Stand-Off Between Tree-Sitters and Timber Company Climbers in Ancient Redwoods 10-3-03
For Immediate Release -
Contact: Earth First!: (707) 268-5613; Bay Area Coalition for Headwaters (510) 548-3113
Gypsy Mountain is Site of 1998 Killing of Forest Activist
Humboldt County, CA - Tree-sitters in old growth redwood trees on Gypsy Mountain were confronted with an early morning raid on Thursday Oct. 2 when a Pacific Lumber (PL) crew arrived iwith five tree climbers working under contract for the timber company, including Eric Schatz, notorious for the reckless and sometimes violent removal of tree-sitters on PL land this spring. The area is named after David "Gypsy" Chain, a forest activist killed by an irate PL logger in 1998 and is nearly adjacent to Grizzly Creek State Park. Treesits have been maintained in the area that includes critical habitat for the threatened marbled murrelet on and off for the last five years, and one ancient redwood called "Aradia" has been continuously occupied since January 2002.
Pacific Lumber sought to strike a deal with the activists, asking them to vacate one disputed area to allow Colombia Helicopter Co. to remove logs from the steep hillside. In return, PL claimed they will not conduct a raid on the Aradia treesit. Two such raids on the treesit have occurred in the last four months, during which contracted climbers removed all shelter and basic supplies.
After retreating to Aradia, activists learned of the PL climbers' plans to spend the night on the mountain, and witnessed sheriffs supplying PL with a stove and other supplies for an over night stay, contrary to the "deal" verbally offered the activists One sheriff's deputy was seen saluting PL's head of security Carl Anderson, illustrating the scant distinction between the timber corporation and local law enforcement. Sheriff's deputies maintained watch at the gate for more than twelve hours Thursday before leaving around 9:00pm.
As of this morning, It is assumed PL climbers are still on site. Forest defenders are keeping a watchful vigil.
