Local opposition is rising as activists, including a tree-sitter, keep vigil on the construction site of Caltrans companion project to the Richardson Grove highway “realignment”project (on hold for now due to stellar legal work).

The Caltrans Bypass project in Willits, as outlined in earlier alerts, would drain and destroy significant wetlands and take down an oak woodland used as nesting habitat for migratory birds.  Caltrans has been trying to literally bulldoze their way through federal and state regulations, bringing activists to sit down in front of heavy equipment, call in state wildlife agency biologists, and maintain a presence that has prevented the project from moving forward.  The tree-sitter, a 24-year old local farmer who calls herself “the Warbler” has now been aloft for one month, two and a half weeks, right on the side of Highway 101!

*****SIGN the on-line petition https://www.change.org/petitions/cancel-the-caltrans-willits-bypass-project

*****CHECK OUT the SOLLV (Save Our Little Lake Valley) site http://savelittlelakevalley.org and their Facebook page.

******WRITE to your own state representatives (find yours HERE). You can use the points in our previous alerts or in the on-line petition.

Earth First!, SOLLV, the Willits Environmental Center and many local residents are working for consideration of alternatives to the $210 million Caltrans boondoggle.  We at BACH are working on getting the word out in the media.  The tree-sit is a couple miles south of Willits at mile marker 43.71. There are rallies and other activities planned, and plans in the works for a possible action camp.  There is a lot of attention focussed on the problems of the Bypass as Caltrans designed it, so it is a good time to plug in, raise your voice and your pen and make a difference!