Qu'est-ce qui ce passe...

California Forestry Board changes rules protecting spotted owls

Chathaunt — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 20:02:13 GMT

The California Board of Forestry (BOF) just posted a 45 day notice for rule changes to the California Forest Practice Rules (CFPR) pertaining to the Northern spotted owl. These changes do not look good to me. Basically California Forestry Association (corporate timber's lobbyist group) is trying to get rule changes into the CFPR that would allow even a forester to conduct surveys that only a state designated biologist could conduct before. Than when the poorly qualified spotted owl consultant does not find a nest for 3 three years, the logging company can go ahead and log it, even though it is still potentially good habitat. If that wasn't bad enough, the Forest Practice Rules already do not prevent take of Northern spotted owls on private lands because under Subsection 'G' they allow logging within 500 feet of an active nest, and they don't require habitat retention of even a single acre of nest/roost habitat outside of the core area. Is this an appropriate regulatory appproach? Is this regulatory approach legal? Will it provide good data in terms of best science? Is there a better regulatory approach that would truly provide the best data? You can check out the rule changes at: http://www.bof.fire.ca.gov/pdfs/4P_Plead_TakeAvoidanceOption_1_071008.pdf Comments are due by 8 September 2008. Feel free to ask me any questions if you want to submit comments. Send me a copy of your comments if you send them in. Submit comments by e-mail to: board.public.comments@fire.ca.gov or send written comments to: Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Attn: Christopher Zimny Regulations Coordinator P.O. Box 944246 Sacramento, CA 94244-2460 for the wild- chathaunt

If you do Google Earth and like forests... check this link out.

Chathaunt — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 22:43:38 GMT

ftp://ftp.fire.ca.gov/forest/ This Cal Fire FTP site just posted kmz files for all the logging in Humboldt County, I believe for the last ten years. The map this file opens in Google Earth is freakin' insane. Check it out.

Hurwitz out of Humboldt County! Hurray hurray hurray!!

Chathaunt — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:13:25 GMT

Mendocino Redwood Company to Assume Control of Pacific Lumber Humboldt County, CA – Anticipating a ruling that will mark the end of an extraordinary 22-year era of controversy, Texas bankruptcy Judge Richard S. Schmidt indicated today that he intends to confirm the Reorganization Plan submitted by Marathon Finance-Mendocino Redwood Company (“Marathon/MRC.”) in the matter of the Pacific Lumber Co. (“PL”) bankruptcy, assuming certain conditions are satisfied Judge Schmidt’s ruling for bankrupt Pacific Lumber Company and its more than two hundred thousand acres of Humboldt County forests, expected to be filed later today, represents progress for Humboldt County, environmental groups say. After the ruling is filed, within a few weeks the Mendocino Redwood Company will take over Pacific Lumber operations, including logging on lands now held by the Scotia Pacific Company and the Pacific Lumber mill in Scotia. The Environmental Protection Information Center and the Sierra Club have battled Pacific Lumber’s destructive logging practices since Texas-based Maxxam Corp took over the timber company 23 years ago. “At long last, Maxxam is gone,” said Sam Johnston, Private Lands Campaigner for EPIC. “This marks a new era for both the people and forests of Humboldt County.” “This is a positive development for the forested watersheds and people of Humboldt County,” said Paul Mason with the Sierra Club. “We look forward to working with a company that has a much stronger track record of responsible management than its predecessor.” To protect the ongoing health of the local community, the local economy, and the working forests that comprise the landscape of this region, Sierra Club and EPIC hope to see: 1) no more cutting of old growth, (2) recovery of species habitat, (3) use of selection harvest methods (4) permanent maintenance of timberland, and (5) permanent protection for key resource areas, such as the Marbled Murrelet Conservation Areas. Sierra Club and EPIC are optimistic that Mendocino Redwood Company can meet these challenges and recover this important area, according to Johnston. “MRC inherits a landscape that has suffered grievously from more than two decades of serious abuse,” said EPIC’s Johnston. “We appreciate MRC’s background in restoration-focused forestry, and want to work with MRC to build a truly sustainable timber company for the long term. MRC needs to make dramatic changes from Pacific Lumber’s practices to fulfill the commitments they have made.” One of the first tasks MRC will face will be to deal with destructive PL logging plans already in the pipeline, such as the disastrous “Railcar” logging plan to clear-cut redwoods next to Humboldt Redwoods State Park. MRC also needs to perform extensive restoration work on damaged watersheds such as Elk River, Freshwater and Bear Creek. The decision resolves vast uncertainties that had loomed heavily over the bankruptcy proceedings as PL’s creditors staked their positions about who should take over Pacific Lumber and its subsidiary, Scotia Pacific. Pacific Lumber’s abandoned plan would have subdivided and sold some 21,000 acres of prime timberlands for development. The plan by the largest secured creditors of the company, the “Noteholders,” would have entailed a risky auction that could have divided forestland and mill, or forced an inflated price resulting in unsustainable harvest levels. The MRC Plan comes closest to implementing the standards EPIC advocates for timber management in the Redwood Region. These standards flow from three core principles for timberland management, to: recover high-quality timberland and wildlife habitat for salmon & steelhead and other aquatic, terrestrial, and avian wildlife; recover an economy based on these resources, and full integration of the region's human communities in these efforts. EPIC & Sierra Club look forward to working with MRC, and are pleased that Judge Schmidt and the bankruptcy court recognized that the MRC plan affords a solid opportunity to realize long-term, sustainable forestry.

Got a $100K? Love yer dog?

Chathaunt — Wed, 28 May 2008 15:43:19 GMT

Now you can get Fido cloned! Yes for just under a small fortune you too can get your favorite dog cloned. Now Fido can live forever! Just in case you are interested the company is offering to clone dogs for the five highest bidders in a series of online auctions. Just in case you are interested opening bids start at $100,000. http://www.petplace.com/dog-videos.aspx?p=67&utm_source=dogcrazynews001et&utm_medium=email&utm_content=petplace_article&utm_campaign=dailynewsletter

Durango gets neutered

Chathaunt — Fri, 23 May 2008 21:02:48 GMT

My pure bred rat terrier Durango is getting neutered next week. He is a good dog, and very energetic. If anyone wants a date with him before his bachelor days are over give me a call. 834-6262- if you don't know the area code for Arcata, than you are too far for a date. All I ask is for some pizza while we chaperones wait.

