Lawsuit over logging plans in South Fork Eel watershed heads to Ukiah court
The waters of Dutch Charlie Creek flow in northern Mendocino County, west of Laytonville into the South Fork of the Eel River. The peaceful area is now the subject of contention. Friends of Dutch Charlie Creek has filed a lawsuit challenging CAL FIRE’s approval of two timber harvest plans in the Dutch Charlie Creek watershed, alleging that logging authorized under the plans could damage habitat used by state-listed endangered coho salmon. The organization is asking the court to halt operations under the “Hot Tuna” and “Lincoln Logs” timber harvest plans while the case is considered. According to Friends of Dutch Charlie Creek, surveys cited by the organization show that Dutch Charlie Creek has the highest coho redd—or salmon nest—density among tributaries to the South Fork Eel River.
Other river pollution and restoraton news:
- Times-Standard (Eureka, Calif.): Water board votes to elevate Little River pollution case to state AG’s office
- CBS Sacramento (Calif.): Yuba County pipeline disaster threatens annual salmon field trip for 1,500 students
- Lost Coast Outpost (Eureka, Calif.): Construction underway on massive Eel River estuary restoration project that will open up miles of public access at the river’s mouth
- California WaterBlog (UC Davis): California’s “lost salmon” may be returning
