of you are asking "Where exactly is the location?" That's a secret... :)

The location is just south of Richardson Grove State Park. Just look for the banners, signs and people.

We'll see you Friday evening for setup. All are invited at any time during the event, so if you cannot make it for the entire weekend, please come check us out at your convenience.

This will be a fun, safe and inspiring environment. We can't wait to see you there! :)

-Update- 05-23-2010

Wow! We are getting such a great response from people wishing to help out with action camp by bringing food, supplies, skills, music, art and great vibes!

Here is a partial list so far. So much is being added as we get closer Friday the 28th. Remember, this is your action camp! So bring what you feel will make this experience fun, peaceful, colorful, inspiring, and above all important to you :)

Provisions and supplies:

What we still need:
-Water containers
-Tarps
-Buckets for dishes, etc.
-Dishes
-Food and donations for food(If you are a carnivore, that's great but please bring your own meat and grill!)
-Pots, pans, stove, grill(veggie and non)etc.
-Utensils
-Cordage and stakes
-Easy ups
-Toilet seats
-Used and unneeded 5 gallon buckets w/lids
-Plastic bags
-Solar Shower
-Extension Cords
-Firewood
-Large Dry Erase Board and dry erase pens and/or Chalkboard
-Easel
-Blankets

What we have:
-(1) 4 person tent
-(1) 5gal water container
-(3) tarps
-(2) buckets, 2 gal
-(2) 4 piece sets of camp dishes
-(3) 2 lg. pots, 1 sm.
-(2) cast iron skillets, reg.
-(1) free-standing 2 burner stove w/propane tank
-(1) lg. griddle
-assorted utensils
-assorted cordage
-dishes, utensils, pots and pans, tarps


Creative/Artistic:
What we need:

-Signs and banners(small, medium and large)
-Music and instruments
-PA system
-Portable power/inverter

What we have so far:
-lot's of musical equipment, including a couple of amplifiers.

This list of material needs will be update with your responses by email (humboldtforestdefense(at)gmail(dot)com or comments on this post.

Trainings:

This is an open forum. The following trainings and skills are being offered at this point. Aside from Non-violence and Direct action trainings, topics could be anything from gender related issues, non-oppression and group social skills, backwoods and canopy survival, climb trainings, water purification, herbs and medicine, CPR and First Aid, etc. ,etc....


-Non-violence and Direct Action Trainings by multiple trainers with different focuses.
-Climb Trainings and "The Ropes"
-First Aid
-Backwoods and Ground Support
-Edible and Medicinal local Herbs and Mushrooms
-Spirituality
-Cooking for Groups
-Singing and Dancing
-Art and Face Painting

My vision is for everyone to take a lead in bringing their own knowledge and experiences to each training that inspires them, to be taught by single individuals or groups, in which individuals in the audience may interact with questions and additional info in the standard stack method. Trainings will be scheduled daily in the AM after breakfast circle and/or as to trainer's availability. NO ONE will be talked over, oppressed, undervalued or discouraged. The goal is to encourage positive behavior, and address negative behavior and disruptions as a group pro actively.

We all need to keep the vibe safe, peaceful, positive and inspiring. All of us are on "Vibe Patrol".

I'm completely open to your suggestions on this, and invite trainers to basically do their own thing in their own unique style. That is truly our strength and I feel that ANYONE can and should volunteer to train on any subject relevant to, well... pretty much everything that interests you about this campaign, social issues and forest defense.

A schedule will be circulated by email(humboldtforestdefense(at)gmail(dot)com after your responses, so trainers please list your availability between the dates May 28th-30th and whether or not your training is time or day sensitive.

This is a very exciting moment for all of us! This will be a great opportunity to come together and share our passion for the ancient redwoods that make the Redwood Curtain. This is non-exclusive. All are invited. It's time to come in peace and share our similarities, for which you will find are not rarities :)

For the Trees always!

Jeff

-Update- 05-18-2010

The two trees removed at Leggett were both Douglas Firs, one approximately 3' DBH and another around 4' DBH:

“Route 101 (92.5/98.9) – PG&E of Eureka has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility maintenance and tree trimming from 0.5 mile south of the Jitney Gulch Bridge to 0.4 mile south of Confusion Hill. Work hours are 7AM to 4PM, weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

Caltrans personnel were sighted at the project site. It is unknown why the sizable trees were removed, or why the larger tree was removed due to the fact that it was located on the opposite side of the highway from the PG and E power lines.

