Two logging permits remain in the preserve. They ran out on June 1, 2002, and covered about 1/4 of the preserve. They are NOT for clear cutting, but for volume of specific types of trees.
I was very happy during my last visit to Peru because I managed to set up an account with the University of San Martin where donations could be sent that would go directly to El Quinillal. This account was with FUDES, a part of the University of San Martin. Their office has changed addresses since I was there.
INRENA, the government agency in charge of forests, declaired MANY forests in Peru to be Areas of Perminant Production. Due to our letters, El Quinillal is NOT one of the areas. Marco Leon feels that the boundrarys of El Quinillal MUST be marked, but he has not found money to do it.
In the Spring of 2003, some important members of the Picota student group Chullachaqui graduated. A group of four did there thesis on the perserve. They did a very important social and echonomic study of the area. They request that money be sent to them, but it is difficult. However, they are the ONLY group on the ground working to KEEP this preserve.
They also have traveled over much of the state of San Martin, because they are an EXAMPLE of what a student environmental group SHOULD be. ADDED: In July of 2006, I am still in contact with this group. I send them money directly using International Postal Money Orders. Please help!
PLEASE contact me about helping them!!!
vailroy@hotmail.com
