Late in the summer of 1997 a timber harvest plan (THP), that had great potential to turn disastrous, was proposed. This THP sent the residents of Guerneville into an uproar. The residents of this small riverside community started a letter writing campaign and eventually formed the watchdog group Russian River Residents Against Unsafe Logging (RRRAUL).
A non-local land and timber owner proposed to log 66 acres of land above Old Monte Rio Road in Guerneville. This is in an area that had been logged five years before, resulting in landslides, water drainage problems, heavy sedimentation of nearby creeks and streams, and damage to already perilous roads. The residents were not about to stand by and watch their neighborhood be further damaged by unsafe logging operations.
This proposal, dubbed the Munchie THP, would have severely disrupted the natural habitat's of many native animals. These animals include birds such as Osprey, Eagles, and Falcons to name a few. Native plants and ground dwelling creatures would have also been compromised. The proposal would have also robbed the hillside of the beautiful giant Redwood trees. Thousands of people come to this area to see these same trees every year.
The area around the proposed sight was already designated as a major slide area. The removal of more trees would have only undermined the land stability, causing more land and mud slides (Halcomb). The sedimentation of the river that would have been caused by the excess erosion caused by the removal of trees would have only contributed to the decline of the Coho and Steelhead Salmon.
Thanks to the residents of this small community, who were not afraid of the fight, the Munchie THP was eventually declined by the forestry board. The wildlife that reside in this area can rest easy for a little while longer knowing that their homes will be safe for now.