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In the interest of speed and timeliness, this story is fed directly from the Associated Press newswire and may contain spelling or grammatical errors.
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Anti-logging activist admits violating tree harvesting rules
Sunday August 17, 2003
SANTA ROSA, Calif. (AP) A environmental activist who has led
high-profile opposition to commercial logging has admitted
violating state timber harvest rules by cutting down trees to make
way for a new home, a newspaper reported.
In settling a dispute with the state Department of Forestry,
Vince Taylor agreed that he violated the regulations last year when
he felled trees on property he owns near the town of Mendocino on
the northern California coast, according to a report in the Santa
Rosa Press Democrat.
The harvesting created potential harm to the habitat of the red
tree vole and the coast lily, which are considered species of
``special concern,'' according to the state.
Taylor told the newspaper Friday that he ``inadvertantly''
violated the rules. He said that based on conversations with county
officials, he thought he did not have to obtain state permits to
remove the trees.
``Because of what's involved, I know a lot of people want to
make more out of this, said Taylor. ``But really, it was an
inadvertant violation of the law. ... There was no real harm
done.''
As part of the settlement, the state agreed to drop plans to
fine Taylor $3,000, and he agreed to pay his own legal costs.
The agency also agreed not to discuss the deal publicly unless
specifically asked. The newspaper obtained a copy of the
settlement.
Taylor has led efforts to stop commercial logging in the Jackson
State Forest, which is also on the north coast.
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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