9 Bull Buffalo in Trap at Duck Creek

Chathaunt — Thu, 22 May 2008 20:47:09 GMT

Dear Buffalo Friends, Nine bull bison are currently in the Duck Creek bison trap, located just outside of Yellowstone's western boundary. The Department of Livestock says they intend to send these bulls to slaughter. According to an email received from Yellowstone National Park today, "The park's current best estimate for the bison population remains between 2300 and 2100, with the lower end of that estimate probably being the most realistic." This drastic blow to the bison is a result of a combination of intense slaughter, hunting, quarantine, winter kill and highway mortalities, and the population cannot sustain any more slaughter. URGENT ACTION IS NEEDED if we are to save the lives of these bulls. Please contact the following Montana decision-makers and urge them to let the bulls go! * Marty Zaluski, Montana State Vet #406-444-0782 * Hal Harper, Governor Schweitzer's Chief Policy Advisor #406-444-5546 * Mike Volesky, Governor Schweitzer's Policy Advisor for Natural Resources #406-444-7857 In mid-April, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer announced in a press conference that NO MORE buffalo would be sent to slaughter this season. A few days later, the DOL sent three bull bison to their deaths. Due to the winter's severe slaughter and the uncertainty of winter kill bison, the population may well be below 2,100. Under the Interagency Bison Management Plan, the agencies are supposed to use non-lethal methods when the population is at or below 2,100 animals. We must INSIST THAT THEY DO NOT SLAUGHTER THESE BULLS! Please spread the word to save the herds! Contact the decision-makers above, and please send this email to all your friends, family, colleagues and co-workers. We stopped the slaughter of 300 bison last year, and we can save the lives of these nine bulls if we keep the pressure on. Roam Free! Buffalo Field Campaign -- Media & Outreach Buffalo Field Campaign P.O. Box 957 West Yellowstone, MT 59758 406-646-0070 bfc-media@wildrockies.org http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org BFC is the only group working in the field every day in defense of the last wild buffalo population in the U.S. Stay informed! Get our weekly email Updates from the Field: Send your email address to bfc-media@wildrockies.org * View BFC Video Footage: http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org * NEW VIDEO! To Protect the Wild Bison http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/aboutus/documentaries.html * Why are they killing the last wild buffalo? http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/issueinbrief.html * NEW! Buffalo Field Campaign Blog http://www.blog.buffalofieldcampaign.org * Protect Horse Butte for Wild Buffalo! http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/legal/horsebutte.html * BOYCOTT BEEF! It's what's killing wild buffalo http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/actnow/boycott.html * Speak Out! Contact politicians and involved agencies today: http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/actnow/politicians.html * Write a Letter to the Editor of key newspapers: http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/actnow/lte.html * Help the buffalo by recycling your used cell phones & printer cartridges: It's free and easy. http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/support/recycleprint.html.

Orca hits beach for seal meal

Chathaunt — Thu, 22 May 2008 17:57:28 GMT

A dozen or more people in Trinidad Tuesday witnessed one of the world's rarest wildlife phenomena when an orca flushed a harbor seal onto Indian Beach in what may have been an attempt to teach its young to hunt. It may be the first occurrence of its kind in the United States, researchers said. Ruby Rollings from the Seascape Pier was alerted to the presence of the killer whales in Trinidad Bay just before lunch, and grabbed a pair of binoculars to watch. A large adult orca was swimming in the bay with a juvenile orca and two much smaller orcas, she said. After observing for a while, Rollings said she watched as the larger whale rode a wave onto the beach and seized a harbor seal in its teeth. ”He bit it, then he slammed the seal against the sand,” Rollings said. Rollings said the whale left the seal on the beach, then headed back into the bay, and eventually out to sea. The behavior is rare among orcas. Washington-based Orca Network Director Howard Garrett was surprised to hear of the sighting and said the research community is very interested. ”That's pretty amazing,” Garrett said. Several other experts the Times-Standard spoke with said they had not heard of a hunt like it in North America. Brad Hanson, a wildlife biologist with the National Marine Fisheries Service, said the fact that it doesn't happen more often has been a topic of discussion among researchers. He didn't doubt the accuracy of the account. ”It's hard to miss a killer whale when it's halfway out of the water,” Hanson said. John Ford, a whale scientist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, said similar sightings have been reported in British Columbia, although he said it's a rare occurrence. No experts he knows have witnessed an event like it in the United States, he said. The technique is incredible to watch, but it has downfalls. With the enormous weight of the orca flopped onto the beach, it's possible for the animal to get stuck. Female orcas can weigh 7,000 pounds, and males up to 9,000 pounds. ”It's a risky venture,” Garrett said. It's something few people will ever see in their lives. The only documented beach hunting by orcas is in Argentina's Patagonia and the Crozet Islands in the Indian Ocean, Garrett said. But the intelligent animals are innovative: Orcas have been seen tipping ice sheets to knock seals into the water in Antarctica, and in New Zealand killer whales are known to pluck stingrays off the sea floor and toy with them at the surface, he said. Humboldt State University Marine Laboratory technicians Alyssa Firkus and Susan Sebring were taking water samples at the Trinidad pier when they heard a man shout that there were orcas in the bay. They went to look, and were offered a ride on the water taxi. Firkus said they watched as the small group of orcas swam toward Indian Beach. The largest whale swam up on shore, half exposed, and thrashed around before backing into the water again, she said. ”That's been my dream since I was 2 years old to see that,” Firkus said. The group then headed toward the boat launch, around the rock near the pier, under the pier and then out to sea, Firkus said. A pod, or group, of orcas was spotted offshore by the HSU research vessel Coral Sea not long ago, said lab aquarium caretaker Grant Eberle, and orcas have been seen off the mouth of the Klamath River. A group of about 20 were seen off Newport, Ore., within the past two weeks, as well. There are three types of orcas in the eastern North Pacific. One type eats just about any marine mammal it can get hold of, from seals to whales. Another focuses on fish, especially chinook salmon. Another group occurs generally 25 to 30 miles offshore, in the rich continental shelf area, where tuna and sharks are key parts of their diet. The types don't interbreed, even though they sometimes mix. Garrett said there's no guarantee that the beach hunting near Trinidad is the first ever in North America, but he believed it was the one of the first ever witnessed. It may not be the last. The innovative behavior may be passed to the younger animals the hunting orca was with, Garrett said, and could become more regular with time. John Driscoll/The Times-Standard Article Launched: 05/22/2008 01:32:02 AM PDT

Wolverines in Tahoe!