Original Post:

!RICHARDSON GROVE ACTION ALERT!

I'm forwarding this to all unopposed to Richardson grove direct action, trainers, forest defenders, etc. Please forward far and wide to likewise interested humans. Exact location to be announced...

The ancient redwoods in Humboldt County need your help! Again!
(And just when you thought that ancient trees in State Parks are protected...)

For those of you waiting for the magic moment to jump into the Save Richardson grove campaign, the time is right now! Caltrans may be cutting trees at Richardson Grove State Park as you are reading this call to action.

Only yesterday, Caltrans fell multiple 3-4 foot diameter trees right next to the 101 just south of Richardson Grove at the highways 1 and 101 intersection at Leggett. It is likely that our "Redwood Curtain" is next!

Direct action training is coming to the Redwood Curtain! A gathering focused on defending our State Park from the Caltrans R.I.P.(Richardson grove "Improvement" Project) is set to begin May 28th-30th.

All are invited to help organize, conduct trainings, and participate in this forum in solidarity under the "Earth First!" principles of non-violence, anti-oppression, and of course "No Compromise in the defense of Mother Earth.

The point of action happen to be along highway 101 as it intersects through Richardson grove State Park, the Redwood Curtain. Maps and info are available at the Caltrans R.I.P. project page.

Defend the redwoods, oaks and madrones located along the highway from this federally illegal project. The campaign has so much support from the community, no one here wants to see the demise of the ancient trees that are the Redwood Curtain.

All that is missing is YOU! Your unique skills, diversity, experiences, energies and most of all love for trees! Only 3% remain of our ancient forests. We cannot afford to put these trees in jeopardy to subsidize the movement of longer trucks for a few greedy local businesses.

Caltrans has just canceled the Marbled Murrelett surveys that would have put this project on hold until September 15th. Caltrans may have already begun tree removal by the time you read this alert.

Richardson grove has been labeled by the pro-project media as the "Environmentalists' Last Stand". If this is true, you better be there on May 28th...

Contact: humboldtforestdefense [at] gmail.com for info and how to get involved.

The Redwood Curtain Bicycle Run, Part II

From Trees Foundation "Forest and River News"
Spring 2010
by Jeffery
May 11, 2010


Never judge a book by its cover...

We left our biking activists last issue en route from Arcata to San Francisco, on a publicized tour in support of Richardson Grove State Park and against a Caltrans proposal to widen the highway through it, which would entail the loss of ancient redwoods and untold damage to the ecosystem.

The locals lumbering out of the woods were very cordial, and interested in what we were about. Who wouldn't be interested, with our banners and bikes. So we gathered in a circle in the middle of the intersection at the Pepperwood exit and the Avenue of the Giants to talk about redwood trees.

A recent local concern is the dying-back of the tops of ancient redwood trees along the Avenue of the Giants. The Avenue (much of it part of Humboldt Redwoods State Park) is the former two-lane route 101--the main road before the mid-sixties, now a scenic alternative to the four-lane highway. The Avenue features narrow roadside sections of old-growth redwoods highly visible to 101 traffic, a prized remnant of the last 3% of our ancient redwood forests. But in some median and roadside areas, particularly where pavement impacts surface contact for roots, the crowns of the giant trees are losing their foliage in an apparent die-back of the formerly healthy trees, creating what has been called "Avenue of the Spike-Tops." It's a tragic sight for anyone traveling highway 101 or that part of the Avenue. Our actions affect our environment, the root issue of the Richardson Grove Improvement Project (RIP).

Rest of article

Thank you Trees Foundation!

CalTrans bypass(es) questions

By Linda Williams/TWN Staff Writer

Posted: 04/30/2010 10:18:54 AM PDT

One of the unanswered questions posed to CalTrans environmental personnel at this month's Willits bypass presentation was whether the new project would be managed to avoid the environmental problems experienced during the recent Confusion Hill project.

With a $239 million estimate, the Willits bypass is significantly larger than the $70 million Confusion Hill project, and is being managed out of the same District 1 CalTrans office.

The public comment period on the CalTrans 401 permit for the Willits bypass is expected to open within the next few weeks, with CalTrans expecting to receive its final permit to begin construction in June.

The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board alleges that during construction of the Confusion Hill bypass, CalTrans violated its 401 Clean Water Act permit 154 separate times and had 141 days of violation during the construction period between August 17, 2006, and June 1, 2007.

