To the Editor:

RFFI (Redwood Forest Foundation, Inc.) is very pleased with the excellent coverage of our efforts in the Redwood Times. We would like to clarify some points regarding the complicated subject of timber harvest and acquisition financing.

The Redwood Times reported that “(RFFI) currently owes $65 million on the loan with hopes of paying it off within the 20-year agreement.”

While it’s true that we would like to pay off our debt in 20 years, it is also true that our structure still allows RFFI to retain the property if more time is required. The other issue we would like to clarify is that RFFI, after five years of restoration work, is beginning our first logging operations. Logging levels are low as we continue to restore the forest; we will be sustainably harvesting trees for the economic, social and environmental benefits they provide.

Finally, we would like to clarify that conservation easement is held by the The Conservation Fund as opposed to the state. It may be that the Fund transfers the easement to a state agency, such as Cal Fire, but for the time being it is held by the Fund.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact me at morgan@rffi.org or at 610-925-2509.

Lin Barrett

Community

Development Director

Redwood Forest Foundation