Humboldt State University

Humboldt State University

Humboldt State Now http://now.humboldt.edu/news/dr-rudi-becking-19232009/

Dr. Rudi Becking 1923-2009 Oct 22, 2009 Dr. Becking, a faculty member in the Forestry and Natural Resources Planning & Interpretation departments from 1960 to 1983, passed away peacefully on Oct. 13 in Sandy, Utah. He was active in many local organizations, especially in the environmental arena. The HSU Library has his extensive archives of research materials on the local area. Becking is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Louise Becking, who passed away on May 3. The family is planning a celebration of Becking’s life in Arcata on Nov. 21 at the Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at 10 a.m. Friends from Humboldt State University are encouraged to attend. Condolences can be sent to the following address. The Becking Family – Tasha, John, & Reane P.O. Box 90951 Santa Barbara , CA 93190-0951 At Rudi’s request, in lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made in his name to: Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (H.U.U.F.) P.O. Box 506 Bayside, CA 95524 ===================== http://www.mecgrassroots.org/NEWSL/ISS14/14.06Sustain.html

Sustainable Means Forever:

Supes Pick Real Wood Co-op To Harvest County Forest

by Naomi Wagner Real Wood Co-op Gratifying. Somewhere between vindication and validation. Astonishment, elation, excitement. Those were some of the emotions swirling through me and my fellow co-op members on Tuesday, October 26, when the Mendocino County board of supervisors decided to award a contract to develop a "sustainable, long-term management plan" for the County-owned 26 acre forested parcel near the Albion-Little River Airport, to the Mendocino Real Wood Co-op under supervision by co-op advisor and RPF, Dr. Rudolf Becking. It hasn't been easy, getting even this far. Behind us is not only a scant year in our fledgling organization's development, but the past five years of intensive engagement with the forces of corporate-mandated forest depletion, from the halls of academia, to the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC), to the courts and the forest of Albion, the "Timber Wars" and nonviolent Redwood Summers. All this formed the backdrop for the supervisors' hesitantly historic decision to implement the innovative, yet traditional method of all-age/all-species forestry of European origin known as the "Plenterung" system. This was the co-op's second appearance before the supervisors, who'd postponed a decision earlier due to what they said was "insufficient information" from their appointed "Select Timber Committee". As a few FAC- followers may recall, this body was set up and headed by Supervisors Norman deVall and Jim Eddie after the Board of Supervisors rejected the now dormant FAC's 1992 recommendation to limit cutting on corporateowned land to 2% of inventory, and on nonindustrial small forestland-ownerships under 5,000 acres to the Santa Cruz County rules, limiting cuts to 60% of volume, using selection silviculture. To evaluate the proposals the County had requested, the Select Timber Committee had been expanded to include County Planning Commission Chair Billy Cornet, retiring U.C. Extension Forester, Pete Passoff, and Willits logger Walter Smith of the Institute of Sustainable Forestry. But with its two Supervisor heads in opposition and without a written evaluation of the proposals, the Committee had split 3-2, recommending a motion to adopt the competing proposal submitted by RPF Christopher Hipkin, with the Real Wood Co-op "to be considered only for a possible role in the harvesting and milling of the timber". A memo from County Administrator Mike Scannel's office did not bode well for the Becking/Real Wood proposal. It warned the Supervisors that the Plenterung method was "untested in the United States and was not well accepted by professionals in the field". It could, according to Passoff, actually pose "a significant risk to the Board's stated objectives of creating a sustainable stand of trees".

Not only that, but Scannel wrote that the co-op was "too new and inexperienced an organization" for the job. Though they were "impressed with the research and zeal of the Real Wood Co-op", our proposal was viewed, said the memo, as "a request to perform an experiment, by an unproven organization, on one of the County's most valuable, longterm assets". At the other end of our spectrum of critics sat some of our friends who were opposed to any and all cutting on the narrow, windblown coastal parcel, bordered by Pigmy Forest, the airport and L-P, believing that nature is the best forest manager and time heals all wounds. With the odds stacked against us like a mountain of Masonite chips, the Real Wood Board Members had filed into the Supervisors' chambers, doggedly determined to be The Little Co-op that Could. But would the County Supervisors say yes to Plenterung when they could barely pronounce the word? As Chairman Eddie opened the afternoon session, the back row filled with the faces of familiar opponents to the FAC reforms: Farm Bureau folks, ex-Masonite manager John McGregor and Louisiana-Pacific's Roger Kruger, now a realtor. Discussion on the motion see-sawed between economical and ecological considerations, as the Supervisors struggled once again to reconcile the needs to both produce income on the one hand, and insure sustainable, long-term management on the other. Just how much income?, how soon?, and how sustainable?, were the questions. Norman suggested the board just pick a percentage of volume it wanted removed -- say 20 percent in ten years -- and go with it. But Liz Henry wondered how they could know if that harvest level was sustainable. Wasn't that why they'd asked the two RPFs, Becking and Hipkin, to clarify their proposals and answer the supervisor's questions directly? Dr. Becking summarized the basics of the Plenterung method he's been propounding over the 40-year span of his internationally recognized professional career. "Plenterung", he explained, means literally, "pick and choose," and is a form of uneven-aged, selection silviculture that stimulates quality growth and maintains constant volumes and closed canopies, and works towards optimum productivity levels for all species. The method emphasizes natural regeneration for increased genetic strength, protects old growth and seeks to restore the environmental quality of soil, water and wildlife. Plenterung operates on a 100% inventory basis and creates a permanent record for monitoring and adjustment. The system is designed to provide an even cash flow from an increasing supply of high quality timber and other diverse forest products in perpetuity. A Professor Emeritus of Forestry retiring this year from Humboldt State University, at 72 Dr. Becking is a large, robust man whose craggy bulk belies the quick wit twinkling from his sharp blue eyes. When Rudi talks about "regeneration", his gnarled hands make

