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A federal judge this week ordered the state Transportation Department to immediately halt plans to widen Highway 101 through Richardson Grove State Park, citing harm to ancient redwood trees.
Caltrans planned to start construction in 2012 to widen existing lanes so long trucks can fit through a curvy section of highway in Humboldt County. Currently, a lengthy detour is required.
The plan prompted a demonstration at Caltrans headquarters in Sacramento last month, and was also the subject of a Bee article on threats to state parks last year.
Three conservation groups and five local residents sued, alleging Caltrans failed to fully analyze harm to redwoods and wildlife.
In a preliminary injunction issued Wednesday, Judge William Alsup of the Northern District federal court agreed. Citing UC Berkeley forestry professor Joe McBride, he noted that while the project will remove only six redwoods, none of which are old growth, the associated grading, compaction and drainage works could kill 37 trees, eight of them old-growth redwoods.
“We believe this ruling highlights the ecological importance of state parks in redwood country,” said Gary Hughes, director of the Environmental Protection Information Center, a plaintiff.
The ruling orders Caltrans to halt work on the project, and sets a Dec. 1 trial date.
“We are disappointed, but continue to stand behind our project,” said Caltrans spokeswoman Julie East.
Matt Weiser
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