North Coast Journal 07-18-13 Edition by North Coast Journal

continued from page 5 our group has yet to be heard in this important discussion that affects us in our back yard. The fact that Green Diamond had plans for five separate THPs that virtually ring Strawberry Rock is a reality that local Trinidad citizens were unaware of until relatively recently, otherwise they would have demanded public hearings on the matter. At least in the McKay tract negotiations there has been public input for the past two years to develop a comprehensive community conservation plan. I and 11 other Trinidad residents became informed of Green Diamond’s clearcutting plans and, as a result, organized a citizen’s action group called the Trinidad Community Forest Coalition. We’ve met with a representative of Green Diamond and expressed our concerns. We commend Green Diamond for its conservation easement proposal for Strawberry Rock —this is an effort that demonstrates the company’s interest in conserving a valuable community asset. On the other hand, we believe that further conservation efforts are possible and we wish to discuss these options with the company. We agree with the Yurok tribe that this is “a spiritual place with deep cultural significance” and thus worthy of protection. While Strawberry Rock may not be a pristine forest like the McKay tract, it deserves as much effort to save it by the communities of the North Coast. We urge Green Diamond, the Trust for Public Lands, the Yurok Tribe and other interested parties to have an open public discussion on the fate of this precious gem of the North Coast so we can create

Cartoon by joel mielke

a community forest — a natural asset preserved for our children’s children. Larry Goldberg, Trinidad Editor: It’s a shame that a million dollars of scarce environmental funds are being used to purchase a tiny easement for local recreation around Strawberry Rock. This area has been clearcut at least three times and has no more habitat value than any similar bit of young regrowth. Susan Nolan, McKinleyville

casting can grant a waiver of the $800,000 Non-federal Financial Support requirement. Such a waiver would enable KEET to receive this vital funding. One wonders if Mr. Erstling’s “our-interest-is-not-exactlyin-preserving-the-current-station” stance is based less on reaching the widest possible audience (including such rural areas as ours) and more on appeasing right-wing Congressional funders who loath the independence and candor of PBS (and National Public Radio). Duncan B. MacLaren, Fieldbrook

Help Keep KEET

Rethink Dune Science

Editor: Compliments to J. Daniel Fernandez for his informative article (“KEET at the Crossroads,” June 20), and to the NCJ for giving former volunteer/employee Matt Knight the opportunity to air his opinions (“Inside KEET,” June 27). I think KEET-TV is a North Coast treasure that warrants our best efforts to preserve it. How? I would suggest two actions: First, become a member of KEET, or — at least — make a contribution to the station. It is estimated that only one out of eight people who tune in to watch KEET programs are members. And, yes, I know we’re bombarded for requests for donations by many, many worthwhile organizations. But KEET-TV is truly unique, and deserves our continued support. No other broadcast source brings us news and public-affairs programming of the quality of “PBS NewsHour” or “Frontline,” or children’s programming of the quality of “Sesame Street” or “Curious George.” Second, write a letter or send an email to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (401 Ninth Street NW, Washington, DC 20004-2129). Insist that the CPB approve the federal grant of $540,000 for KEET that Mr. Fernandez referenced in his article. Mr. Fernandez did an excellent job of reporting the CPB’s view as expressed by Senior Vice president Mark Erstling. The fact is that the Corporation for Public Broad-

Editor: It is becoming apparent to an increasing number of us that the 30-year-old science that accompanied these vegetation removal projects needs an update (“Rogue Dune Experiment,” June 20). The permits granted for these projects did not allow for the changes we see happening. We have much more current information that can help us rebuild and secure our barrier foredunes, and still provide for a rich and diverse habitat. It is time to graduate and learn from our mistakes. Uri Driscoll, Arcata

Why Them? Editor: If, as some readers claim (“Mailbox,” June 27 and July 4), the great majority of Humboldt residents are enamored with the pristine Humboldt landscape, uncluttered by piecemeal development, why then did they elect this Board of Supervisors? Terence Marlow, Trinidad

Correction Last week’s story “Straightening the Hairpins” contained errors. While Caltrans is overseeing the project on State Route 299, much of the construction work has been contracted out to the Eureka-based Mercer-Fraser Company. Also, the 223 accidents from 2005 to 2009 occurred just east of the Trinity-Shasta county line, not west. The Journal regrets the errors.

Write a letter! Please try to make your letter no more than 300 words and include your full name, place of residence and phone number (we won’t print your number). Send it to letters@northcoastjournal.com. l

July 18, 2013 Volume XXIV No. 29

The North Coast Journal is a weekly newspaper serving Humboldt County. Circulation: 21,000 copies distributed FREE at more than 350 locations. Mail subscriptions: $39 / 52 issues. Single back issues mailed / $2.50. Entire contents of the North Coast Journal are copyrighted. No article may be reprinted without publisher’s written permission. Printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink.

publisher Judy Hodgson judy@northcoastjournal.com editor Carrie Peyton Dahlberg carrie@northcoastjournal.com art director Holly Harvey production manager Carolyn Fernandez staff writer/a&e editor Bob Doran bob@northcoastjournal.com calendar@northcoastjournal.com staff writer Heidi Walters heidi@northcoastjournal.com staff writer/news editor Ryan Burns ryan@northcoastjournal.com staff writer/assistant editor Grant Scott-Goforth grant@northcoastjournal.com staff writer Jennifer Fumiko Cahill jennifer@northcoastjournal.com editorial intern Emily Hamann emily@northcoastjournal.com contributing writers John J. Bennett, Simona Carini, Barry Evans, William S. Kowinski, Mark Shikuma, Amy Stewart graphic design/production Alana Chenevert, Miles Eggleston, Drew Hyland, Lynn Jones production assistant Kimberly Hodges general manager Chuck Leishman chuck@northcoastjournal.com advertising Mike Herring mike@northcoastjournal.com Colleen Hole colleen@northcoastjournal.com Shane Mizer shane@northcoastjournal.com Karen Sack karen@northcoastjournal.com office manager Carmen England bookkeeper/receptionist Meadow Gorman mail/office:

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on the cover:

Original photo by Heidi Walters. Photo illustration by Holly Harvey.

northcoastjournal.com • North Coast Journal • Thursday, July 18, 2013