In 1066 the Norman French conquered England. William the Conqueror seized an area of land for his private preserve known as the New Forest. Despite having been inhibited since pre-historic times, most of the residents were evicted. They now lived under a European import called Forest Law, contrary to the Common Law tradition of the Celtic and Saxon citizens. “Forest Law imposed a kingdom within a kingdom, where the few inhabitants were subjected to draconian laws to preserve, increase and protect game of all species . . . a Forest is land subject to special laws.” William’s son “William Rufus is supposed to haveincreased the severity of penalties for flouting Forest Law - death and mutilation apparently the penalties for interference with the King's deer…Rufus was killed in the Forest by an arrow; he was probably murdered.” Rufus was followed by Henry I who, at his coronation “issued a Charter promising to modify or abolish the excesses of Forest Law. In fact he maintained the system and increased its efficiency. He used it to his pecuniary advantage by extracting financial penalties for misdemeanors.” (All the above quotes are from http://www.newforest.hampshire.org.uk/history1.html)
Many people say history repeats itself, while others say it merely rhymes. But you can see for yourself if the imposition of European land use upon the British almost a thousand years ago seems like the current policies in our National Forests on Monday, October 29th at the Jackson Civic Center from 3 to 8 pm. They will be discussing the status of 42 travel routes in the El Dorado National Forest.
The website of the Forest Service abounds with information about their activity, however, older material seems to vanish or is hard to find. Despite road closures and other policies to keep us ordinary folks out, the National Forest abounds in human activity. I have read about 10 or so projects in the El Dorado National Forest over the past year. While their site gives details of the projects, the price tag is conspicuously missing. I decided to find out for myself and emailed the Forest Service about just one project. Their prompt and courteous reply informed me that the Indian Valley Restoration Project “is estimated at about $200,000.” So this summer’s local environmental extravagances with our tax dollars (or borrowings from the Chinese) probably total at least a million dollars.
The Indian Valley Restoration Project involves “ three quarters of a mile of a tributary stream of Indian Creek using a series of plug and ponds to enhance habitat for yellow- legged frogs, Yosemite toad, willow fly catcher” and others. Note that plugging meets bringing in boulders from the Silver Lake area, presumably by sufficient capacity vehicles. And note the word enhance. Many within the Forest Service and in the proposal’s public comments stated that the project was unnecessary. But given the current thrust of the Forest Service and the pressure of various environmental groups, projects such as this proceed. (The above information and quote were taken from the Forest Service website)
So next time you struggle to meet your bills and wonder why your taxes are so high, please remember how cute the yellow-legged frog is and how much you love them. Some people apparently love them because they could become an important new constituency in our land use decisions. Don’t miss this opportunity to talk to our Forest Service on Monday, October 29th from 3 to 8 pm at the Jackson Civic Center
Copyright 2012, Mark L. Bennett
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