Activists reach agreement with timber company
SOUTH EUGENE - Lynn Bowers couldn't believe it when she heard the news.
"I just was amazed," said Bowers.
After months of prodding and lobbying, a big timber company and a small group of activists had reached a resolution. Plum Creek Timber agreed not to use herbicide on a portion of their land in Lane County. The activists agreed to help them get rid of noxious weeds.
One of those activists was Glenn Harden.
"I initially contacted the Plum Creek Timber Company when I learned about the planned operation for herbicide spraying," said Harden.
On Sunday the activists made good on their end of the deal. More than ten volunteers showed up to chop, whack and clear two acres of scotch broom along the road.
The resolution only pertains to scotch broom growing along access roads. While Harden says it's a step in the right direction, he also told us that the fight is just beginning to stop Plum Creek Timber from using herbicides on all the rest of their timber operations.
"Upon clear cutting they'll use herbicides," said Harden. "They're planning on aerial spraying. Aerial spraying is a battle we haven't fought yet."
While the battle is still young, on Sunday these activists were happy to get rid of the yellow-petaled weed with their hands not potentially harmful herbicides.
We were hoping to talk to a representative from Plum Creek Timber. One was set to be at the site. We waited for an hour, and no one showed up.