Chathaunt — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:56:04 GMT

Scientists Believe Photograph Depicts Wolverine in California U.S. Forest Service scientists believe an Oregon State University graduate student working on a cooperative project with the agency’s Pacific Southwest Research station on the Tahoe National Forest has photographed a wolverine, an animal whose presence has not been confirmed in California since the 1920s. Katie Moriarty, a wildlife biology student, was conducting research on another carnivore called the American marten when a remote-controlled camera she set photographed the animal on February 28, 2008. Forest Service scientists who are experts at detecting rare carnivores believe the photographed animal is a wolverine. The North American wolverine is the largest member of the weasel family. Adult males weigh 26 to 40 pounds, while females are 17 to 26 pounds. It resembles a small bear, with a bushy tail and broad head. Its diet includes carrion, small animals, birds, insect and berries. U.S. populations are found largely in the Northern Cascades in Washington, and Northern Rockies in Montana and Idaho. The nearest known resident population is approximately 900 miles north of the Tahoe National Forest in north-central Washington. Attempts have been made for decades to photograph wolverines in California, according to Bill Zielinski, a Forest Service scientist with the Pacific Southwest Research Station and an expert at detecting wolverines, marten and fisher. He said periodic sightings have occurred, but never scientifically confirmed using detection methods that produce verifiable evidence. Scientists will now conduct further detection analysis on the Tahoe National Forest using remote-controlled cameras and barbed wire snares that snag hair. They may also use dogs trained to find wolverine scat. Scientists have found dogs to be three and a half times more successful at detecting rare carnivores than remote-controlled cameras in forested areas like the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Zielinski said hair and scat samples would contain DNA that can be analyzed to determine where the animal originated. “We have good genetic templates from populations that have been studied elsewhere that can be used to understand the origin of this animal,” he said. “But, first we need a DNA sample.” Wolverines have large home ranges that vary greatly depending upon gender, age and food availability. In order to avoid interference with ongoing studies, Forest Service officials are not releasing the exact location where the wolverine was photographed. The agency’s regional forester for California has listed the wolverine as a sensitive species, and the 2004 Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment directs the Forest Service to conduct an analysis to determine if activities within 5 miles of where a wolverine was detected will affect the species. “This is an exciting research discovery, both for its scientific value, and as a demonstration of our success in forest management.” said Tahoe National Forest Supervisor Tom Quinn. “For now, we on the Tahoe National Forest have more questions than answers. We have initiated discussions with researchers about where this sighting occurred and how this could affect management of the National Forest. We are also consulting with wolverine experts and forest managers where wolverine populations occur and gathering current literature and studies. As we learn more, we will assess which projects and activities, if any, might be affected.” [Photo caption]: Scientists believe a wolverine was photographed with a remote-controlled camera on February 28 on the Tahoe National Forest. Evidence of wolverines in California has not been scientifically verified since the 1920s (U.S. Forest Service, Oregon State University photo).

Top 10 Peeves Dogs Have With Humans

Chathaunt — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:23:31 GMT

1. Blaming your farts on me..... not funny... not funny at all! 2. Yelling at me for barking. I'M A FRIGGIN' DOG 3. Taking me for a walk, then not letting me check stuff out. Exactly whose walk is this anyway? 4. Any trick that involves balancing food on my nose. Stop it! 5. Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. Now you know why we chew your stuff up when you're not home. 6. The sleight of hand, fake fetch throw. You fooled a dog! Whoooo oooooooo what a proud moment for the top of the food chain. 7. Taking me to the vet for "the big snip", then acting surprised when I freak out every time we go back! 8. Getting upset when I sniff the crotches of your guests. Sorry, but I haven't quite mastered that handshake thing yet. 9. Dog sweaters. Hello ??? Haven't you noticed the fur? 10. How you act disgusted when I lick myself. Look, we both know the truth. You're just jealous.

If a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

Chathaunt — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:21:59 GMT

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. Take naps. Stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently. - Author unknown. Enjoy your day.

Eulogy for a Tigress

Chathaunt — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 01:35:08 GMT

A soft and fury kitten With blue eyes and tiger stripes Grows into a cat Mighty mankiller stalker of jungles and forests one of the rarest breeds born into a life of captivity what must it be like to cat nap as food walks around pointing tail twitches thoughts of freedom and meals of funny looking monkeys forever taunting finally freedom comes Ohh Tatiana Tigress you are my shero mighty mankiller graceful and sleek when shall we learn that you commited no crime you were only following your instinctual call may you live wild and free forever in our hearts and in the great world beyond Blessed be, great cat Blessed be... A message to cops and others who shoot wildlife to kill- Use a tranquilizer gun... It is not the wild animal's fault that they encounter us, it is we who have encroached on their freedom

