North Coast Redwoods District – Humboldt Redwoods State Park California State Parks Seeks Help Identifying Old-Growth Redwood Thieves
Contact:
Alyssa Barry
Supervising Ranger
707-946-2312
WEOTT – Park Rangers with California State Parks are asking for the public’s assistance with identifying suspects involved in the ongoing theft of large amounts of old-growth redwood from Mattole Road in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Over the past 6 months State Park Rangers have made 4 arrests related to old-growth redwood theft in the park but need assistance identifying two (2) additional suspects and their vehicle that were captured by remote surveillance. Both suspects seen in surveillance appear to be white male adults. The suspects’ vehicle is believed to be a Dodge Ram pickup truck (1994-2002), extended cab, two-tone paint, with a large dent on the rear passenger side fender. The truck may have “Ram” logo decorative covers on the rear taillights.
An approximately fifty (50) foot section of a large old-growth redwood log has been cut and parts stolen. In addition to the removal of a log that would provide hundreds of years of crucial nutrients to the forest, the suspects are driving off-road to get to the log, causing deep ruts and significant damage to the forest floor. The stolen sections of the log are cut into approximately three (3) foot long sections and split into shake bolts. Park Rangers actively monitor wood theft sites and have apprehended and arrested people stealing public resources in prior separate cases.
Park Rangers are requesting the community’s help in identifying suspects who damage and steal park resources. State Parks requests anyone with information regarding identifying suspects in this case or related criminal activity to contact Humboldt Redwoods State Park crime tip line at (707) 946-1816. California State Park Rangers are committed to protecting our State’s natural and cultural resources and urge the public to assist in protecting our remaining old-growth redwood forests.
Image captured via remote surveillance shows two suspects poaching
old-growth redwood parts from a downed tree
ADDITIONAL IMAGES BELOW
Image captured via remote surveillance shows two suspects loading
poached old-growth redwood parts into their vehicle.
Image captured via remote surveillance shows two suspects poaching
redwood parts from a downed tree.
Image captured via remote surveillance shows a down old-growth redwood in
the forefront and the suspects’ vehicle in the background.
Image captured during the day shows the aftermath of redwood poaching.
Subscribe to California State Parks News via e-mail at NewsRoom@parks.ca.gov
California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.