WOMAN HALTS OLD-GROWTH LOGGING IN THE BISCUIT IN MEMORY OF JOAN NORMAN

For Immediate Release
August 7, 2005

SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD WOMAN HALTS OLD-GROWTH LOGGING IN THE BISCUIT IN
MEMORY OF JOAN NORMAN

Media Contact: Wild Siskiyou Action/Shanna Foley
541-659-2682

A blockade has been constructed to stop ancient forest logging within
the Biscuit timber sale and to honor the late Joan Norman. Atop a
platform 50 feet in the air, a 17 year-old woman sits committed to halt
felling within this contested old growth reserve timber sale, called
Hobson.

Ancient forest logging began at the Hobson old-growth reserve timber
sale last week. The sale has been the site of numerous acts of civil
disobedience. In the wake of a court decision in favor of the timber
industry's further exploitation and destruction of the very last
ancient forests on public land, large numbers of citizens continue to
come out of the woodwork to defend the Wild Siskiyous. The media is
invited to visit the Joan Norman Memorial Road Blockade today.

In the spirit of 75 year-old late activist Joan Norman, who inspired
people all over the world with her courageous acts of commitment to
ancient forest protection, the young woman is currently suspended 50
feet in the air. The platform is suspended from a traverse between two
trees, with support lines anchored into multiple points in the road.
Any interference with the ropes will cause the platform to tip, thus
endangering the woman's safety.

“I’m incredibly inspired by Joan,” said Leera, the young woman occupying
the road blockade. “I know that the protection of the last ancient
forests is up to all of us; following in Joan’s footsteps, its time for
my generation to lead the way.”

Leera intends to remain in the structure until old-growth logging is
halted at Hobson. At only 17 years of age Leera is putting her young
life on the line to protect the ancient forests that she loves. Leera
is also dedicating the blockade to Joan and hopes that her act will
help to inspire others to take action.

We are also announcing a new canopy protection station in Unit 12 of
Hobson. Located in an area that highlights the complexity of fire
ecology, hanging amongst the intermixed mosaic of green and singed
trees, is an innovative canopy protection station. Unlike a
traditional tree-sit that protects one tree, this design utilizes new
tactics and technology. The protection station is able to defend the
majority of the unit slated to be cut.

Local residents of the Siskiyous and concerned citizens from all over
the country will continue to oppose the destruction of the last roadless
areas and ancient forests on public land. Media is invited to visit the
Memorial Road Blockade on Monday, August 8th. Also, media is welcomed
and invited to visit the canopy protection station on any day, as the
vigil will be sustained until the area is protected.

Escorts and interviews are available – Please call Wild Siskiyou Action
at 541-659-2682

Directions:

From I-5 take the Merlin exit

Head West on the Galice Rd, you will cross the Rogue river and pass
Indian Mary campground

Take a left on Forest Service Road 25; there is a detour sign
here (road also known as Taylor Creek Valley Rd, or Briggs Rd)

Go 10.5 miles, take a right at the juncture onto the 2510
road

Continue to follow the detour signs, the next juncture is
about 4 miles away-veer right onto the 2402 road (Chrome Ridge Road)

Keep following detour signs (towards the coast)

When you get to a 3 way intersection, go left towards the coast (not
towards Galice)

Follow this road until it ends at a paved road. This is Forest Service
Road 23, on some maps it is labeled 34-8-36.

Turn Left on FS road 23

Go approximately 1.5 to 2 miles after you have turned onto the paved
road and take your first left on Forest Service road 2411. This road
is not marked, but you will soon come to a "Y", go right at the Y. The
road will now be marked 2411.

Drive along the 2411 road until you hit the blockade, it will
be located a few miles after the fork.


For more detailed directions to the canopy protection station (which is
located further down the road)please contact Wild Siskiyou Action at
541-659-2682.