1-07-157 Bad Scotia Pacific forest plan

Chathaunt — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:04:02 GMT

California Department of Forestry in Fortuna will be holding 2nd review for this Timber Harvest Plan on Thursday (Tommorrow) at 900 am. Is there anyone who might be interested in going as well as myself? For those of you who don't know this THP is really bad, and it has not been approved yet. You can send comments in 'till Saturday to CDF in Santa Rosa in regards to this THP. Use e-mail SantaRosa.Publiccomment@fire.ca.gov or send it snail mail today for extra added punch. I got the snail mail address if you can't find it for yerself. 1-07-157 Hum – Lower VD 08 THP This Scotia Pacific THP in Root Creek approximately 2.5 miles W/NW of Grizzly Creek State Park. Over 45 acres of clear-cut silviculture is planned in this THP, including the late seral and residual old growth that are present in this THP. There are over five spotted owl territories within a mile and a half of proposed units in this THP. Also USFWS released about 20 acres of ‘C’ and ‘D’ habitat for marbled murrelets. New roads will be constructed as part of this THP. Logging is proposed in unstable areas. There are other landowners within a 1000 feet downstream of the plan area. Directional felling is proposed for WLPZs. According to CGS, the majority of Unit 1 is characterized as a debris slide amphitheater slope. CGS also shows an inner gorge / debris slide complex just below and south of Unit 3 and below and north of Unit 4. The western portion of Unit 4 can be interpreted as part of a dormant translational / rotational landslide. A small dormant debris slide is shown at the sw corner of Unit 3. Also a nw-se trending unnamed fault crosses between Units 1 and 2. Mapping in progress shows this to be a thrust fault.

Protect Red Mountain Wilderness!!

Chathaunt — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 19:31:38 GMT

I know of a couple of Red Mountains in the area. The one I am trying to get your attention for is down near Piercy in Northern Mendocino County. Coombs Tree Farms plans to log unentered forest. This is not good. Red Mountain is a fairly high mountain in the region, and it has some rare plant species because of this. Coombs Tree Farm submitted a Timber Harvest Plan called 1-07-116- Men or the 'Barn' THP. This THP is located approximately 4 miles east of the town of Piercy on west facing slopes of Red Mountain. This THP is in the Red Mountain view shed. Red Mountain Creek drains into the South Fork Eel River, which is an anadromous fish-bearing watercourse. The THP includes 75 acres of clear-cut logging, as well as some seed tree removal, and other forestry techniques. Winter operations are proposed in the THP. The THP proposes to construct over 1000 feet of road that exceeds 15% grade. The plan also proposes to construct new seasonal roads on slopes greater than 65 percent. Some residual old-growth can be found in the THP, however, most residual trees and snags in the plan area were considered unmerchantable and will be left as wildlife trees. At least one of the units to be logged may be unentered, except by wildfire in the last 100 years. There is a spotted owl territory within 1.3 miles of the THP. Another issue with the THP includes a rare species of manzanita that Coombs failed to survey for. The comment period on this THP has been extended until 15 November, so you have a chance to tell California Department of Forestry that you want to protect the rare speciation on Red Mountain. Considering that public land in the area is seeking wilderness status, it would seem prudent to protect unentered forests on Red Mountain. For more info- check out CDF's website- ftp://thp.fire.ca.gov/THPLibrary/North_Coast_Region/THPs2007/1-07-116MEN/ Public comments can be sent over the internet to SantaRosa Publiccomment [SantaRosa.Publiccomment@fire.ca.gov] Also come to EPIC's Annual meeting at the Matteel in Redway. EPIC will be celebrating its 30th aniversary and Sambada is playing. I will have a letter writting table there and you can write yours while enjoying a fine party in Southern Humboldt. for the wild- n

Help an ancient redwood tree...

Chathaunt — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 20:21:23 GMT

1-07-110 HUM – Blue Label Timber Harvest Plan This 335 acre THP is in Lower Larabee Creek and is not approved yet. The THP includes the removal of late seral and old growth forest which is habitat for several kinds of sensitive forest species that are protected. Time is running critically short for submitting comments on this THP. The forest in this THP is considered occupied by marbled murrelets, and the USFWS signed off on several units of marbled murrelet habitat under the Habitat Conservation Plan. The prescription includes clearcutting, select cutting, shelterwood preparatory step, shelterwood removal step and two other silvicultural methods. The Erosion Hazard Rating for this THP is high. Marbled murrelets, an endangered species, continue to decline as over 94% of their nesting habitat along the coast has been destroyed. Combined with the fact that the ecosystem protections of the Northwest Forest Plan have been shown to be inadequate to protect marbled murrelet populations, this species is on a downward spiral towards extinction. Please submit comments by 17 September 2007 to CDF Northern Region Headquarters, 135 Ridgeway Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95401. For more information about the THP please look at California Dept of Forestry's FTP site for original THP documents. ftp://thp.fire.ca.gov/THPLibrary/North_Coast_Region/THPs2007/ This site opens better in Windows Explorer for PC users.