vigorous motions -- Up! Up! -- seeming to spur the seedlings from the dark forest floor towards the sunlight of the canopy. Becking's proposal called for a maximum of 15% initial volume removal, with successive harvests at seven-year intervals. "But won't such frequent re-entries cause a lot of erosion?" Supervisor McMichaels voiced a common concern. "This is a common fallacy," responded Rudi. "But we're talking about a permanent, wellmaintained, minimum-width road net with no landings to take up growing space. Zero sedimentation is possible using Plenterung methods of proper road maintenance, just like conventional roads", he said. The Supes nodded at this novel notion, though it was unclear whether it was Rudi's Dutch-Indonesian accent, or the concept of permanent sustainability that was foreign to their deficit-deafened ears. "Won't the road system be expensive," the Supes continued questioning. Although the initial cost of road layout is slightly higher, subsequent costs are lower or non-recurring, replied Becking, adding that "it usually ends up costing about the same to do a good job as a lousy one." Next came questions about growth. Would the Plenterung closed-canopy approach "open up the forest enough to allow sufficient sunlight for regeneration", queried County Administrator Scannel. Dr. Becking referred him to the comparative analysis of growth projection included in his comprehensive proposal, based on 1981 data from a 1/5-acre growth plot by Pete Passoff and a "point sample" inventory by Burton and Baldo of Willits Redwood Company, along with a current 100% inventory of 2.5 representative acres performed by the Real Wood Co-op in July. These figures, though incomplete, all indicated a growth rate of 1%1.5%. Thus, a 15% initial removal on a 7-10 year cycle would represent the upper limit of a conservative cut while stimulating overall productivity. In European forests where Plenterung has been successfully practiced for 400 years, growth rates of 5%-6% of inventory had been reached, according to Becking, until acid rain had damaged many forests. A letter to the supervisors from Real Wood Co-op founding member, Bill Mannix, praised Becking's proposal, noting that "if Becking's method was not well-received by local professional foresters, that was -- if anything -- an advantage, considering the devastated state of our locally harvested forests". "But are the forests in Europe, where this, er . . . , Plenterung system is done, the same as our forests?" asked Frank Mc Michaels, pronouncing the term correctly. "They are similar," answered Rudi, "in latitude and climate, although if anything, European and Scandinavian forests grow on steeper slopes at colder, higher elevations, with more snow than our Pacific Northwest coastal forests. The danger of avalanches is a constant motivation for careful practices."

"Many species are related, the fir family and hemlock, for example, and the beach tree, which is like our tan oak as a soil binder and source of wildlife sustenance," said Becking, compressing the comparison into a nutshell. "But what about redwood?, Mc Michaels questioned. "Ah, redwood is unique," replied Rudi, "that is why we must be very careful." Mannix's memo predicted the Becking-Real Wood plan would "definitely stimulate quality growth", whereas "opening too much ... produces excessive limbs and knotty wood, instead of clear, fine-grained boards from trunk height growth". Supervisor Sugawara spoke up, apologizing for his unfamiliarity with forestry, and hence, the "elementary" nature of his questions. "I just can't see how the county's asset can be harmed by taking out fewer trees," he speculated, "but what's the real difference between 15% and 20% or 25% removal?" "Well," replied Dr. Becking, with a distinctly non-technical analogy, "suppose I'm a surgeon, and you come to me for an operation and transfusion. You have Type A blood, but I offer you Type B. Will you take the risk? The maximum Plenterung prescription calls for 15% -- if you want 20%, don't blame the surgeon if the patient dies!" The Becking-Real Wood Co-op proposal projects about 250 thousand board feet removal volume and an approximate revenue of $150,000, pending 100% inventory and variable log prices, from the first harvest. Next, it was Chris Hipkin's turn at the podium. A young man of medium build and a moderate manner, the 1980 U.C.-Berkeley graduate of Forestry and Botany received his RPF license in 1986 and had been involved in the 1983 Railroad Gulch "uneven-age" silvicultural demonstration area in Jackson State Forest near Mendocino Woodlands, as well as working for small landowners, the Forest Service, and Georgia-Pacific Corporation. Mr. Hipkin's proposal was short and relatively simple. Describing the airport parcel as an even-aged stand, Hipkin suggested a multi-stage "move ... toward a desired stand structure that reflects the county's goals for sustainable production of timber, open space and diversity of plant and animal life". Using a group selection with target basal area removal method much like the Woodlands experiment, a 20% removal would be "in the ballpark to initiate this transition", he felt. But at the same time, he emphasized that he could be flexible to meet the county's needs. "We know what our needs are, but we don't know what's sustainable" repeated Liz. "Tell us, don't ask us!" "Is it true," deVall asked bluntly, "that your proposal calls for up to five acres of 1/2 to 1 acre clearcuts on the 700' wide piece of property?"

