September 6, 2004
Update on the Campaign to Restore Jackson State Redwood Forest
The big news is the amazing progress of SB 1648, introduced in February by Senator Wes Chesbro. This bill would reform management of all California state forests, particularly Jackson State Forest. It would substitute multiple uses, including restoration, conservation, and recreation, for the present mandate for maximum timber production.
The bill has now passed the Senate and been approved by the Natural Resources Committee of the Assembly. Before this appears in print, it will have been heard by the Appropriations Committee, and if all goes well, will have been passed by the Assembly.
After a rocky political start in Mendocino County, the bill appears to be gathering widespread support from politicians and the timber industry. Senator Chesbro and his staff have argued convincingly that SB1648 is the best way to get Jackson Forest back to work, and to end the stalemate and litigation that has halted all logging in the forest for the last four years.
The last big hurdle will be to convince the governor to sign the bill, despite the blanket opposition of the California Department of Forestry, the agency that was reaping profits of about $10 million a year from the large-scale logging of Jackson Forest.
My heartfelt thanks to all who have supported the Campaign during the five years of its drive to save our public redwood forest for our children.
Get the latest news and join our campaign at www.jacksonforest.com.
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TOC for Forest & River News, Summer 2004