Corbin Harney Spiritual Leader of the Western Shoshone Nation passes on

Chathaunt — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:24:36 GMT

Thank you Corbin- Shundahai -n ------ Public Statement by Corbin's Immediate Family July 10, 2007 (TurtleIsland). Corbin Harney Spiritual Leader of the Western Shoshone Nation crossed over at 11:00 a.m. this morning in a house on a sacred mountain near Santa Rosa, CA (Turtle Island). He had dedicated his life to fighting the nuclear testing and dumping. That battle claimed his life through cancer. Before he passed, he said to remember: "We are one people. We cannot separate ourselves now. There are many good things to be done for our people and for the world. It is important to let things be good. And it is important to teach the younger generation so that things are not lost." According to witnesses present, in the morning fog, the spirits of four Shoshoni dog soldiers were outside on horseback before Corbin's passing. But then one of the Shoshone present, Santiago Lozada, yelled "Tosawi Tosawi!" (White Knife). And then the fog shifted and there were thousands of spirits waiting. Corbin passed peacefully at the end. He was only worried that he still had more to do. When he finally let go and went with the dog soldiers, Red Wolf Pope, grandson of Rolling Thunder, was present and sang him the Tosawi death song to call the dog soldiers to come take him home. Golden eagles continue to circle the house hours after his crossing." True to form Corbin joked around several days ago that he was going to go at 11:00, and kept his promise. Over his lifetime, Corbin traveled around the world as a speaker, healer and spiritual leader with a profound spiritual and environmental message for all. He received numerous national and international awards and spoke before the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Corbin also authored two books: "The Way It Is: One Water, One Air, One Earth" (Blue Dolphin Publishing, 1995) and a forthcoming book, "The Nature Way". Numerous documentaries have been made about his work and message. In 1994, Corbin established the Shundahai Network to work with people and organizations to respond to spiritual and environmental concerns on nuclear issues. He also established Poo Ha Bah, a native healing center located in Tecopa Springs, California. He will be missed but always honored for his work and dedication to traditional ways. Corbin Harney is descended from generations of Newe (Shoshone) traditional healers and was always grateful for the many extraordinary teachers who shared their knowledge in his lifetime. Corbin is survived by his daughter Reynaulda Taylor; granddaughters Ann Taylor and Nada Leno; grandsons Keith, Jon and Joel Leno and William Henry Taylor; seven great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and his sister Rosie Blossom's family and many cousins and other family members as well as many, many friends around the world. Corbin was preceded in death by his mother, father, sister, grandparents, uncle, great granddaughter, cousins, and friends. A very special thanks to Patricia Davidson, Corbin's caregiver in his final months; Dominic Daileda, Corbin's friend and companion for his support and compassion in hard times, and the family of Dixie and Martin van der Kamp for opening up their home and their hearts to Corbin and his family and friends during his time of need. Dates and times for services are being made with official announcement to follow. Three day services are planned at the home of Larson R. Bill, So Ho Bee - Newe Sogobe (Lee, Nevada -Western Shoshone Territory) with burial services at Battle Mountain Indian Community, Battle Mountain Nevada. Family contact information (non-media only): Donations may be made either to the immediate family through: Reynaulda Taylor P.O. Box 397 Owyhee, Nevada 89832 775-757-2610 or 775-757-2064 annietaytay@yahoo.com Or, to: The Corbin Harney Way 6360 Sonoma Mtn. Rd. Santa Rosa, CA 95404 No other individual, organization or entity is authorized to receive donations on behalf of Corbin's immediate family or Corbin Harney. (more on www.shundahai.org) -- If we remain unable to imagine a world where love can be recognized as a unifying principle that can lead us to seek and use power wisely, then we will remain wedded to a culture of domination that requires us to choose power over love. ~bell hooks - Walk in Beauty "The more evil the Empire, the more paranoid the Culture" _ John Trudel Clan Dyken News and Notes (from Mark Dyken) In This Issue: Corbin Harney Sand Springs Update Corbin Harney March 24, 1920 - July 10, 2007 The world has lost a great man. He was a tireless activist for the causes of peace, the end of the nuclear chain, indigenous rights and protecting Mother Earth. He was a special man who walked in many worlds- physical, spiritual, seen and unseen. A healer, leader, mentor, friend, author and spiritual channel. For me personally he was an inspiration and example. I met him at the gates of the Nevada Nuclear Test Site- the most bombed place on planet earth- in 1988. The land the US has been testing nukes on for over 50 years was illegally taken from his people and he was there to voice opposition and lead the large crowd in prayer and protest. We were arrested at the same time with hundreds of people, and put on a sheriff’s department bus in plastic hand cuffs for the trip from Mercury to Beatty for processing. He was sitting a couple seats behind me with Chief Raymond Yowell and the two of them sang songs for the hour long ride and I was moved by their voices. We met and talked after being released and before long Corbin agreed to travel with the band and speak at our shows. I never tired of listening to him teach, tell stories, sing, pray or share jokes. I’m still amazed at how he was able to reach people while speaking in “another lango” , which is what he called English. He shared his songs, invited all people to his ceremonies and repeatedly told us “We only have One Earth, One Air, One Water and we are all One People”. He carried the old ways, old medicines, old songs, old language and knowledge of a world I couldn’t see, but could feel in his presence. He also had a wonderful sense of humor, even a little mischief. Just when things would be getting too hot or serious in the sweat lodge he’d ask in a dead pan voice “Who brought the ice cream?” Then he’d say “I’m gonna go out and eat the ice cream, you guys call me back when it cools down in here.” He agreed to being featured on our album Shundahai- a Shoshone word that means as peace and harmony with creation, and to come to England with us to play at the Glastonbury Music Festival. He always told us he loved the music and the gatherings of people. We did a lot of traveling together and he made an impact every where we went. He influenced us as a band and as activists and human beings. Many Clan Dyken songs were inspired by Corbin or the experiences we had with him. One thing I will remember is sunrise ceremony. No matter how far from the fire circle I would camp-at the Test Site, Ward Valley, Po-Ha-Bah or a music festival-or how tired I thought I was, Corbin’s drum in the cool dark before dawn would find its way into my dream and wake me, calling me to the fire. He’d sing those songs in the old language as he played the heart beat on his drum and we’d gather in a circle and start moving around the fire in rhythm. He’d tell a story, sing another song, offer a prayer and crack a joke or two. As the mountains and desert around us changed colors with the rising sun, the circle would grow in size often up to hundreds of people. After the sun cleared the mountains he would encourage everyone to offer prayers “in your own way, not my way” and patiently wait for every person to visit the fire. Then another song and he’d say “Now let’s go for coffee.” Two hours would pass by in moments as he directed the energy in his gentle, subtle way. It has been an honor, privilege and gift to know him and call him a friend. Bear and I last saw him in April at Poo-Ha-Bah and he talked about getting past the cancer and walking again. He’s walking with the elders now, far past the sickness. Thank you Corbin. I love you. I miss you. Shundahai For more on Corbin and his passing visit :www.shundahai.org Sand Springs Up Date by Bear > As we road out of town after playing music at the local farmers market we were wondering > out loud about what we might be seeing when we reached our destination on the Dineh > reservation in northeast Arizona. We were on our way to support the corn planting efforts > of traditional people who are facing forced relocation from their homeland to make way for > more coal, and uranium mining. One of the families we have been working with over the years is that of John Yazzi and his sons and daughters. They live at a place called Sand Springs which is not so close to the enormous coal mine near Kayenta, has a steady flowing spring and access to the Dinebetoh wash. The large flat expanse near the wash has been the scene of many decades of community farming. John, who doesn't or won't speak English, has showed me pictures of the abundant crops from past seasons, and has pointed out the many homesites that used to be occupied in better times. There is a tractor in the family, and > a pump to pump water out of the wash for irrigation. Last year the wash was empty, the > tractor broken, and the water line from the spring was not delivering water. So we helped > to build a garden fence and dig beds nearer to the houses for easier watering of a scaled > back garden project that could be accomplished without the tractor and all. I'm happy to > say that the small garden was already planted, and the water line from the spring restored when we got there. However the road to the > larger one has been severely washed out and the tractor was still in the same shape as the > last time we visited. John is very old and has diabetes. The other thing is that we have > confirmed that there is a uranium mine five miles east of Tuba City and directly upwind > from Sand Springs. Why didn't we know this before? Anita Tso, John Yazzi's youngest > daughter, told me that the family was encouraged to apply for "compensation" on behalf of > their mother, who died of cancer some years back because of exposure to radiation from > this mine and or other mines nearby. They have applied and been shelved because of a > mistake on the application, reapplied, and are still waiting. Meanwhile there are children > and women of childbearing age, and old people still living there. And activists who come > to support them. We need to know more about this mine, it's history and current status. We > need a way to measure radiation and someone who knows about this stuff to help us find out > how bad it is and who is responsible for it. If this kind of environmental hazard was in > an upperclass white community it would be taken care of immediately. This is attatched to > a huge scanal of epic proportions regarding the sinister and secretive nature of the > nuclear energy and weapons industry, this is where the rubber hits the road and people and > cultures go under the wheels in a land where the screams are not heard and the pain is not > seen. And so some of the money that we recieved from those who pledged on our marathon run (some of the pledge money has not come in yet) we used to have the tractor fixed, we also visited some other potential homes that could have gardens, but for me the trip was eclipsed by this new knowledge. We need to adjust our focus accordingly. We plan to applly the remainder of the money (do we have a figure here?) that comes in from the marathon to the thanksgiving supply run and will be pursuing the issue of finding out more about the uranium mines in the area. The next time > someone talks about nuclear energy being "green" i want to take them out to see the > uranium mines that have been left standing open on the Dine reservation and show them the > neglect and degradation of the environment that has led to so much suffering.