"They'd be more like small openings," rejoined Hipkin, to "provide regeneration space for redwood sprouts and other tree seedlings." The genetic superiority of naturally selected redwood seedlings over the clonal sprouts was a subject co-op members had debated with Hipkin and USDF forester Norm Henry on a recent tour of the Mendocino Woodlands project. The airport parcel contained an unusual number of redwood seedlings in the under-story that Hipkin's plan would thin from below. But there was no way to elucidate these details to the supervisors, crucial though they might be to the long-term survival of a species that evolved with the Gynko tree. A statement submitted by RDF Alan Mohr, Chair of the local Resource Conservation District and project manager for New Growth Forestry, raised reservations about the group selection openings' vulnerability to blow-down in the storm-exposed coastal zone and said large gaps were unnecessary for good regeneration on this site. After three or four such entries, a "pattern of small, even-aged stands would be created", he said, not the diversity of a truly uneven-aged stand. "If the size of the holes is a problem, we can close them up," offered Chris reasonably, "or just get rid of them completely." The Hipkin proposal included no on-site inventory data, no specific estimates of volume or revenues to the county, nor assurances of local employment, no in-county milling or value-added marketing, nor mention of the demonstration and educational elements called for in the county's original Request for Proposals. But Chris was interested in working with the Real Wood Co-op on these aspects, and would be open to the Plenterung method, if he were selected as the RPF. Could the Real Wood Co-op work with Mr. Hipkin?, Norman wanted to know. We affirmed the co-op would work with anyone who agreed to implement Plenterung principles and practices of sustainable forestry. Supervisor Eddie called a short recess and the two foresters immediately put their heads together while the room buzzed with discussion. Identifiable by their T-shirt, an Albion Nation representative asserted the accuracy of 100% field inventories done with tree forks over computer simulations based on partial plot samples and average yield tables. Behind the video camera, an Ecotopia Earth First!er recorded the proceedings for the public and posterity. Public comment was brief, and solidly in support of the Real Wood Co-op and Dr. Becking's proposal, with the exception of the opinion expressed by Mr. Passoff. Walter Smith told the Board he expected the timber harvest plan prepared according to Plenterung would "meet or exceed CDF standards". Supervisor Sugawara confessed he'd already shown Dr. Becking's proposal to CDF officials and was pleased to report that they saw no problem.

"This kind of management would qualify for certification as sustainably harvested wood," continued Walter, "just like the organic label for produce, the certified sustainable stamp adds value in itself and will command a premium price in a growing market." Alan Mohr said the Little River Forest was a "diamond in the rough, that if intelligently managed on the Plenterung basis would not only produce a 'golden egg' of periodic income for the County but would also play an equally valuable educational role by establishing a forestry model that will open doors to the small-landowner timber supply". Jim Eddie said he didn't believe there was any such method or market, but allowed that he wouldn't "organize folks against it." He called for the vote. But Norman floated an amendment to utilize the services of both foresters on the job. A voice burst out from the back row: "Does that mean this is going to cost the county twice as much?" inquired an applauded Kathie Cooke, L-P secretary and prominent Woman in Timber. Were the Supes about to lose their marbles? Rudi rose to the occasion. Legally and ethically, he declared, there can be only one RPF signing the bottom line on any THP or contract, and supervising the timber operator and workers. "I will take full responsibility for the plan and operations," he said, "but Mr. Hipkin is welcome to come on board." Norman's rider died and Seiji introduced a new motion, seconded by Liz, to give Plenterung and the Real Wood Co-op a chance. Plenterung passed 3 to 2, with supervisors Eddie and McMichaels opposed. "Gee," remarked Liz, "I don't think we've ever done anything like this before." "Yes," murmured Seiji, "time for a change." Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2004 Permission granted to excerpt or use this article if source is cited http://www.mecgrassroots.org/NEWSL/ISS11/11.07sustain.html

