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Anti-logging activist admits violating tree harvesting rules
The Associated Press
Published: August 17, 2003, 12:00:19 AM PDT
SANTA ROSA, Calif. (AP) - A environmental activist who has led high-profile opposition to commercial logging has admitted violating state timber harvest rules by cutting down trees to make way for a new home, a newspaper reported.
In settling a dispute with the state Department of Forestry, Vince Taylor agreed that he violated the regulations last year when he felled trees on property he owns near the town of Mendocino on the northern California coast, according to a report in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
The harvesting created potential harm to the habitat of the red tree vole and the coast lily, which are considered species of "special concern," according to the state.
Taylor told the newspaper Friday that he "inadvertantly" violated the rules. He said that based on conversations with county officials, he thought he did not have to obtain state permits to remove the trees.
"Because of what's involved, I know a lot of people want to make more out of this, said Taylor. "But really, it was an inadvertant violation of the law. ... There was no real harm done."
As part of the settlement, the state agreed to drop plans to fine Taylor $3,000, and he agreed to pay his own legal costs.
The agency also agreed not to discuss the deal publicly unless specifically asked. The newspaper obtained a copy of the settlement.
Taylor has led efforts to stop commercial logging in the Jackson State Forest, which is also on the north coast.
The Associated Press
Published: August 17, 2003, 12:00:19 AM PDT
SANTA ROSA, Calif. (AP) - A environmental activist who has led high-profile opposition to commercial logging has admitted violating state timber harvest rules by cutting down trees to make way for a new home, a newspaper reported.
In settling a dispute with the state Department of Forestry, Vince Taylor agreed that he violated the regulations last year when he felled trees on property he owns near the town of Mendocino on the northern California coast, according to a report in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
The harvesting created potential harm to the habitat of the red tree vole and the coast lily, which are considered species of "special concern," according to the state.
Taylor told the newspaper Friday that he "inadvertantly" violated the rules. He said that based on conversations with county officials, he thought he did not have to obtain state permits to remove the trees.
"Because of what's involved, I know a lot of people want to make more out of this, said Taylor. "But really, it was an inadvertant violation of the law. ... There was no real harm done."
As part of the settlement, the state agreed to drop plans to fine Taylor $3,000, and he agreed to pay his own legal costs.
The agency also agreed not to discuss the deal publicly unless specifically asked. The newspaper obtained a copy of the settlement.
Taylor has led efforts to stop commercial logging in the Jackson State Forest, which is also on the north coast.