Almost as old as the state itself, Pacific Lumber has long been a giant in the North Coast’s timber industry.
Yet this once widely admired company has seen its reputation suffer since it was bought by Texas-based Maxxam and controversial owner Charles Hurwitz in the 1980s.
Most recently, PALCO has said it could go bankrupt claiming its timber harvesting is being severely restricted by the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.
In response, the regional water board contends that Pacific Lumber created its own financial difficulties, mostly through the business practices of its parent company Maxxam.
On a related front, Pacific Lumber is also facing criticism from some of its Humboldt County neighbors for allegedly causing increased flooding in the area.
- PALCO Economic White Paper, in which the firm asserts it will go bankrupt upon complying with the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board’s restrictions. (PDF)
- Comments on the PALCO EWP, in which the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board contests PALCO’s claims. (PDF)
- Pacific Lumber Company
- North Coast Regional Water Quality Board
- California Water Resources Control Board
- Humboldt Watershed Council, environmental activists
- Humboldt Watershed Council et. al. petition before the State Water Resources Control Board (PDF)
- Maxxam profile at Hoovers.com