Institute For Sustainable Forestry by Alicia Bales Those of you who are concerned about the timber industry's near-sighted forest practices will be excited about the Institute for Sustainable Forestry. We've been around for a year now, promoting logging practices that will not only keep forest ecosystems intact and healthy, but restore already devastated lands to their previous natural productivity. This

will provide small landowners with the potential to manage their forests in a responsible and profitable way. ISF grew out of the holistic forestry of Jan and Peggy Iris. Jan was doing fire hazard reduction and overall stand improvement in Briceland, taking out excess tan oak and madrone, when he realized that the trees had more potential value than just firewood. He and Peggy developed a system for drying and milling the previously "worthless" hardwoods, and marketed their product through Wild Iris Forestry. Eventually, hoping to spread the word about sustainable forestry and bring it to other watersheds as an alternative to unhealthy forestry practices, they set up the Institute, and we've been working to realize this vision ever since. We have been busy! In January 1991, with the first Institute Brainstorming Weekend in Briceland, ISF was born. The past year has seen a series of workshops in the woods, including, "Sustainable Forestry Management Options for Small Landowners," and an, "All-Aged, All-Species Forest Inventory Workshop" led by HSU's Dr. Rudi Becking. The sight of our first Pilot Project has been found and funded, to create a living model of the implementation of our, "Ten Elements of Sustainability," holistic guidelines that take into account the forest ecology, soils, hydrology, wildlife, and the local community. And we're looking forward to beginning two more pilot projects, as well as workshop series on restoration forestry and hardwoods utilization. Our first issue of Forestree News, the ISF newsletter, is hot off the press and packed with details about our recent endeavors. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the ISF, and the culmination of all of our efforts, is the creation of a certification process and criteria to distinguish ecologically harvested products in the marketplace. This program, Pacific Certified Ecological Forest Products (PCEFP), is like the "organic" label of the forest products world, ensuring that the stamped product was obtained in a way that is beneficial to the forest. The certification process starts long before the first tree is cut, and continues until the product is introduced into the retail market. Redirecting the focus of today's forestry from short-term profits to sustainable management and stewardship is a monumental job. There's always more that needs to be done, and any extra volunteer effort is gratefully appreciated, especially in our Briceland office. To get involved with ISF, drop us a line or give us a call! We'd love to hear from you, and spread the word! We want to let people know we're out here, and providing an option to industrial logging that will nourish instead of destroy our forests. The Institute for Sustainable Forestry, POB 1580, Redway, CA 95560, 707-923-4719 Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2004 Permission granted to excerpt or use this article if source is cited

http://books.google.com/books?id=FxBqpwo9R0C&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q=&f=false http://books.google.com/books? id=lmoRsxRGVRcC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_v2_summary_r&cad=0#v=onep age&q=&f=false Timber plan approved The state has approved the City of Arcata's Non-Industrial Timber Management Plan. Approval of the document, which may be in effect for up to 50 years, clears the way for planned timber harvests, though no cutting will be performed until next June at the earliest. Development of detailed responses to public comment apparently delayed signoff on the NTMP by the California Division of Forestry. Nine original letters, four copies of one form letter and an eight-page petition were received. Three of the letters were submitted by retired forestry professor Dr. Rudolph Becking. These comprise the bulk of the official response section of the NTMP. Two more letters from Becking as well as a letter from Red Cloud Thunder were sent in after the close of public comment, but these were not responded to. Though protesters have abandoned their tree-sit vigil in the Arcata Community Forest, debris remains lodged in one tree. Andre said Red Cloud Thunder has promised to remove the material during winter solstice Dec. 21. http://www.arcataeye.com/old/top/991214top01.shtml -------------------------------------http://www.arcataeye.com/old/top/000808top02.shtml Logging showdown in forest, City Hall By Kevin L. Hoover, Eye Editor

APEG Channel 12 viewers from Fortuna to Trinidad marveled last Wednesday night at the spectacle of environmentalists fighting over the controls of Spaceship Arcata. Zero-cut advocates tangled with Arcata decisionmakers on the trail and in the halls of government over management of Arcata's forests. Logging now in

Anti-logging protesters enjoy a group hug outside City Hall after the confrontation at the City Council meeting. A group hug between shaken councilmembers was accomplished with professional dispatch, too quickly for a photographer to wield a camera in their direction. (Photo by KLH/Eye)

