The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has a plan to widen and realign Highway 101 at Richardson Grove to accommodate the largest commercial trucks on the road. Caltrans would cut down trees and destroy the roots of ancient redwoods causing substantial, irreparable damage to the trees. The redwoods of Richardson Grove represent the last standing giant ancient redwoods in the world, they are irreplaceable: once destroyed they are gone and they will not be replaced by equivalent trees for millennia.
Be Ready to Hug the Trees! Sponsored by Occupy Richardson Grove, Ecotrans Affinity Group and Earth First! in northern California, an ACTION CAMP will take place over Valentine’s Day weekend Feb. 11-13, 2012, near Piercy in northern Mendocino county. This action camp is in preparation for possible negative outcomes in upcoming court hearings concerning Caltrans highway project through Richardson Grove State Park in Humboldt County. If it turns out that direct action and tree hugging become necessary to stop heavy equipment, redwood forest defenders need to be ready!
The case against Caltrans and their attempt to widen highway 101 at Richardson Grove will be heard in Federal court on Feb. 23, in San Francisco. The fate of ancient redwoods and our beloved State Park is in our hands. We don’t know how or when the judge will decide. To express our love for these trees, we will prepare to hug them over the Valentine’s Day Weekend. Join us for a joyful love-in for the redwoods! Indoor lodging at Chinmaya Ashram near Piercy; Outdoor camping at nearby locations preregister with Occupy Richardson Grove by phone or email. Directions: take highway 101 to Cooks Valley exit West and follow the signs to Chinmaya Mission. Orientation: nonviolent direct action! Organized in short segments. Review of the principles of nonviolence, consensus process, jail, legal and solidarity issues with active participation by everyone!
At the Ashram, please respect our host: Please no weapons, drugs, alcohol, pets, fires, tents. Vegetarian and vegan meals only. Please discuss special needs at pre-registration.
Field trips! Adopt-a-Tree! Learn about the imperiled old growth redwoods along highway 101 with Grove hikes, tours, and campfires.
Art Workshops! Make signs, banners, and Valentines for the trees. Some materials provided. Your creative ideas needed.
Be Prepared! Bring food, (Vegetarian & Vegan only to Ashram), bedding, warm clothing, rain gear, art supplies, acoustic instruments, drums, songs, volunteer energy.
A “Truth Booth” will be set up during the week-end near the Grove at French’s Camp across from the Pioneer gas station to direct you to the Ashram and into the Grove.
