118 



If they are cm. the area will have neither timber workers 

 nor tourists. 



"Our interest is in protecting the antiquity of these 

 forests and their uniqueness as an object tliat came 

 down from 160 million years of evolution to the present 

 time," John Dewitt says. "It's an approach quite differ- 

 ent from the economic approach. Bui we think hr.MU\. 

 esthetic value, uniqueness .nid enx ironmenial (|u.ilnN 

 are inipoitant." 



For all the bitter words, theif are a few eiuouraiiiui: 

 sij^ns that the old animosities ma\ l>e subsidini; and ihe 

 sides comin;^ together. The Save-ilu'-Redwoods League 

 is attempting to ser\e as a bridge between the giDup^. 

 "Of course, the definition of a bridge is something e\iT\- 

 bod\ walks on." Dewitt says. "But I think the idea is gei- 

 ting across that the objective is to solve a problem, noi 

 win a debate." 



Some loggers have also come aroimd. Earl Roberts is a 

 former faller and logging contractor who now works lor 

 the Park Service. 'A lot of my friends are bitter," Robeiis 

 says. "I tell "em, the world changes and we have to 

 change with it. The timber industry is dying. There 

 aren't enough trees to be cutting at the rate we've bi-en 

 cutting. We've been using our resources much too fast. 

 Anvbodv who's been aroimd timber knows better." 



The park's current superintendent, Bill Ehorn. is 

 given high marks by the local residents. Ehorn, who di- 

 rected the establishment of California's Channel Islands 

 National Park as a popular toiuist destination, hopes he 

 can similarly build up Redwood Park's appeal. He has 

 made a point of cultivating local groups, leading loins 

 into the park to show off the restoration and discussing 

 futiue plans everv chance he gets. 



Recentlv, Ehorn distributed a solicitation to investors 

 for a 75- to 100-bed lodge and conference center. "One 

 of the problems here is that the park has no center." lie 

 says. "People never feel they have arrived." Having a 

 comfortable place within walking distance of the trees 

 would also attract groups and persuade visitors to 

 lengthen their stays. He has been looking at sites neai 

 Orick, within view of elk herds and only a short stroll 

 from redwood groves. 



Ehorn explains: "I tell people here frankly, 'Look, the 

 park's been here 25 years and it isn't going to go away. 

 The timber industry will never be the same again, fishing 



