Pacific Lumber Harvest Plans

Re “Redwood Deal Is Just a Start,” editorial, May 15:

The Pacific Lumber Co. is currently working under state-approved timber harvest plans and company policies that ensure a responsible, sustainable level of harvest. Far from the “frantic pace” canard repeated in the editorial, Pacific Lumber’s harvesting is consistent and conservative. We have amended our pending timber harvest plans to incorporate additional protections as part of the recently announced “agreement in principle.” This commitment is a significant demonstration of good faith prior to final approval of the Headwaters agreement.

Despite the fact that landslides naturally occurred during this heavy rain year in geologically similar areas that have never been logged, Pacific Lumber has hired experts to assess recent mudslides on its timberland to determine what impact, if any, logging operations have had on these natural events. As a precaution, under the terms of the agreement in principle, Pacific Lumber will storm-proof 50 miles of road per year.

All told, the habitat conservation and sustained yield plans we are developing in collaboration with federal and state scientists and biologists are the most comprehensive environmental planning documents ever assembled for a forest products company. There will be a full public review of these documents in the months ahead.

JOHN A. CAMPBELL

President, Pacific Lumber Co.

Scotia, Calif.