Maxxam/PALCO Attempt to Smoke-Out Tree-sitter

As outrage against Maxxam/Pacific Lumber’s flagrant disregard for public opinion and scientific evidence continues, the amount of tree-sits in Humboldt reach record levels. In the Freshwater watershed alone close to 20 tree-sits now stand. Maxxam continues to excessively log this heavily damaged area, including the cutting old growth, massive clear cutting, and logging on steep terrain. Such practices not only destroy the diversity of life, they cause extreme erosion and flooding in the area.

As the new District Attorney questions the legality and danger of sending climbers to remove tree sitters, Maxxam tried out a new torturous tactic of intimidation and abuse to the non-violent, civil disobedient protesters in the trees. At the end of their work day on Friday, workers set two huge slash piles (debris left behind after logging) on fire about 300 feet from tree-sitter Spider Queen, in the tree Utopia. Utopia is the latest sit put up in the Freshwater area, saved from cutting on Thursday. Usual slash is burned after logging is completed in a timber harvest area. It is highly unusual that slash piles would be burned in an active logging site. Spider Queen reports that Maxxam workers laughed as they left the fires. Thick smoke filled the skies, choking out air in the tree. This was particularly dangerous due to Spider Queens chronic asthma. This was also dangerous because of the hazardous chemicals used to ignite the fires, posing unknown long term health risks. Spider Queen’s asthma got so bad that a replacement was sent up with a gas mask. Utopia remains saved despite Maxxam’s strong handed tactics. If you would like to express your outrage on this latest disregard for the civil rights and safety of the people by Maxxam call these numbers:

Pacific Lumber (Maxxam owned) (707) 764-2222
Scotia Pacific (Maxxam owned) (707) 764-2330
District Attorney’s office 1-800-962-8261

To help support these tree-sits or tree-sit yourself call the Utopian Tree Pirate Family (707) 834-0332 P.O. Box 70, Kneeland, CA. 95549 or e-mail yambu [at] tidepool.com.