My daddy's new boat, the Blackfin has landed

Chathaunt — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 23:12:19 GMT

Dad writes- Hi- The Boat is called Blackfin (150 lbs and 15'), it looks very comfortable on top of my car. Uncle Bob has given me an old 2-stroke outboard motor for it. The neighbour has agreed to store it, but it will probably spend summers (or longer) at the cabin. Right now I'm cleaning it and will put the name on the sides. And also I need to figure out how to get it off the car and get a test drive. Eventually I'll paint a graghic on the aft sides a "flames to fish" tiled plane (something to do at the cabin), ala Esher. Cheers Captain Soucy Uncle John writes- Here's the launch solution. It's not complicated, so write it down, commit it to memory, then burn the 1-time pad. With Blackfin attached topside, back the Launch Site Vehicle (LSV) up 1/4 mile from the body of water on which the sea trials are to take place. Once the LSV has backed up the required distance, stop the vehicle, ensuring that the front of the vehicle is aligned 90 degrees to the littoral. The front is described as that portion of the vehicle on which the bumper, grill, and lights are attached. If a hibachi is also attached to the front, so much the better. Lower the launch goggles over the eyes of the LSV operator. Grip the steering wheel at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions. Check all gauges; execute a comm check; then press the Search button on the radio until such time as you hear Mission Control utter the phrase "nappy-headed ho's (NHH)." Floorboard the LSV and bear 90 degrees to the sea trials area. When the LSV has reached a minimum speed of 50 kts., extract a large revolver (.44 Magnum will do; .50 S&W preferred) from the glove compartment and shoot once directly into the radio, thereby disabling it and precluding any attempt by hostile elements to issue the recall code. Roll down the pilot hatch and holler Slim Pickens's final lines while riding the H-bomb to the target missile base at Laputa - "Yeeee HAAAAAAAAAA! Yeeee HAAAAAAAAA!" When the speeding LSV has come within 50 feet of the selected body of water, execute a sudden crank of the helm 180 degrees (left or right: operator's choice). The LSV should rapidly beging a series of rolling maneuvers, ultimately winding up in the drink. With luck, Blackfin will be ejected from the LSV before the first roll is complete. With a bit more luck, the vessel may land upright in the water. LAUNCH COMPLETE.

The Kinetic Sculpture Race lives on!

