Re: ‘Old Time Notes’ Withdraw Caspar 500 THP

EDITOR: I have been meaning to suggest you make “The Old Time Notes” for 50 years ago, not 55 years ago. In the early 70s was the big surge, when the “back to the land” people moved up here. These people I am sure read your paper now because they are in their 70s like I am!

— Rosemary Allen, Mendocino

(Editor’s Note: Since it takes some time to do the research, we will make the change in March — thanks for the suggestion, Rosemary!)

EDITOR: Recently I spoke to Jackson Demonstration State Forest about the Caspar 500 THP. There was a comment period in March and April 2020, no comments came in and the plan was accepted. There were no comments because the public did not know about the plan due to the COVID pandemic. During comment period, California had a Stay at Home Order. Travel in Mendocino County was canceled and tourists not allowed. Stores, restaurants, motels, schools, campgrounds, State Parks, boat launch ramps, beaches, and trails were closed. How could the public see the notice at the beginning of Road 500 in JDSF? People stayed home, except for essentials, and were preoccupied with their health, children and finances.

JDSF belongs to the people of California. The public has a right to be notified of THPs and allowed comment. This was impossible in March and April. Caspar 500 THP needs to be withdrawn.

There are numerous THPs proposed for 4 and one-half square miles in western JDSF. This will destroy the forest ecology, severely limit recreation and discourage tourism for many years. Our community needs to recover and not have its adjacent public forests destroyed.

— Bette Goldfarb, Caspar