In Summary, What is Wrong with the San Jose Water Companys plans to log the Los Gatos Creek Watershed?
The logging plans are fraught with many problems. Here are just a few of the bigger issues: • The plans to remove 60% of the most fire resistant trees will promote the growth of underbrush and saplings creating a much greater fire risk. A 20 year analysis of logging and forest fires by the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress showed that logged areas have an increased propensity for fire. And, according to the USDA Forest Service, in a statement dated September 8, 2000 ” The removal of large, merchantable trees from forests does not reduce fire risk and may, in fact, increase such risk.” • The steep slopes of the proposed logging area are geologically unstable. Logging operations on these steep slopes will result in increased sediment in the streams that feed into the water collection system. US Department of Agriculture studies show that selective logging of second-growth Redwoods can lead to a 500% increase in stream sediments. Communities such as Aldercroft Heig