progress in the Arcata Community Forest and related protests became the week's defining issue, as well as a cause for contretemps at the Wednesday night City Council meeting. At odds were two sets of ardent environmentalists: Arcata's now-entrenched old guard, some of whom would have fit in well with the protesters in their younger years. Mayor Connie Stewart is office manager at the Northcoast Environmental Center. Councilmember Jim Test is also a veteran of that organization. Councilmembers Jennifer Hanan and Bob Ornelas are both members of the Green Party. The enviro-elders found themselves defending logging on public lands following objections by less polished newcomers to environmental politics. The ragtag group, unfamiliar both with meeting procedure and the particulars of Arcata's forest policies and history, found a lot to question about the City's policies and tactics. History The 11-acre, selective cut in the ACF is being performed in conformance with the NonIndustrial Timber Management Plan approved last year by City and state authorities after extensive public hearings. The NTMP was also reviewed by the Institute for Sustainable Forestry, which then offered SmartWood certification to City of Arcata timber. The current harvest six acres in the Campbell Creek watershed and five acres in the Jolly Giant Creek watershed will yield about 400,000 board feet and half a million dollars. The monies will be placed in the presently exhausted Forest Fund, which pays for maintenance of Arcata's municipally owned woodlands. Last year, the harvest contract had been awarded to J.L. Logging, but that firm was unable to perform the work until September. The contract was then awarded to Tim Renner of Diamond A Ranch for $92,104. The City says that with selective cuts, it is generating revenue while restoring the forest's age and species diversity, addressing damage created during clearcuts and sloppy forestry going back to the 1870s. Last year, forest activists roughly associated with a group called Red Cloud Thunder established tree sits in the Community Forest in hopes of preventing logging there. The sitters were widely criticized for turning part of Trail 3 into a party zone, infested with litter and human waste. One passerby was attacked and his arm shredded by an unleashed dog, with the owner refusing to surrender the animal. When the harvest was put off till this year, the sitters left. In the last few weeks, a new group of tree sitters have returned and established at least two platforms in trees of Trail 3. The City's policy has been to ignore the illegal camping while attempting to accommodate the protesters' wishes that certain trees be spared. "If they want to sit in a tree, let 'em sit in a tree," said Police Chief Mel Brown.

City Forester Mark Andre said he has met with the activists several times, answering questions and filling in large gaps in their knowledge base. Some protesters have asked which large corporation will be profiting from the harvest (the operation is Citymanaged); others have voiced fears that county Sheriff's deputies will attack them with pepper spray (the Arcata Community Forest lies within Arcata city limits, within the jurisdiction of the Arcata Police). Many protesters appear to believe the City is clearcutting in an ancient redwood forest, rather than making selective cuts in a second-growth forest. Tree sitter supporters tabled at the Co-op Saturday, July 29, gathering donations of food and money. A man named Aaron said he had just found out about the planned harvest and was unclear on details, but was opposed to any tree cutting. "I don't think they should log 'em for any reason," Aaron said. Another supporter called the City's claims of sustainable management "an escape goat." Sitter supporter Adrianne Coffman also contested the City's claims of sustainability. "Call it what you want, they're cutting the biggest trees they can to make the most money," she said. Anti-logging slogans appeared on stumps last week, including "Die loggers die" and "Hope you like spikes." Flyers posted downtown over the weekend promised a major protest set for Monday morning, July 31. 'It's like, y'know' That morning, a confrontation along Trail 3 ended in the arrest of three anti-logging protesters. Logger Tim Renner and Arcata

City Forester Mark Andre at the After going through a barricade at the base of Trail 3 lgging site off Trail 3. (Photo by not far from HSU's Redwood Sciences Lab, about 20 KLH/Eye) protesters some with infants and small children traveled up the trail to within feet of the logging operation. There, they were stopped by two APD officers and a pair of City workers.

The protesters verbally sparred with the four City employees, finding little common ground. A City worker, Forest Tech Dennis Houghton, appeared to bait the protesters with provocative statements. "They're my trees, too," he said. "And I'm going to log mine."

At these and other utterances, a shudder of shock ran through the anti-logging protesters milling about the trail. Police remained mute, standing at ease behind a branch which had fallen across the trail and which served as a rough and ready barricade. One protester said chainsaws and heavy equipment should not be used in the Arcata Community Forest under any circumstances not even to remove invasive non-native species such as holly, English ivy, pampas grass and others which crowd out natural vegetation and destroy habitat. He spoke at length of an artist's need to find the right medium for expression, frequently punctuating his ruminations with the term, "It's like, y'know." He said forest management is "bogus," noting that forests managed themselves without apparent problem before the advent of humans. He did acknowledge that invasive plant invasions occur in disturbed areas, but dismissed the problem as a "little issue." Another protester agreed that non-native invasives are a problem worthy of City intervention. Houghton said he wished the turnout for City-sponsored volunteer forest work days would approach the level of participation in the protest, since an average of just three people turn out for those events. A number of protesters agreed, but said they had never heard of the work day events. Just one of the two-dozen protesters had heard of the planned 171-acre Timber Harvest Plan filed by Sierra Pacific Industries in Sunny Brae, and she appeared to believe the Community Forest was included in that harvest and that City activities would somehow imperil Grotzman Creek, which is a couple of watersheds to the south. That afternoon, protesters crossed the inner barricade to enter the logging area and encircled a tree to prevent it from being felled. Two were arrested on the spot while others left the area; a third person was arrested on a nearby trail. Those arrested and charged with trespassing were identified as Coffman, Katherine Merrell and Stuart Abel, all listed as transient. Wednesday morning, a falling redwood tree which had been tied with ropes by protesters hung up on a second tree, creating what police Chief Mel Brown called "a bending bow effect," complicating the second tree's falling and increasing danger for timber workers. Another roped tree fell in the wrong place and partially shattered, rendering part of the tree unmillable. Council confrontation Though not an agenda item, the matter dominated the Wednesday, Aug. 2 City Council meeting. Several of those who oppose any logging in City-owned forests delivered

