Corridor from the Redwoods to the Sea

One of the League’s largest projects, the Corridor from the Redwoods to the Sea links two equally majestic, but wildly different protected areas. To the west lies the King Range National Recreation Area, a remote and rugged stretch of California shore that is the longest roadless coastline in the lower-48 states. To the east is Humboldt Redwoods State Park, the largest contiguous reserve of ancient redwoods in the world and home to about 60% of the tallest trees in the world.

The Corridor project is a landscape-scale linkage between the two parks, which when complete will create a wildlife habitat corridor, open new vistas to the visitor, and preserve a full spectrum of ecosystems from deep ancient forest to windswept tidepools.

The Corridor project lies in the valley of the Mattole River—home to endangered coho salmon, Chinook salmon, and steelhead trout.

The Mattole valley is also one of the least populous regions of the state: population densities today are no higher than at the beginning of the twentieth century. Nonetheless, with growing population state-wide and new technology making remote living more comfortable, the region is coming under increasing residential pressure. Through the Corridor project, the League is working closely with local groups to accommodate development while preserving the beauty and integrity of the landscape.

Since 1999, Save-the-Redwoods League has purchased over 5,000 acres in the Corridor. Most of the land has been transferred to the United States Bureau of Land Management for permanent protection; other portions will be donated to the state for addition to Humboldt Redwoods State Park, and some land will remain in private hands. All the lands will be subject to permanent limitations on their use, so as to ensure long-term preservation of the environmental and recreational values the League is striving to protect. In coming years, the League will continue to expand its efforts in this critical area.