Published: 8/12/2019 10:50:57 PM
WENDELL — Multiple protesters were arrested Monday as the state logging project in Wendell State Forest continues.
The Wendell State Forest Alliance, a group protesting the state Department of Conservation and Recreation’s logging project, has been on site at the forest since Aug. 5. The group objects to the harvesting of an 80-acre, 110-year-old oak stand, citing studies indicating that forest preservation is crucial to combating climate change.
Massachusetts State Trooper James DeAngelis confirmed Monday afternoon that four protesters were arrested earlier in the day.
James Thornley, 72, and Morgan Mead, 56, both of Wendell, were arrested at 8:45 a.m. Two more protesters, Miriam Curland, 64, of Goshen, and Priscilla Lynch, 67, of Conway, were arrested at 1:18 p.m.
All four protesters were charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct. They were all taken to the State Police barracks in Athol for booking.
Lynch was arrested on the same charges last week — along with Gia Neswald, 50, of Montague — while protesting the DCR logging project. The protesters have previously stated they plan to remain on site at Wendell State Forest “every day there is activity.”