Save the Redwoods League agrees to purchase redwood forest threatened by logging

The three year fight to protect 224 acres of redwood forest along the Russian River from logging has likely succeeded.

It was announced today that Save The Redwoods League has secured an agreement to purchase 394 acres of forest, including the land set aside for the Silver Estates Timber Harvest Plan (THP).

This means that some 40 acres of old growth redwood trees plus the 2,000-year-old Clar Tree will be protected, together with hundreds of acres of delicate forest ecosystem.

GFC working group member, John Dunlap, said: “We are delighted that Save The Redwoods League has reached an agreement with timberland owner Roger Burch and his RMB Revocable Family Trust to acquire nearly 400 acres of redwood forest along the Russian River near Guerneville. We fully support the purchase of the property and plans to create a conservation easement to protect the forest and its ecosystem. This is good news for Guerneville, the Russian River, and our beloved coastal redwoods.”

The Guerneville Forest Coalition has been fighting to stop the 224-acre Silver Estates logging plan, which was approved by CalFire last year and had threatened to destroy a delicate ecosystem supporting numerous at-risk species. It also put at risk the health of the 2,000 year old Clar Tree, one of the tallest trees in Sonoma County.

With the purchase of the property, Save the Redwoods League will be able to work with the Open Space District and Sonoma County to ensure that the forest on Neeley Hill and along one mile of the Russian River is safeguarded for generations. Long term stewardship and restoration of the forest will allow for improved wildfire resilience, conservation efforts, and increased recreational opportunities.

Added Dunlap: “We are tremendously grateful to Save the Redwoods League, and to our GFC volunteers and hundreds of supporters who fought so hard over the past three years to protect the forest.”

Save The Redwoods will now launch a campaign to raise funds to help with the purchase.