NCWQCB Assistant Executive Officer Luis G. Rivera recommended in August 2009 that CalTrans pay a $1.5 million fine for the violations out of the possible $3 million maximum that could have been levied.

According to the complaint, "the discharger [CalTrans] easily could have avoided many of the violations included in this order had it simply used adequate best management practices and timely reported the violations. CalTrans was warned in the two notices of violation that many of the BMPs utilized at Confusion Hill were inadequate and had resulted in violations of the Water Quality Certification and Storm Water Permit, but failed to take corrective measures."

Rest of article

In regards to Redwood root impacts, there is no mystery!

From "Trees of Mystery", sign circa 40 years old.
Photo by Greg King

Thank you Greg!

Taking a stand at the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors meeting

Listen now to the Richardson Grove KMUD press conference from May 27th, 2010 thanks to KMUD Radio. Support local radio=support your local commmunity

View the video from the board of Supes Meeting

Thank you to all who spoke at the supervisors meeting, including those who attended for other agenda reasons but were inspired to speak up for Richardson Grove. I would also like to thank Clif for allowing everyone to have their voices heard. This is the basis for our democracy.

To learn more about the RIP(Richardson Grove "Improvement" Plan), please visit saverichardsongrove.org. Here is where you will also find links to the Caltrans project page, as well as the numerous RG coalition groups such as EPIC, Intertribal Sinkyone Wilderness Council, Humboldt Watershed Council and the Center for Biological Diversity, just to name a few. I implore concerned citizens to make their own decisions, and not buy into the Caltrans PR campaign funded by "our" Headwaters Fund to promote this controversial project.

The meeting will be aired on public access and I suggest that you view it since it was quite a lively event, reminiscent of the code enforcement turnouts of the past. There were at least 70 or more speakers/supporters of Save Richardson Grove, despite the fact that the Times-Standard downplayed the turnout to 30. I appreciate the Lumberjack for not being compromised in reporting a much less than actual attendance. As the meeting commenced, Clif immediately told public comment participants who traveled from as far as Ukiah that the usual 3 minute allotment for comment would be reduced to one minute only.

This created quite an uproar, and Clif threatened to close the meeting and have everyone escorted out. Fortunately, Clif came to his senses and allowed 30 minutes to be devoted for RG public comment, allowing only 30 speakers one minute each. This may have created the confusion regarding the number of reported attendees reported by the T-S. Or maybe something else caused this misconception, such as bias from the Times-Standard, which has downplayed project opposition from the get go.

The public was allowed to speak as the public comment period was extended for two hours. Despite the fact that only one minute was allowed per person, this was fair, as well as appreciated. I however would implore Clif to recuse himself from the Richardson Grove issue if the council allows the issue to be heard on agenda due to the fact that Clif has publicly taken sides with Caltrans while ignoring his constituents concerns.

Direct action to protect Richardson Grove was mentioned by multiple speakers but not reported by the press. Our supervisors now have an obligation to be proactive in dealing with this issue, as they now have an opportunity to represent the concerns of their constituents and give negotiations a chance before Direct Action is used to protect our State Park.

Otherwise, legal and safety concerns synonymous with Direct action activities may have been avoided if our supes had actually done their jobs and represented the interests of local residents, instead of non-local developers and big boxes. (If you want to know where our supervisors interests lie, follow the non-local campaign contributions.) The freedom and safety of their constituents is in their hands.

Save Richardson Grove has already accomplished multiple victories in the fight to save our State Park and the Redwood Curtain entrance. Caltrans was going to push the project through without an Environmental Impact Report, but was forced to conduct an EIR due to public outcry. This project is in violation with federal law and the fact that the project is unnecessary and will damage the ancient trees that line the highway(admitted in Caltrans' DEIR) has riled up a large and diverse group of concerned residents, environmental organizations and business owners.

This fight to Save Richardson Grove has been going on for more than three years, but this is still only the beginning. Your help is needed now and with your support, we will prevail!

saverichardsongrove.blogspot.com

PS. Extra special thanks to PARC(Peoples Action for Rights and Community) for attending and feeding us the wonderful and yummy food made with love outside of the courthouse after the supes meeting. It is to my understanding that they hold a ""Food not Bombs" style feed every Tuesday. Support PARC and support your community! http://peopleproject.wordpress.com/category/eureka-ca/