![]() |
Google Earth Photo by Jason Reily |
This THP is 23 miles SW of Yreka, CA, and about 2.5 miles SW of Etna, CA by the community of French Creek and the Russian Wilderness Area (sections 19 and 25 are adjacent to the Russian Roadless Area) at an elevation of 3,300 to 6,600 feet. The THP area is close (within .5 miles to 1 mile) of the popular trail system that links Smith, Meeks Meadow and Ruffey Lakes and contains regionally uncommon brewers spruce trees. Timber Products Company is planning a mostly clearcut tractor and cable logging operation on steep and erosive soils in Douglas fir, white fir, ponderosa pine, incense cedar, sugar pine, red fir, mountain hemlock and brewers spruce forests. The THP area flows into the Scott River which is listed as an impaired watershed for sediment/siltation and temperature. Timber Products Company is planning to use roads, landings, and crossings during the winter period, and use ground based equipment on existing skid trails on slopes up to 65% in areas designated for cable logging. 11 road drainage sites are planned for work including rocking, dip construction, ditch cleaning, and culvert repair/replacement. Foothill yellow legged frogs were reported at Hogan Lake 2 miles SW of the THP area, and cascade frogs were reported from .5 miles to 2 miles from the nearest THP units at Smith, Upper Ruffey, Albert and Payne Lakes. Squaw carpet was found in units 20T and 21T. There are 3 spotted owl nesting territories within 1.3 miles of the THP area.
Tweet
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI can’t comment on this specific location, but on logging in general and wish there were a more sustainable yet still economically sensible solution instead of continuing to destroy old growth forests of high biological diversity. I wish everyone could leave Mother Nature well enough alone! Our planet is seriously hurting. I find the practice of spraying herbicides to manage forests especially asinine. Many species of frogs and birds are disappearing rapidly because of climate change and are especially vulnerable to chemical spraying. We need trees to keep our atmosphere pure and the hillsides stable while providing vital habitat for endangered birds and other species.
ReplyDelete