The Forests Find Some Champions In The California Legislature
August 15, 2003
For the first time in more than a decade, a package of timber reform bills that would give an urgently needed overhaul to regulations that are supposed to protect
California's forests, watersheds and dependant species were introduced in the State Legislature. A description of some key bills follows. BACH has complete info about all the bills.
Problem: Section 4514.3 of the Forest Practice Rules exempts timber operations from waste discharge requirements of the Water Code, allowing sedimentation of streams and causing deleterious conditions for spawning salmonoids and contributing to
hazardous flood conditions. Wild Coho salmon populations have plummeted to less than 1% of their former numbers, a dramatic illustration of the inadequate protection of current forestry rules.
Remedy: SB 810, introduced by Sen. John Burton in February, would require all timber harvest plans (THP) to comply with water quality regulations and authorize regional water quality control boards to block logging plans that violated their basin plans. SB 810 amends wording in the Forest Practice Rules to require the EPA and the State Water Resources Control Board to certify that best management practices for forestry are in use.
Action: This bill has passed in the Senate and has progressed to the Assembly. Write your Assembly Member.
Problem: Old Growth continues to be cut. There are currently no rules specifically regarding harvesting in old growth forests.
Remedy: SB 217, introduced by Sen. Byron Sher, creates new protections for ancient forest stands larger than 40 acres with at least six trees per acre older than 200 years. The bill would ban clearcutting of such stands, and require retention of ancient forest characteristics, including leaving half the trees from a variety of large size classes after harvest. The bill also restricts re-entry to 25-year intervals.
Action: SB 217 passed the Senate, went on to the Assembly and is now very close to passing. Write your Assembly Member.
Problem: Insufficient information about the condition of riparian (streamside) forests when logging applications are filed.
Remedy: AB 47, carried by Rep. Joe Simitian, requires additional watershed
information to help the public and the Department of Forestry in developing
recommendations to improve habitat conditions for native aquatic species. The
information includes maps of boundaries of past (limited to 10 years), present, and future projects. Maps depicting pesticide applications are also required. This bill is especially helpful for the Sierra Nevada where mapping tends to be more rudimentary than in the coastal areas.
Action: This bill has passed the Assembly, and moved to the Senate. Contact your State Senator.
The California State Legislature returns from recess on August 18 and will consider bills until Sept. 12. If you do not know who your representative is, go to www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html. Type your zip code in the box.
For sample letters, contact the BACH office by phone or email.
