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Lands that collectively make up the 3Vs include: the recovering 11-year-old clear-cut Vista Ridge (80 acres) and the adjacent ancient forests of Virgin Grove (80 acres) and Vista Ridge Grove (40 acres). Visitors can experience these lands on guided Sanctuary Forest interpretive hikes along a recreation trail that winds through Virgin Grove, arriving at the local highpoint of Vista Ridge for a 360-degree dramatic view of the surrounding landscape.
Although the 3Vs do not offer the wholly pristine habitat and aesthetic values they once did, Sanctuary Forest recognized the priority to purchase the lands from Barnum Timber Company in 1999, intending their inclusion among the protected lands of the Upper Mattole River and Forest Reserve. The original purchase of the 3Vs by Sanctuary Forest was made possible with funding help from the Paul G. Allen Foundation and Save-The-Redwoods League.
The 3Vs protection culminated a more than decade-long effort of public demonstration and vigil, courtroom battles, biological studies, and lengthy negotiations. The transfer of the 3Vs to the State finalizes some of the priority acquisitions for Sanctuary Forest in the upper Mattole.
Sanctuary Forest thanks supporters for writing letters that made our State legislators keenly aware of the importance of permanent protection for these lands. Special thanks to our responsive legislators: Senator Chesbro and Assemblymember Strom-Martin, and to Governor Davis for the inclusion of 3Vs in the final budget.