Why is the MRC involved in a commercial logging project?

As described here, the logging that will occur under the PTEIR will actually benefit the recovery of the watershed. In a forest whose structure was altered so substantially by all-at-once logging half a century ago, judicious logging can promote the return of old-growth habitat, and protect the continued recovery of streams that provide habitat for salmon, steelhead, and other aquatic life.

But even beyond those aims, we see sustainable logging as right livelihood that makes honorable use of the gifts that Mattole land has to offer. Since the founding of the MRC in 1983, sustainable harvest has been part of our vision of learning what it takes to live in this watershed for the long term.

Our mission statement lays out our aim of "the restoration of natural systems in the Mattole River watershed and their maintenance at sustainable levels of health and productivity, especially in regards to forests, fisheries, soils, and other native plant and animal communities," and directs us to pursue this goal by (among other ways):

    Pursuing the education and involvement of watershed residents and landholders in ... sustainable
    harvest techniques;

    Conducting research and encouraging the development of land-use techniques and
    cultural and economic activities which further the sustained productivity of the resources
    base in the Mattole watershed;

    Encouraging the development of regional and watershed-based self-reliance through creative,
    productive and interdependent human relationships with the Mattole watershed.

These aims have been part of the MRC's mission statement since its incorporation in 1985.

The MRC board of directors adopted the following resolution at its August 2010 meeting:

Recognizing:

1.  the MRC’s mission to educate and involve watershed residents in sustainable forest management techniques;
2. the goals stated in the project description for the Mattole PTEIR, and the Mattole Forest Futures Project as a whole;
3. that unmanaged or poorly managed forests can hinder us in our mission by:
       a.    Increased evapo transpiration
       b.    Increased fuel density leading to more intense wildfires;
4. that well-managed forests can assist us in our mission by:
       a.    Encouraging the development of mature to late successional stands
       b.    Maintaining or improving wildlife habitat, particularly by developing late-seral habitat for listed species
       c.    Creating sustainable economic opportunity in the watershed;
5. the rigorous scientific review of the project conducted by the Mattole Technical Advisory Committee;
6. the potential for human activity to have a positive impact on the natural systems in our watershed;

The Mattole Restoration Council Board of Directors hereby:

1. endorses the project description and the Mattole PTEIR as a positive and dynamic alternative to conventional forestry permitting;
2. confirms our lasting commitment to the PTEIR and sustainable forest management including:
       a.    monitoring and evaluating the results and impacts
       b.    insuring the PTEIR process is meeting the project goals
       c.    facilitating a continued effort to listen to and address questions and concerns;
3. encourages landowners who are already considering a timber harvest on their property to learn more about the Mattole PTEIR;
4. encourages all landowners and residents of the Mattole to learn more about sustainable land management practices and continue the conversation.

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MRC Board resolution in support of the Mattole Forest Futures Project and PTEIR	30.24 KB