REDWOOD NEEDLES Presented by the Sierra Club Redwood Chapter Newsletter, The REDWOOD NEEDLES Return to Article Menu News From The North By Beth Hovind The North Group continues to monitor the limiting of OHV's (Off Highway Vehicles) from Black Sands Beach on the Lost Coast. This issue of motorized vehicles on public lands appears to be on the increase in this part of the state. An eight mile stretch of beach currently available to OHV's is being reviewed by BLM with public testimony to be an important part of the decision. OHV groups are mobilizing to retain their current areas and add additional areas. We encourage any readers located near this area to join with us and add their thoughts. In the Eureka area, there is a push to expand the current OHV area near Samoa. A system of trails has already been developed for their use. The expansion plan would include a motocross component. Neighbors as well as environmentalists are concerned about the impact. In Arcata, there is growing concern about the illegal use of motorized vehicles in the Mad River Beach area and law enforcement officials have been asked to increase their enforcement. The North Group is joining others in supporting the inclusion of the Northwest in the logging moratorium which would prohibit logging new areas of public lands over 5,000 acres. The Northwest and Alaska were excluded from the original proposal. We are supporting a logging moratorium on all areas of 1,000 acres or more. Nadananda, founder and director of the Friends of the Eel River, reviewed the history of the Eel River water diversion with the North Group. Early Humboldt County politicos lobbied against the diversion, but lost to southern interests. The group is working on lawsuits based on "violation of the public trust" which allowed the diversions in the first place. A study by Cal-Trout recommends that the river will need to maintain 60% of it's water to survive as a viable river. Many are advocating for a full 100% return. -Beth Hovind Return to Article Menu Last updated on 3/29/98 Comments or suggestions? Drop us a line at heyneedles@aol.com