People are fucktards. It’s that simple. For their thirty pieces of silver, people are willing to destroy trees that have been around since before this country was a country.
From the National Park Service:
Newton B. Drury Parkway will be closed on a nightly basis starting Saturday, March 1, 2014. The parkway will be closed each day at sunset and reopened at sunrise. The hours of closure will be variable as the time of sunset and sunrise changes. Closure hours may also be impacted if staff is responding to other emergencies. Patrols will also be increased during this time to ensure the protection of our natural resources.
This closure is in response to a significant increase in wood poaching crimes occurring along the parkway. These crimes usually involve cutting burl and bunion growths from both standing and fallen old-growth redwood trees. The wood is then sold for construction materials, ornamental furniture, and souvenirs. This type of wood is becoming increasingly rare and the most plentiful supply is often found on park lands.
Much of the illegal poaching occurs at night. The closure is a proactive step toward preserving our State’s priceless natural resources.
The parkway will remain open as usual during the daylight hours.