impassioned pleas and admonishments to the City during Oral Communications, often mingling personal issues with ideology and folklore. Nicholas Hendricks alleged that City-hired timber fallers had dropped a tree in the direction of a tree which contained sitters. He said those committing "direct action" protests deserve safety and respect. A poncho-clad man known only as Shunka reminded those present that he was present at the 1998 death of forest activist David "Gypsy" Chain as he was to do several times throughout the evening. "I still have a lot of open wounds from that day, Sept. 17, 1998," he said. He blamed the City for reopening his emotional wounds by deliberately falling trees at protesters. He further castigated Police Chief mel Brown for "allowing" loggers to taunt and aim trees at protesters, and operate chainsaws "within inches of peoples' knees." "Why were the protesters arrested and not the loggers?" Shunka asked. He called the protests a way for logging opponents to "cross over the artificial lines that the Babylon system sets up in order to bring attention to themselves and get their voices to their message. And the message is the people don't want logging in the Community Forest." Shunka claimed widespread community opposition to City logging plans. "I've dedicated my entire life to the forest movement for the past two years," he said. "I think I know the issue by know." He complained of alleged rude treatment by City staff and by Mayor Stewart, by whom he said he was "brushed off." Shunka objected to use of "prison labor" in the forest. The City will use workers from the state Department of Corrections' High Rock Conservation Camp to clean up debris in harvested forest areas following the cut. The prisoners also work at the Marsh and other sites around town. Shunka said he has contacted various organizations including Cal-OSHA and the American Civil Liberties Union, a representative of which was on hand for the meeting. Shunka used the term "neo-liberal" to describe Arcata's political gestalt. Shunka demanded that the City Council guarantee then and there that no logging would occur while protesters are in the timber falling area. Mayor Connie Stewart told Shunka that per routine, responses to citizen comments are offered at the end of Oral Communications. "I would really like to have like, a conversation now, because I'm here now. And see that's the problem, it's like, it's one-way, you know?" Logging opponent Jason Bernard fervently protested what he apparently believed is wholesale decimation of an old-growth redwood forest. "These are ancient, beautiful beings that we cut down," he said.

"Some of them are thousands of years old longer than we can conceive." He said it is "very, very apparent that what is going on isn't right." Bernard expressed outrage at the scale of environmental destruction and the system he believes allows it. "All these legalities and technicalities and loopholes and twists and ties should not stand in the way of keeping beautiful land." Other speakers faulted the City for the peril to protesters, and for sacrificing the lives of trees for financial reward. A young woman named Rachel offered a testimonial account of Monday's forest encounter between the young idealists and an allegedly aggressive logger. "And that was my first time ever protesting, too," she said proudly. Jared Gerstein said he understood the previous speakers' concerns, but said that "through education, I've come to a little bit different perspective." He said the Community Forest's sustainable management is "a way to demonstrate that there are alternative to the type of forestry which is generally being practiced on millions of acres" in the U.S. and elsewhere. That includes "short rotation harvests, monocultures, clearcuts, herbicides, fairly intensive roading and generally a lower regard for environmental consequences than is practiced in the Community Forest by far." (Gerstein and a companion were later taunted by anti-logging protesters outside City Hall, and were told "You're going to get someone else killed out there.") A man named John spoke breathlessly of the trees' right to life. "It is not right to kill; it os not right to take the lives of other beings," he said. He suggested imagining the trees as people, and pledged to put his life in danger to save other lives. His voice breaking, John said that "There's a lesson to be learned here. These trees love us. They don't want any of us to get hurt. We love them. We don't want any of them to get hurt. So let's learn this lesson of love. Let's not hurt each other; let's love each other. Like the way we love the trees. Like the way the trees love us. Like the way we love each other. We are people; we are living beings. Love is what created us. Love is what keeps us alive." With that, John seemed to exhaust himself, and appearing emotionally drained, he let out a little gasp, thanked the council and left the podium to sparse but emphatic applause. Still, John's love riff seemed theatrical and weak compared to Jason's earlier soliloquy. A man named Nick spoke at length, deriding police for allowing rough and menacing treatment at the hands of loggers at the Monday forest encounter.

