The U.S. Forest Service’s proposal bypasses environmental review and limits public engagement
OJAI, CA — The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is collecting public comments on a proposed project that would allow logging in the Los Padres National Forest, located in a remote area of Ventura County. The proposed logging site spans 755 acres and includes Pine Mountain, a popular recreation area. The project would permit the clearance of rare, old-growth chaparral and logging of large trees, some of which are hundreds of years old. The public comment period closes on August 14.
The project would allow logging in two proposed additions to the Sespe Wilderness in Congressman Salud Carbajal’s Central Coast Heritage Protection Act, which the U.S. House of Representatives approved earlier this year. This week, the U.S. House is scheduled to consider this measure as part of an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, considered to be “must-pass” legislation. The Senate bill, the PUBLIC Lands Act (S. 3288), is championed by Senator Kamala Harris, and would protect areas of the Los Padres, the Carrizo Plain and other public lands from just this type of project.
The Forest Service claims that the proposal will contribute to community wildfire protection run counter to guidance set forth in previous plans. The 2006 Mt. Pinos Community Wildfire Protection Plan calls for fire protection measures to be placed much closer to communities. Local community leaders, scientists, and conservation groups, located in areas that have experienced wildfire, are pointing to the fact that the logging site is miles away from communities and that remote vegetation removal is ineffective in protecting communities from wildfire. Local groups are also drawing attention to USFS’ use of a categorical exemption to bypass requirements for environmental assessments or impact studies and limit public engagement in the process.
The Forest Service held only a single, virtual meeting which some community participants were unable to access due to technological issues. Some participants that could attend were unable to hear sound or submit comments. Further, the Forest Service originally provided only 30 days for public comment. Despite the lack of notice and short comment period, fires, and the COVID-19 crisis, community members are rallying to protect this beloved local area. Over 10,000 comments have been submitted so far in opposition to the project--a regional record. This one of the latest attacks by the Trump Administration to the protected public lands in the Central Coast. Recently a new oil permit was issued in the Carrizo Plain National Monument near the proposed Caliente Mountain Wilderness.
Additions to the Sespe Wilderness are proposed to protect some of the most unique ecosystems in the Los Padres National Forest and habitats for rare or sensitive plants, and animals such as California condors, black bears, mountain lions, and bobcats. The area is culturally significant to Chumash groups and is also a popular recreation destination for hikers and climbers. The removal of old growth trees and chaparral would spoil the wild character of the proposed wilderness additions before Congress has a chance to pass permanent protections.
The public is encouraged to submit comments before the August 14 deadline: centralcoastwild.com/get-involved/take-action/. View photos of the threatened areas here.
Statements Regarding the USFS Pine Mountain Proposal:
Maura Sullivan, Tribal member, Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation, Kiyaqšwalaw k’e kiysukuwun
“hi l popó’n k’e nipnipolo’mó’l. (We love and respect the trees and mountains.) This is the unceded tribal homelands of the Chumash people. There are multiple Chumash tribes which consider Pine Mountain and Reyes Peak an area which is absolutely vital for gathering medicine, engaging in ceremony and prayer and uplifting and protecting the plants and animals who call this their home. I reject the Forest Service plan to destroy trees, some of which are almost a millennia in age. I reject the Forest Service plan to cut and masticate chaparral which is a vital ecosystem. The Forest Service has no FPIC (Free Prior and Informed Consent) to do this environmental atrocity. This plan violates multiple articles of the UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples).”
Christopher Danch, Executive Director, Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council:
“When one considers what is necessary and appropriate to both protect communities from wildfire and ecosystem health, it is hard to think of a proposal more devoid of merit. We know what we need to do to become fire-adapted communities in fire-dependent ecosystems and the Reyes Peak Forest Health Project is not it. Instead, this misguided proposal will not protect communities but will damage an ecosystem, perhaps irreparably.”
Bryant Baker, Conservation Director, Los Padres ForestWatch:
“Once again, the Trump Administration has shown its willingness and desire to try to avoid conducting environmental review designed to ensure that places like Pine Mountain are protected from damaging and unnecessary projects such as this one. To make matters worse, the Forest Service’s use of loopholes for this project has diminished the public’s ability to participate in the decision-making process—and they made their announcement at a time when citizens are focused on the COVID-19 crisis and fighting racial injustice.”
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About the Central Coast Wild Heritage Campaign
The Central Coast Wild Heritage Campaign comprises more than 500 civic groups and leaders, landowners and inholders, businesses, elected officials, schools, farmers, ranchers, and recreation leaders who support Congressman Carbajal’s and Senator Harris’ efforts to protect special places, safeguard clean water sources, boost local economies, and enhance recreational opportunities. Learn more: centralcoastwild.org.
