Caltrans has been pushing ahead with attempts to start work on their hugely destructive boondoggle highway project in Mendocino County as they bring heavy equipment into the Willits Bypass planned site, and protesters in their way have been arrested .
Their work is starting with the cutting of an oak woodland, with many old, mature trees that should be protected under the Migratory Bird Act during nesting season. Last Thursday (3-21) and again on Tuesday (3-26) activists showed up on the Caltans work site to witness and to stand in the way of tree felling. Eight people were arrested late last week and four more were arrested on Tuesday. Three tree-sitters remained aloft, including Warbler who has been in a tall pine tree on the close to Hwy 101 since January 28.
Bypass opponents have had a continuous presence since that time.
You can view photos and get updates on the site of the new local group in Willits: http://www.savelittlelakevalley.org/
Photos from yesterday are in the “latest updates”
On Tuesday, about 150 people showed up at the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors meeting to ask them to rescind their support of the project in favor of the community-based plan that would be much less ecologically destructive. Only one person spoke in favor of the Bypass. Many of the activists rushed out of the meeting when a phone call came that Caltrans’ contractors were going after the oaks with chainsaws.
Wetlands, a diminished habitat on the west coast in general, are also slated for destruction. Caltrans plans to sink giant wicks deep into the wetlands in Little Lake Valley to suck out the water, clearing the way for this unnecessary construction. Outlet and Bechtel Creeks, both salmon-bearing streams, would be negatively affected as well. Caltrans plans to “relocate” the fish during the multi-year construction process.
If you can go up to Mendocino County and help out, more people are needed. An action camp is planned — we’ll let you know the details. There are many ways to support the activists there.
PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION at https://www.change.org/petitions/cancel-the-caltrans-willits-bypass-project
Please contact your own Representative and express your opinions (find yours HERE). You can use the points in our previous alerts or in the on-line petition.
Stay tuned!