Chathaunt — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 03:34:47 GMT

http://kineticuniverse.com/ KINETIC UNIVERSE, INC. April 3, 2007 KINETIC UNIVERSE EXPANDS! New Organization formed for Kinetics in Humboldt County Kinetic Torch passes to Younger Generation ARCATA, California: The three most recent Kinetic Rutabaga Queens and their Loyal Entourage are forming a new not-for-profit organization to administer the 39th annual Kinetic Grand Championship, an event featuring artistic human powered vehicles which begins on the Arcata Plaza Saturday May 26, 2007 and continues through Manila and Samoa, Eureka, and finally ends three days and forty two miles later, on Memorial Day, Monday May 28, 2007 in Ferndale California. The new organization will be called Kinetic Universe, Inc., with the motto "Adults having fun so children desire to get older," and a logo "The Kinetic-US," being drawn by exceptional kinetinaut, noted artist and local celebrity, Duane Flatmo. About 35 machines have already pledged to enter, making 2007 potentially the largest kinetic event of all time. The three queens who will be the board of the new group were all born after the original Kinetic Sculpture Race down Main Street in Ferndale on Mother's Day, 1969. Since its humble beginnings with a handful of racers on a single block, the race expanded to a cross-country event under several different management groups and other races were formed around the world with different organizers for each of those events. For the past 20 years, the Kinetic Sculpture Race has been administered by various not-for-profits, the latest being the Humboldt Kinetic Association which administered the event for five years. Even that group went through Kinetic changes, with none of the founding members being on the board when it was dissolved after a lawsuit for nonpayment of contractural obligations was settled with Glorious Founder Hobart Brown, of Ferndale, California in December 2006. The dissolution of Humboldt Kinetic Association created a void into which has stepped the present and reigning queen, her Majesty Harmony Groves, the Great and Good Foxi Biloxi 2006, the immediate past queen Shaye Harty, the 2005 Flame Buoyant Femme Fatale and Kween of Kontroversy, and the 2004 Wonderful Kinetic Queen Whose Voice is Heard throughout the Ether, Monica Topping. Their Majesties assembled a Queen Team of volunteers and are preparing to administer Humboldt County's annual Kinetic Grand Championship on Memorial Day Weekend as well as the annual Rutabaga Ball and other events throughout the year. The new board of Kinetic Universe, Inc. is comprised of: Shaye Harty, President; Harmony Groves, Secretary; and Monica Topping, Treasurer of Kinetic Universe. The initial team of volunteers includes people from all walks of life in both the county and the world beyond. The Great Goddess Jen-O will return from the vast frozen north to administer registration and times. Spiderman, Rampmeister, Cliff and Amy of local radio station KHUM, and all the familiar faces will be there. Sierra Ramblers will arrive, Red Hats will kazoo. The Marching Lumberjacks will once again serenade the beginning and party at the finishline. All the not-for-profits in Humboldt will be invited to set up along route, help out and add to the ambiance. As before, this year at least 10,000 people will again cheer the marvelous effort and stupendous artistic endeavors of the participants. Announces 2007 Rutabaga Ball The 2007 Rutabaga Ball will be held at the Bayside Grange, Friday May 18, 2007. The Rutabaga Queens and Board of Kinetic Universe, Inc. encourage all volunteers to come out to the volunteer potluck at 6:00 p.m. on Friday May 18, 2007 at the Bayside Grange where news and tasks will be distributed and then hope all will stay to crown our new queen at the Ball which begins at 7:30 p.m. when the doors are opened to the general public for $5.00 tickets. Proper libations will be hosted throughout the evening and raffles and other prizes distributed. Volunteers are urged to listen to Queen Monica's Saturday interview broadcast, 11:00 a.m. PST April 5, 2007 for an interview with Board President and Rutabaga Queen, Shaye Harty on KSLG-FM, streamed live over the Internet as well as aircast within the county. An Overview of the Course and Event The Great and Wonderfully Marvelous 39th Annual Kinetic Grand Championship will begin at noon May 26, 2007 with the whistle on Arcata Plaza. Kinetinauts lap the plaza three times and spinout of town on bottoms roads to Manila, where they cross the dunes and go down the strand to Dead Man's Drop a steep and challenging sand hill where out of control vegetation threatens to eat machines and the man eating mosquitoes happily feast on the remainder. Survivors cross the bridge to Eureka where a huge welcoming committee cheers them on at the end of day one. Day two features the Bay Crossing where vehicles and kinetinauts test their mettle against wave, tide and man eating clams, followed by a romp to Table Bluff Hill and a well earned night's rest at a campground along the Eel River. Day three, they cross the Eel River, amuse the cows on Ferndale bottoms roads and enter Main Street Ferndale covered in mud, well earned sense of accomplishment and a giant smile. The awards Ceremony i s held after a supper at a Ferndale venue. Thousands of people flock to Ferndale for the annual finish line which is the intersection of Main and Brown Streets. A festive atmosphere covers all of Humboldt for all three days and hundreds of thousands of dollars are generated for all segments of the local economy. Quote President of the Board, Queen Shaye, said "Fabulous pledges of support have been streaming in to us from the community. Duane Flatmo is drawing the poster. The Kinetic Lab is getting their machines ready for the challenge. We have a Kinetic Advisor in Seer Ellin Beltz, who has been Operations Director in years past. We have some sponsors, but we are always looking for more. Everything will be exactly the same as before, except for those things that will be different." ################################################### If you'd like more information about the Kinetic Universe, or to schedule an interview with President Shaye Harty, call her at (707) 499-0643 or email shayeforpresident@gmail.com We are all ONE... one planet, one love. ...

Thoughts from the redwoods 270207

Chathaunt — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 20:22:02 GMT

Hello Friends- More bizare things could happen I guess. It is only the weather that seems strange. Yesterday I awoke disoriented, as if in a dream, in the dark hours before the first light of morning. I dreamt that the house was shaking. Maybe the dog had jumped off the chair below the loft where I was sleeping. Maybe the hippy surfing my couch had awoke. My cabin shakes abit when one walks across the second story floor; it was built by hippies. I looked up into the bubble skylight above me and the pale opalescent light that reflected back at me reminded me of smoke. Maybe I was dreaming there was an earthquake, which had seperated my stove pipe from the coupler at the ceiling. But I did not smell smoke. I looked around into the darkness, and I could not see anything swinging. Well, I really could not see much, anyways, and I rolled over and went back to sleep. At around eight, a friend of my neighbours called from the east coast (we share the phone line) and I answered. She asked if everyone was all right. I asked her why she was concerned, and she responded that she had heard about an earthquake and thought she would call us. I had totally forgotten about my night time reverie, but than suddenly remembered. After I got off the phone with her I looked on the US Geological website and discovered that there really was an earthquake. It was reported as a 5.4 about 30 miles off the coast of Ferndale. It was shallow at only .2 of a mile below the surface. No Tsunamis were reported. The moderate rumbler clocked in at 4:19:54. So I must have awoke right afterwards at 4:20 AM, disoriented as usual. Last night while I was asleep, I was again awoke by my house shaking. Sleeping under the skylight, I saw bright flashes of light brighten up the night sky, followed by nearly simultaneous loud rumbling, with ear shocking concussions. My kitties were cuddling next to me until the first big cracking noise, hence they ran and hid. About ten bright flashes and loud thunder proceeded the first bone rumbling curl of lightening. I always count the seconds in between lightening and thunder, and I was glad to count more numbers in between each flash and boom. This meant the electrical storm was moving away. Than came the hail. When I awoke in the morning, about an inch of white precipitation was clinging to everything outside. Most of my pets have never seen the stuff. The most comical expression was on my turkey tom's face as I left him out of his coop. He looked out, extending his neck, and paused. He had about the most bizare look on his face I have seen, and he is pretty weird looking anyways. So I figured that today is a pretty good day to stay off the roads. People in HUmboldt County are about the crappiest snow drivers around. I already heard the ambulance from up at my house. So hear I am typing away, listening to the water drip outside, and trying to keep the fire stoked. Until next time- enjoy the winter weather. FOr the wild- kale chathaunt