He also criticized Arcata's utilization of the Humboldt County Correctional Facility, and use of the Community Center for the recent gun show. At the conclusion of Oral Communications, four or five of the protesters began chanting, "Stop the logging now," but quieted down after a request by Stewart. "If you'll stop chanting, we'll answer your questions," she said. City responds "I've never marked an old-growth tree to be cut in my life," said Mark Andre, city forester. "We aren't cutting old growth. This is all second growth." Audience member Shunka then interrupted with an interjection, which drew a warning by Stewart. "Excuse me," Stewart said. "We listened to you folks politely, so out of respect I would ask that you do the same for us." Andre said that extra expenses the City might incur by dealing with protesters, including police overtime and the shattered tree, would have to be offset by cutting more trees. "That's the irony that I want to get across," he said. Another interjection from Shunka. "Excuse me," Andre said pointedly. He emphasized that all logging must be performed in a conscientious fashion, without risk to anyone present. Andre repeated his offer to personally walk the forest with anyone and discuss harvest issues, down to whether individual trees should be cut. Andre has been stood up repeatedly in recent months after making arrangements with activists to do just that. "Direct action has its place," Andre said. "I don't agree with it in this case." Councilmember Jennifer Hanan emphasized the importance of safety. The thought of anyone getting hurt "scares me personally," she said. She pointed out that the forest is managed in conformance with the 1979 Forest Management and Parkland Initiative. "Initiatives are to be upheld, because they are the vote of the people," Hanan said. "Just as we have worked diligently to uphold Prop 215, which was the legalization of medical marijuana, we have also upheld this initiative." She called Arcata's forest management "the best example of how a forest can be logged in a way that, long-term, sustains the forest and still upholds the will of the people." Hanan said, however, that she believes the forest's charter may be out of date. "I believe, personally, that what we need to do is have another initiative," she said. "I think it's time for this community to revisit the issue of logging in the forest and to allow our community to make this decision again." She directed activists to the massive SPI timber harvest planned for Sunny Brae next year.

"Those are clearcuts, and there's a lot of participation that is needed in that issue," Hanan said. Councilmember Jim Test reminded protesters that direct action targeted at loggers is inherently confrontational. "If you expect that person to be pleasant with you, you are probably deluding yourself," Test said. "You're talking to the guy that's on the bottom of the heap, and he's just there because we've allowed him to be there." Test noted that the Arcata's forests are heavily used, and are harvested to pay for themselves. "We're not talking about some primeval spot here," he said. This triggered more interjections by Shunka and others. "Once again, I'm gonna remind you that we have sat here and we have listened to you politely, and you're will the same for us," Stewart said. "Let's have a conversation now!" Shunka demanded. "You're really rude," Test said. "You know Shunka, you're just full of yourself." Stewart again asked for courtesy. "I'm done," Test said. "I'm not interested in talking to these people." "We have a serious difference of opinion." said Councilmember Bob Ornelas. "I don't agree with the methodology you folks are using in protesting what this community has decided," he said. He noted that the Community Forest is not old-growth, and called the protesters "misinformed." Ornelas credited good management with bringing about large trees. "The protesting has to stop, and you have to accept these community standards by which we've been living," Ornelas said. "No more business as usual!" Shunka shouted. "If you really believe Arcata is Babylon, I'm sorry for that," Ornelas said. "In my opinion, it really doesn't get any better than Arcata. It's too bad that we disagree." Shunka then called Arcata a "police state," and objected to use of Department of Corrections prison crews to tend forest harvest sites, as is planned. Ornelas exploded. "Prison crews have absolutely nothing to do with this," he said. "I listened to you talk for 25 minutes, you go on and on and on about stuff that has nothing to do with this." But Shunka would not be silenced, and continued to offer rejoinders to the dais even as Stewart again asked that councilmembers be given a chance to speak. "You want to just interrupt me?" Ornelas asked. "If I can't talk for four minutes without interruption... I sat here for an hour until I was so bored by to this guy talking about stuff that had nothing to do with this supposed issue you're into." From the audience, Shunka maintained a stream of rejoinders of his own, ratcheting Ornelas into the redline zone. "Shunka, you think you're a conversationalist? You think you communicate well? I'm done with you! And I'm done talking!" Stewart then addressed the folks at home, watching the spectacle on APEG.

