A California man has been arrested in connection with the theft of old-growth redwood from Humboldt Redwoods State Park, and a second suspect has been identified and is being sought.
According to California State Parks, Christopher David Guffie, 63, of McKinleyville, was taken into custody on June 10th and booked at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on multiple felony charges, including grand theft under California Penal Code 487(a). A second suspect, identified through remote camera footage, remains at large. State Parks has submitted an arrest warrant through the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office.
Investigators estimate the value of public resources stolen from Mattole Road in Humboldt Redwoods State Park exceeds $32,000. Beyond the monetary figure, officials say the environmental toll is major. The suspect’s vehicle caused extensive damage to the forest floor and the removal of an old-growth log eliminates nutrients that would have fed the surrounding forest for hundreds of years.
State Park rangers executed two search warrants related to the theft following tips from members of the public. California State Parks credited the public’s assistance with helping identify the suspects and thanked the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office for their support throughout the investigation.
Old-growth redwoods are among the most ecologically significant and irreplaceable natural resources in California. Theft and vandalism in protected areas like Humboldt Redwoods State Park carry serious consequences under state law.