It’s been 17 years since Caltrans first proposed to pave over portions of Richardson Grove State Park. Despite the Project being held up in court (again), Caltrans is asking for more money from the state. Help us tell the California Transportation Commission to defund the project.
A lot can happen in 17 years. At the beginning of our advocacy, we led with the common-sense notion that cutting and paving over the root system of ancient redwoods was harmful to those trees. In 2020 and 2021, research was published that confirmed our suspicion. In examining tree density and the rings from cored trees near Highway 101, researchers were able to determine that road construction near old-growth trees negatively affected the growth of those trees (i.e., smaller tree rings indicating stress), and areas near road construction also had more dead tops and fallen trees, both indicating that impacts from construction were severe enough to kill trees in part or whole.
In those 17 years, the “purpose and need” for the project has changed dramatically. When Caltrans first proposed the Richardson Grove Project, there was only one way for oversized STAA trucks to come into and out of the North Coast (Highway 101 through Oregon). Now, there is one more route open to STAA trucks (Highway 299) and there will soon be another (Highway 197/199).
It is time to reexamine whether the Richardson Grove Project is right for the community. Please help us tell the California Transportation Commission to reject Caltrans’ bid for even more funding. Take action here!
Bonus: If you are able, the California Transportation Commission is meeting this week on October 17th and 18th to discuss additional funding for the project. Unfortunately, it is not clear which date the Richardson Grove Project will be heard.
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