Hike to save the pines February 18 - Come on this important hike

Monterey County is known worldwide as one of California's premier coastal vacation spots, offering something for everyone-surfing, hiking, quiet, and relaxation. The county also boasts at least 20 places where golfers can enjoy a day on the links as well as acres of rare and undeveloped forestland where nature lovers can experience California's rapidly disappearing "wild coast." But this balance, delicately preserved for decades, is at risk with a developer's proposal to cut down 17,000 threatened Monterey pine trees to build what they have ironically named "The Forest (Golf) Course."

Sierra Club, starting with John Muir himself, has worked for over 100 years to protect the Del Monte Forest, the largest natural forest of Monterey pines left in the world, and all the endangered plants and animals which call the forest home. Final decisions are expected soon, as the California Coastal Commission has scheduled a hearing on this development this spring.

By allowing a developer to cut down of 17,000 threatened trees, decision makers could well be helping to cut down one of California’s strongest environmental protection laws.

The California Coastal Act is unique among conservation laws because it respects Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area. According to this law, it is not just the frog, or the bird or the flower that is worthy of protection, but the area in which the critter or tree lives. Our coastal protection laws are designed to protect the area, and in this case, that means the forest.

The Del Monte Forest has long been considered as Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area since the Monterey pines are not only threatened themselves, but also as protection for the wildlife that depend on the trees for survival.

There is still time, however, to save this forest. This is why on Saturday morning, February 18, Sierra Club's Coastal Director, Mark Massara will join outings leaders and Sierra Club members from throughout California to hike in this beautiful and threatened forest. With fun and easy hikes Sierra Club hopes to raise awareness of the importance of this forest. Join us for a fun morning and to learn the simple things that people can do to help protect this forest for future generations.

Check out the outings listing for February 18. And hike to save the pines.

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