SALINE CO., Ill. — Protests in the Rocky Branch area of Cottage Township this morning ended peacefully, and no arrests were made, despite the protestors going upon Peabody property. The goal of the protests was also achieved, thanks to the many participants who came from across the nation for this event.
The protests this morning (Sunday, March 30, 2014) were a two-part effort, in part to stall the logging that has been going on in Rocky Branch as the deadline date for the logging permit is coming to a close. Secondly, the protests are a push to raise awareness and to encourage support for the sake of Rocky Branch and Saline County as a whole.
The logging will only be permitted through March 31st, 2014, as that is the time at which endangered species of birds and bats would be in the area. Any logging beyond that date will result in more citations for Peabody.
Two Saline County deputies were called to the scene for trespassing on private property. The trespassing call was the result of protesters who had chained themselves to the logging equipment that is on Peabody Property in the purposed mining area. The protesters spoke with the responding officers, and agreed to leave the property with a guarantee that no logging would be conducted today. The agreement was made, and the protesters dispersed willingly. No trespassing arrests and citations were issued.
Disclosure spoke with the Saline County Authorities, who stated that they just want to make sure that everything is handled peacefully, and want it to come to a good resolution for all parties involved. As long as the protests are held in a peaceable manner, and the protesters are willing to abide by the law, no action will be taken against them.
The protesters who were present, however, were all willing to risk arrest to achieve their goals. Many of them have been training for months or years on the best methods to use when protesting and negotiating, and are prepared for any outcome.
As the deadline for logging is coming to a close, these final pushes may be enough to stall the mining. As the movement grows, people from across the nation are coming to defend the people of Rocky Branch and Saline County, and Peabody, as well as other government entities who have authority to approve or deny the corporation’s permits and requests, are beginning to feel the pressure.
As the situation develops, we will bring further information to you. Check back often for more news out of Cottage Township.
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