Publication Date
12-2016
Abstract
"This file addresses forest ownerships, using deeds, patents, and maps in the Humboldt County Recorder’s Office, Eureka Courthouse. Pretty boring to wade through, these records, nonetheless, document how the public domain of northwestern California—the ancient redwood forests—came to be concentrated in the hands of timber companies. ... Land in the Lower Prairie Creek Project area (plus much, much other forest lands) was obtained through fraudulent patents and deed transactions involving David Evans and his associates for transfer to Scottish investors and eventually to “legitimate” timber companies. The end result, of course, is that what once belonged to indigenous people and then the American public, illegally became the property of private timber companies. Ironically, when the public recognized the urgent need to reserve some portion of these magnificent forests in state parks and a national park, it paid dearly to restore these treasures to public ownership and protection."
Library of Congress Subject Access Terms
Forest landowners -- California -- Humboldt County., Forests and forestry -- California -- Humboldt County.
Included in
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons, Indigenous Studies Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, United States History Commons