"I just want to say that it should be obvious to the public who is listening to this why I blew Shunka off today," she said. "My attitude was that I could sit there and listen to him or I could solve the problem." Stewart said the City demands safety in the harvest zone. She welcomed both the ACLU rep and "open dialogue," but that Shunka's obstreperous personal conduct made him unworthy of serious attention. "I've been involved in nonviolent protests for a long time," Stewart said, " And I don't believe Shunka practices nonviolence. I believe that he is verbally assaultive." The protester continued to talk back to Stewart, making kissing noises and rubbing his fingers and thumb together in the "filthy lucre" gesture as she spoke. Hanan appealed to the activists as humanitarians to refrain from verbal assaults. She begged Shunka "to please allow the council just to express themselves," but to little avail. "Can we have him thrown out?" Test inquired. Another meeting attendee, who had apparently come to speak on another issue and at one point approached the podium, did not address the council but stated to the more unruly protesters that she wanted to "monkeywrench" them. Stewart attempted to outline the City's position, noting the numerous public hearings, field trips and expert consultations which shaped the City's present forest policy. "I believe that we've come up with a plan that the citizens of Arcata can be very proud of," she said. "I'm not a zero-cutter," Stewart said. "I feel it's important for Arcata to have a model where people can come to see that there's such a thing as responsible logging." Shunka continued to interrupt with slogans and sound effects. An exasperated Stewart then asked Police Chief Mel Brown to have the poncho-clad protester from the council chamber. "You have a big mouth and you don't know how to control it," Test said. "That's right," Stewart said. Within seconds, a half dozen or so APD officers who had obviously been monitoring the proceedings on APEG downstairs, flooded the City Hall lobby. Hanan told Shunka that if he wouldn't listen to the council, she wouldn't listen to him. "If you want us to hear your opinion, then I'm gonna ask the same from you in return," Hanan said. "Just get up and leave," Stewart said. Shunka was escorted from council chambers, and left with an officer on one side and Chief Brown on the other. "Get your hands off me, now!" Shunka said as police nudged him from his seat. "Is this how democracy works?" he asked? "Yes, this is how democracy works," Stewart said. "We listened to you; you listen to us." As words flew in the back of council chambers, Stewart invited serious participation by activists in development in Arcata forest policy.

He then stood outside and shouted epithets through City Hall's door. "Fascist police state!" was a typical jeer. Stewart continued. "If you truly support zero cut... no, no I'm gonna finish my statement... then you're welcome to go down to the City and figure out how to get another initiative on the ballot... until then, I think the council has a duty and a responsibility to fill out the existing laws to the best of our ability." The mayor also lauded the Arcata Police Department's experience and record insofar as managing protests in town. Outsiders Outside, the protesters then enjoyed a lingering group hug, asking that their picture be taken. The group then migrated over to the bus stop near the Judo Hut entrance, discussing the evening's events. An APD car hovered across the street, monitoring the group. Some protesters, while supporting Shunka's position, told him his conduct was out of line with his tactics. He said he refused to listen to "lies." After again mentioning the name of his fallen comrade Gypsy, Shunka appeared not to understand why that invocation did not invest his every utterance with unquestionable righteousness. He dismissed the 1979 initiative which governs City forest use as "old." John, who had spoken so movingly about love moments earlier, was visibly agitated at the presence of a reporter playing devil's advocate with troublesome questions. "THANK YOU!" he barked dismissively. Inside, councilmembers took a break and had a group hug or two of their own, but did so with professional dispatch, too quickly for a photographer to capture the moment. Stewart was visibly distraught at the turn of events. As mayor, she has on previous occasion publicly admonished fellow councilmembers Ornelas and Test after they interrupted rambling public speakers. While scrupulously refraining from any interruption at the stream-of-consciousness testimonials of the protesters, the some councilmembers' restraint had crumpled at the onslaught of abuse from Shunka. After asking police to remove him, Stewart evinced a rare moment of emotional vulnerability. Whether this was because of the hemorrhage of public process or because she took an action which might be interpreted in different ways during an election year, only she will ever know. Harvest days Interim City manager Steve Tyler said logging along Trail 3 ended Friday.

Operations now move to an area near Trails 8 and 9 in the Jolly Giant Creek watershed. barring the unexpected, timber falling could be completed this Friday. Forest protests died down near the end of the week as many activists left town to attend the Reggae on the River festival in Southern Humboldt. Many were still filtering back into town by midweek. The City and other observers were well aware of the Reggae Distraction, with many privately hoping the protesters would get so stoned there that they might wander off in some random direction other than Arcata afterward. If they had, they would likely have stumbled upon environmental atrocities far in excess of any known activity in the Arcata Community Forest. Traditional timber circles are said to hold Arcata's demonstration of profitable sustainability in exceedingly low regard, since it compels reform and change in forest practices. The irony of protesters focusing their fury on the eco-grooviest, most famous woodland in the Pacific Northwest was palpable. Also popular was the observation that the slogan-spouting Shunka, resplendent in his omnipresent Sears poncho, could not have been more precisely cast as the unreasoning, near-feral "wacko" activist some in the timber industry might wish all environmentalists were regarded as. Councilmember Ornelas said of Shunka, "He needs goals and he needs a plan. A clue or two would help, too." Retired HSU forestry professor Dr. Rudolph Becking said he is working on a new initiative for a future election which would restrict City use of forest-derived revenues. "I think the only alternative is to take it to the voters," Becking said.