Quarry Rocks Fly overhead- Thoughts from the redwoods 020607

Chathaunt — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 21:31:55 GMT

Hi friends- Well yesterday started as your average fair weather morning. The sun had come out. Most of people in my neighborhood were out enjoying the mild, fresh air. The kids were playing in the orchard, near the sweat lodge. I was in the cabin, surfing the internet. My boyfriend calls me on the cell phone and sais something about a quarry blast. We live next door to the Trinidad rock quarry. Trinidad quarry has belonged to Mercer and Fraser, some consulting engineers from Eureka, since the days of indian killing, circa 1890. The story goes that there used to be this huge rock there, called Potato rock, near Strawberry rock. Well, Potato rock is all gone now, and a giant hole has replaced it. Apparently the quarry was the end of the line for the train tracks that are gone now. Some of the boards from my cabin which is made of recycled wood, mostly old-growth redwood, were from the old station house that used to be right up the hill. The workers over in the quarry have become very noisy for a week or two, now. The quarry had been quiet through the winter, and now that the new year is here, the quarry dudes were back at it. Chippin' away at what was left. Fallin' redwoods, running their noisy machines all over the place, and scrapping away at the ground. Ten minutes after my boyfriend called, I was sittin' here typing away, and KAAA---BOOOOOM!!!!!!!! Then I heard what sounded like a bunch of tree limbs rustling and falling, very near me. All my animals had scattered. The dogs were wild-eyed. The cats had run and hid. About ten minutes later, my boyfriend comes over from downtown Yee hah! -our community space- nearby. He looked wild eyed and reported that a bunch of rocks had flown from the quarry blast, and landed all over the place. A rock that was over a half foot across had landed near the sweat lodge, not far from where the children had been playing before one of the mothers had called them all over to her deck to give them a treat. Later we discovered another rock, that had cut like butter through the roof of one of the vintage cars rusting away under the trees. The rock had come to rest inside the old rambler, lodged between the door and the seat. Another rock, over a foot across, had smashed down the chain link gate to the PG & E substation uphill less than fifty yards from my cabin. My landlord, fearing that the substation was about to blow, reported it to the fire department and PG & E and evacuated the property. I refused to leave, perceiving no danger, and vowing to go down with my flock. Angry neighbors went over to tell the quarry employees about the rocks. The employees acknowledged seeing the rocks fly our way. Later CDF and the police showed up. CDF determined that the substation appeared safe, after walking around it once. After that, PG & E showed up and propped up the gate with some flagging. So now what? Our community is trying to decide what approach we should take in reporting this incident. I write a blog. We probably need to talk to a lawyer. Anyways... that is all for now. For the wild- Kale Chathaunt

Thoughts from the redwoods 300107

Chathaunt — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 02:11:49 GMT

Hello friends- The fog is thick today in the redwoods, same as yesterday morning, except it is already afternoon. I thought I would enter one of my first blogs just for the fun of it, with the idea that what is it worth to have a story that goes untold? Being a wildlife biologist that lives out on the edge of the wildlands in northwestern California, in a little cabin in the woods, with a bunch of critters makes for an introvert with a lot of strange stories to tell. I guess there is no better time than the present to start. We are having a duck party / potluck at my cabin next weekend. If you can figure out how to get here, you are invited. Come early if you want to help with the ducks. Yesterday, we took the dogs to the beach and found some HUGH agates probably recently washed out of the large landslide above the beach. I must have practically drove my neighbour nuts because I found several really nice agates right in front of him, and then I would laugh at him. The competition was fierce. My boyfriend's dog peed on someone's back pack while I was picking up a really nice piece of petrified wood. It is too bad my boyfriend was fishing somewhere else with his other buddy, than he would have been responsible to drag the dog away and school him. Since I was preoccupied, and my neighbour was closer, he took care of it, claiming that it wasn't his dog with a smile I am sure. Well, that is a pathetic story to start, but I will write more latter. For now it is almost time to go put my birds in their night coops so that every carnivore that is not currently hibernating feasts on my ducks before the party. If you all have any questions about wildlife, especially on the north coast of California, you can send them to me and I will post a response in my blog. For the wild- Kale Chathaunt

Mazzy Leah

Chathaunt — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 03:59:29 GMT

Today I saw a child born for the first time in my thirty some years. My neighbours from our little redwoods community near Trinidad gave birth to their second child, a girl, at around eight o'clock this morning. Chiquita, the amazing mother and fellow forest defender, struggled with contractions all night, and with the help from two local midwives, our neighbour Michelle who is a dula, Cottonwood (dad), and Zada (baby's big brother) gave birth with out any pain killers, or doctor. Zada, Chiquita's four year old son, got front row seat at the birth, and got to cut his baby sister's umbilical cord. As a woman who has never given birth to a child, mostly as my contribution to the environment, I was amazed and felt blessed to witness the emergence of a new innocent life into this crazy world. I give thanks to this beautiful community that I am a part of for getting to watch all the happy children running around half-feral under the redwood trees, and welcome our newest child Mazzy Leah into our community. Congratulations Cottonwood and Chiquita!

Anyone want to start a marching band?

Chathaunt — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 01:28:04 GMT

I play flute and was wondering if anyone wanted to start a community marching band in the Arcata area. We could play in peace marches, and rallies or whatever. I am also interested in playing music with other musicians that have eclectic tastes- big band, blues, rock, funk, acid jazz, reggae, dub fusion. The more musicians, the better. Lets get loud... Kale Chathaunt