CEJ #1

Alyssa

Fordham, Benjamin

Mckinleyville Press

Jan. 30th

Cover

                                   Activists Protest Timber Harvests
Strawberry Rock. Over time, this has become a favorite spot of many Humboldtians and tourists. You can only imagine lovely and magical things from a place named after a fruit, but lately the only reason it has been in the news is because of the new harvesting plans. Green Diamond Resource Company has made a tentative plan to clear cut 84 acres near the sacred rock. Since it has been considered blessed site to the Yurok tribe, the manager of Green Diamond’s Forest Policy, Gary Rynearson, says; “Strawberry Rock will not be disturbed as a result of harvesting, and there are no future plans for any development associated with the rock.” He also stated that no old growth would be harmed in the plan.  EPIC recently said removal of all those trees, in that area, old growth or not,will harm the environment. Clear cutting will have a negative effect on the local watersheds and the habitat. Abe Brower, part of Trinidad’s Friends of the Forest organization, says that cutting the redwoods will only leave dense brush fields which aren’t a sustainable living place for wildlife. Green Diamond is holding a meeting at the Bayside Grange on Wednesday February 13th to determine the outcome of Strawberry Rock.  

This is actually one of the most pointless things I have ever heard of. No more Strawberry Rock? Sure, Green Diamond promises that it won’t be harmed but isn’t one of the best parts about it the amazing view of the redwoods? When I turned 4, my parents rented me a “fairy” for my birthday. Her name was Princess Lavender and she claimed to live on Strawberry Rock. I had obviously believed her, having the young mind that I did. Still to this day, even though the fantasies of fairies are gone, I still think of it as such a magical place. Humboldt has so many gorgeous spots but it is by far one of my favorites. I would literally hate to see the redwoods go, and I really really hope the Rock it stays how it is. I think with all the environmental activists in Humboldt, the trees and Strawberry Rock will be okay.