Saving the Trees and the Logging Industry Ancient redwoods grow on land that is owned by Pacific Lumber Company, which was a reputable, responsible lumber company for decades until it changed hands in the 1980's (Green, 2003). Texan financier Charles Hurwitz purchased the company and, to pay off his debts, ordered the acceleration of logging in the Headwaters Forest, an area along the Northern California coast of over 6,000 pristine acres of ancient redwoods. These trees are some of the oldest in existence and are the home of many endangered species. Environmental activists from around the country and many loggers became outraged over the rate of deforestation.

According to David Galitz, Pacific Lumber Co.'s manager of public affairs, the company aims to protect the land. "The trees are a crop, and they keep coming back," he stated. "If you want to meet a group of environmentalists, come within the Pacific Lumber Company...I think we practice more environmental protection methods and have more concern for the environment than the Greg Kings of the world (Newton, 1990)."

The article questions Galitz's words, arguing that a logging company does not have the right to speak for the trees. When the Pacific Lumber Co. was taken over, conservative logging practices were replaced by more aggressive strategies, attracting attention from environmental groups and the media. As a result, researchers are looking for a way to save the trees and save the industry. Many activists have protested in the area since Hurwitz's takeover, demanding that the trees be preserved. They have had some success but continue to press the issue today.

There is no doubt in my mind that the trees need immediate protection. According to the article,...

On the other hand, logging is necessary to build our houses and supply us with wood practices. Taking both sides of the story into consideration is important when determining if the trees and the industry can be saved.
The ecological value of the old growth Sequoia forests stands against their present economic value of more than $100,000 for each mature Sequoia tree. Timber buyers pay this money for high-grade Sequoia lumber and wood products. Pacific Lumber Company justifies selling these trees by arguing that harvesting Sequoia trees assumes that the Sequoias will replace themselves, through the process of plant succession, in the future. That theory has not yet been scientifically proven, so activists argue that the company must do more to save the trees.

After researching recent events involving Pacific Lumber Company, it seems that the company has taken many measures to save the trees. The company has set aside half of its private property for the protection of endangered species. However, activists are demanding more stringent environmental protections for the redwoods, which are located on private property that is owned by Pacific Lumber Co. Company representatives argue that 97% of old growth trees in California are owned and protected by the federal and state government. Therefore, they say that many of the activists are pursuing their cause for no reason.

Research reveals that the lumber company has devastated Humboldt's hillsides by increased logging in the area. In addition, the bare slopes have caused erosion and landslides, resulting…