Humboldt Revolution

Sierra Pacific Industries’ plan to log hundreds of acres of Old Growth
Douglas Fir and Grand Fir is nearing the latest approval date. This plan
is called “Windmill” and lies between the Mattole watershed and the
Pacific Ocean. The approval decision date has been pushed back for several
years but this time seems more likely to get the go ahead.

The area is home to a rare and little known creature known by many names
including “Mountain Beavers” and “Boomers”. They are not beavers but are
actually the oldest form of rodent still inhabiting the planet. They can
grow to be over a foot in length and have a very short tail. They make
underground tunnels in soft, moist soil and both irrigate and fertilize
the plants which they rely on for food. They are said to cry tears when
distressed.

There are also Red Tree Voles in the area. They only live in Fir trees and
rarely if ever go to the ground. They build stick nests and only eat fir
needles. Instead of an independent survey to locate these rare mouse-like
rodents, the loggers will be instructed to identify and not cut trees in
the streamside buffer zones that are occupied by the Voles.

For more information on Mountain Beavers and the “Windmill” THP please visit
http://saveancientforests.blogspot.com