New Tree-sit in Willits

A tree-sitter named Crow has established a new tree-sit in an alder tree above Haehl Creek, in another attempt to stop the Willits Bypass.

Action Camp in Willits

ACTION CAMP to Defend Little Lake Valley!
What's going on?

The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) is attempting to construct a four-lane superhighway through Little Lake Valley, otherwise known as Willits.

This project would destroy some of the Valley's last remaining wetlands, draining 86 acres — the largest wetlands fill permit in Northern California in 50 years. It is in the process of destroying oak savannahs and oak forests throughout the valley and on surrounding hillsides, and generating a massive quantity of CO2 emissions. It would severely damage the local economy, while doing remarkably little to prevent traffic congestion.
Action Camp Kicks Off
Ree12

Defenders of Little Lake Valley are excited to announce the establishment of an action camp. This mobilization will begin on Saturday, March 30th and remain ongoing until we have stopped the CalTrans superhighway. We are calling on everyone interested in standing up against massive waste, destruction, and greed to travel to our fair valley and help us protect what we hold sacred.

In recent days, CalTrans has been on a rampage. Its contractors have laid waste to large areas of vegetation, installed more than three miles of construction fencing, and dumped gravel to reinforce their haul road. Owing to the strength of our opposition, CalTrans has called on an overwhelming California Highway Patrol officers, including 24-hour surveillance, to be able to carry forward its destruction.

Think of it! The California Highway Patrol's operation in Willits is likely its biggest mobilization in the state, in a town with a municipal population of roughly 5,000 people.

But the CHP cannot maintain this sort of mobilization for much longer, nor are we going away. We have only come together closer so we can fight harder. We have delayed CalTrans' construction start by roughly two months already. Meanwhile, a separate group has a federal Clean Water Act lawsuit pending, which will be heard in court in May. Early next week, we are also we filing a California Environmental Quality Act Lawsuit, which would stop this project in its tracks.

We can win this! But we need your help.
Action Camp Logistics

To register for the action camp or for more details, please contact:
littlelakeactioncamp@gmx.com

For updates and further information regarding Little Lake Valley:
http://www.savelittlelakevalley.org/

Action Camp start date: Saturday, March 30th

Come prepared! Bring food, water, bedding, warm clothing, rain gear, art supplies, acoustic instruments, songs, and volunteer energy. Please no weapons, drugs, alcohol, pets, or fires. Explain any special needs you may have at pre-registration.

We will be mobilizing creative action towards halting the construction of the Willits Bypass. Your ideas are needed! No special prior experience is required to participate. There are many simple yet important ways to contribute, such as sign and banner making and legal observation.

As an action camp participant, you will learn about the imperiled wetlands, oak woodlands, and migratory bird nesting areas along highway 101 through ongoing hikes, tours, and campfires.
Statement From The Warbler

“I have been tree sitting for 55 days, the past three of which have been taken over by CHP and CalTrans. Right now, CHP officers deployed from all over the state are here to occupy Little Lake Valley and prevent supporters from bringing in supplies. They are also covering up the crimes being committed by Caltrans RIGHT NOW. There is a legal term for that: 'aiding and abetting.'

No public presence has been allowed in some of the areas being destroyed, so I don't know the extent of the damage. There are two other tree sitters, besides myself. CHP is not interested in protecting us. If they were, they would not be arresting our protectors and trying to destroy our home. We need to be able to monitor what is going on.

So we need you to come and help. This is not just about Little Lake Valley, this is about the future of this fragile matrix of life we are a part of that. And we have a responsibility to protect it. This is about solidarity. And the struggle that is going on everywhere. If this is not stopped here and now, the destruction will continue.”

Please join us in Little Lake Valley! We've got no time to waste.
http://savelittlelakevalley.org/action-camp/

Rally Held to Stop the Willits Bypass

Willits, California- Over a hundred people gathered at a park in Willits for the Save Our Valley Rally on Saturday, April 6. Most of the tree sitters that were taken down and arrested last week by the California Highway Patrol, were there. Speakers thanked them for their efforts, and pledged to continue the protests against the Willits Bypass.

Strawberry Rock THP Discussed at Town Hall

Trinidad, California- Yesterday, about 60 community members gathered at the Trinidad Town Hall to discuss the Strawberry Rock Timber Harvest Plan.

Some More Pictures from the Trinidad Tree Sit

E.P.I.C. Membership Meets in Arcata

The Environmental Protection Information Center (E.P.I.C.) held an open house and membership meeting tonight at their office in Arcata. Staff members informed the participants about the work they have been doing, and the membership elected the 2013 Board of Directors. Music was provided by Josephine Johnson.

Who Bombed Judi Bari Shown at HSU

Arcata,California- Darryl Cherney brought his new documentary film, Who Bombed Judi Bari?, to Humboldt State University tonight, with a screening in the Goodwin Forum. The event was sponsored by the HSU chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. Darryl and Judi were part of the 1980's movement to save the last 5% of the remaining Old Growth Redwood forests, but there non-violent activism was met with violence. Who Bombed Judi Bari? tells the story of the events surrounding May 24, 1990, when a bomb detonated in the car Judi and Darryl were driving and the subsequent legal battles with the FBI and Oakland Police to clear their names of terrorism charges.

Tree Sit in Trinidad Continues

Trinidad, California- Community supporters brought tofurky, potatoes, and pumpkin pie to the tree sitters on Green Diamond property in Trinidad. The tree sit is on the trail to Strawberry Rock and has been occupied for a little over one year. The timber company plans to clear-cut the area. Here are some links for more information:

http://humboldtherald.wordpress.com/2011/03/22/green-diamond-to-clear-cut-near-strawberry-rock/

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2012/07/13/18717434.php

http://trinidadforest.blogspot.com/

Earth First! Blocks Log Truck at SPI Mill

On Monday Aug.6, activists with Earth First! Humboldt protested against the logging of old growth at the Sierra Pacific mill in Manila.

Photos from Camp

I had a great time at Earth First! Humboldt's action camp.