Stable Slopes Forever! (SSF!) is very pleased to announce success in their mission to permanently protect the Redway slopes from the deleterious practices of industrial logging. A massive slide in the flood of 1964 which took out the bridge over the South Fork Eel River, and a second slide in 1981 which blocked the river and caused great damage to property in Lower Redway, made it imperative to the communities of Southern Humboldt that Redway Ridge be preserved.

After 8 years of negotiations, litigation, and community organizing, the Department of Parks and Recreation of California purchased the 581 acres from Pacific Lumber Company (PL). A major key to this glorious victory was the passage of Park Bond Proposition 40 in the Spring of 2002. With this voter approved funding and the willingness of PL to sell the land Redway Ridge is now a PARK. The deal was negotiated by the Save-the-Redwoods League's Executive Director Kate Anderton. Kate took a special interest in this project after visiting our community and learning of the ridge's beauty and biological importance. The community's enthusiasm and concern regarding this project also contributed to Kate's determination.

Stable Slopes Forever!, under the fiscal sponsorship of Ancient Forests International, contributed $15,000 for half the cost of the certified appraisal that helped lead to the Option Agreement that was facilitated between Save the Redwoods League and PL. SSF! raised all its funds wholly from the community. Pacific Lumber will pay the other half of the appraisal costs. The certified appraisal value and the actual cost of the property came to $2.4 million for this State Park expansion project.

This 581 acre expansion of the State Park's Whittemore Grove, which together with Holbrook Grove forms the John B. DeWitt State Reserve, will create an old growth wildlife reserve wrapping more than halfway around the community of Redway.

This is a true example of community spirit and love for the land. This acquisition happened because of the community's efforts, whether that was shown by long-term commitment, donations, volunteering at fundraisers, or by just sending a good thought. It was a long time coming but persistence and heart-felt determination now keep Redway's water source safe, the ridge intact, and the trees standing.

During negotiations SSF! promised the Parks Department that if the ridge was added to the Park system they would help clean up the debris and unwanted structures on the property. Over 50 folks joined in for 6 all day work parties to complete the first phase of the park clean up and restoration efforts.

Starting in July 2004, with funds donated to SSF! and with the cooperation of the Parks Department the clean up efforts began. Work crews removed an abandoned homestead structure, 2 outbuildings, a decomposing mobile home, several junk cars and a huge amount of junk and debris. Approximately12 tons of waste were hauled out. The crews also carefully recycled 47 truckloads of building materials which were donated to a local non-profit organization for distribution. It is not possible to give an accurate accounting at this time, but we estimate that we spent something over $3000 on our effort and contributed at least 1000 hours of volunteer labor.

Future clean up and restoration projects that are being considered are the removal of the remaining outbuildings, the removal of a dam and pond, the planting of redwood seedlings on unstable areas and planting in riparian corridors. The slide that is within the 581 acres is also in need of restoration, and many miles of roads within the reserve will be permanently put "to bed". The Parks has mentioned creating a plan for the future management of the Reserve. SSF! intends to participate in with the Parks Department in these future efforts as well.

After the clean up on Redway Ridge is finished SSF! will still be committed to preserving and restoring the South Fork Eel River Watershed in & around the Redway-Garberville community. If land adjacent to the newly acquired Park property comes available, SSF! will work towards additional expansion of the wildlife reserve.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

Contributions are still needed and accepted for the ongoing restoration projects that will occur on the ridge. Tax deductible donations can be mailed to PO Box 244 Miranda, CA 95553, or to account 6740, Southern Humboldt Community Credit Union, 757 Redwood Drive, Garberville, CA 95542.

Come take a hike! From Redway, drive west on Briceland Road to Whittemore Grove. Park in the Whittemore's second parking lot and hike up through the park until you come to the old PL gate, now open to the public. There are 581 acres to explore.

To volunteer for on the ground restoration efforts you can write to PO Box 244 Miranda, CA 95553 or email stableslopes@asis.com.