We took a walk last month through woodlands that have been “thinned” by the Plumas Fire Safe Council and those areas the USFS is set to treat similarly, and we ask questions about the sanity of those who support such projects, despite growing evidence that these practices put forests and communities at risk.
FRA! contacted Plumas Fire Safe Council (PFSC) for more information about the Iron Horse thinning project. Since these are taxpayer-funded projects, PFSC is obligated to provide this info to the public.
FRA: “Could you please send over details about the project referenced, eg. cost of project, source of funds, etc…? How many acres are we talking about? Also, please feel free to send over any evidence you have that tree removal farther than 200 feet from structures can save structures or lives…thank you”
Plumas Fire Safe Council Board President replied:
“…Your recent requests take time from our staff’s schedule…..We are not obligated to provide this information to you or anyone else on demand…”
Before and After satellite photos of Iron Horse area logged in 2024:
Even though there is a pending federal court case to stop the controversial “Community Protection Project,” and despite wet weather meaning more erosion and damage, USFS contractors are plowing ahead, disregarding “mitigations” promised in the EA, ignoring 30″ maximum width limits as seen below and generally devastating the landscape and ecology around Greenhorn that will take hundreds of years to repair.
Report from a supporter:
“Just got back from Greenhorn and the nightmare is real. High value mixed conifer, both ecologically and timber-wise. Full complement of Jeffrey pine, incense cedar, Douglas fir, and sugar pine (which used to be off limits because of being threatened by white pine blister rust). There are tens of acres of them on the ground waiting to be skidded. Will probably start operating again (11/19) (although there’s standing water in the compacted machine tracks). Unit is along well graveled road (not new or reconditioned, though) on road from outside Cromberg. We are above average for rainfall but in spaced out moderate storms.They’re not marking trees or streamside areas. Must be doing it by some kind of designation. “
They dragged the logs out about a third of a mile damaging old growth along the way. Straight shot into Willow Creek down the STEEP skid trail.Note large trees they are cutting. Willow Creek is along the line of yellow shrubs.
When winter rains come, there will be erosion and diminished water quality because of this “restoration.” This is what is to be expected– but on a much larger scale– if the so-called “Community Protection Project” is allowed to go forward.Shame on “environmental” organizations who are supporting this kind of thing. They are misled or corrupt or both.Industrial machinery poised to do more damage to Portola’s water source and wildlands
Clearcut logging (pics taken monday) right up to the edge of Willow Creek behind Mabie — part of a previous project sub-project called the “Penman Multi Product Thin.” You can see the creek reflecting the sky. And, they’re asking to cut more than this in the Forest Plan Amendment.
