“A Field Guide to Monkeywrenching” is more than a manual; it’s a call to action for individuals passionate about defending the Earth. This comprehensive guide equips readers with the knowledge and techniques to strategically resist environmental destruction. It emphasizes non-violent, ethical approaches to safeguarding wild spaces.
Introduction: The Need for Ecodefense
The primary goal of Ecodefense is to entertain, but this book underscores the urgent need for active resistance. As wilderness areas shrink under pressure from logging, mining, and other destructive industries, this field guide provides practical strategies for putting a wrench in the gears of environmental devastation.
Strategic Monkeywrenching: A Framework for Action
Ecodefense isn’t about mindless vandalism. Strategic monkeywrenching requires careful planning and a deep understanding of the issues. Here are key principles:
- Non-violent Resistance: Focus on inanimate objects and machinery, always prioritizing safety.
- Decentralized Action: Avoid centralized organization to prevent infiltration and maintain operational security.
- Individual Responsibility: Act within small, trusted groups to minimize risks.
- Targeted Intervention: Disrupt specific destructive projects, not random targets.
- Timely Action: Choose the right moment for maximum impact, avoiding actions that could harm ongoing legal or civil disobedience efforts.
- Widespread Resistance: Create a movement that spans diverse landscapes and targets.
- Diverse Skillsets: Acknowledge that anyone can contribute and develop skills valuable to the mission.
- Finding Joy in Resistance: Maintain optimism through a sense of community and shared purpose.
- Rejecting Revolution: Focus on defending wild places, not overthrowing existing systems.
- Simplicity and Efficiency: Use the simplest tools and tactics available for effective action.
- Ethical Considerations: Understand the gravity of monkeywrenching and act with purpose.
Tree Spiking: A Controversial Tactic
Tree spiking, the act of inserting metal objects into trees to deter logging, remains a contentious but effective method.
There are two main approaches:
- Base Spiking: Driving spikes near the base of the tree targets chainsaw operators. However, due to safety concerns, this practice is not recommended.
- High Spiking: Placing spikes high in the tree targets sawmill blades. This reduces the risk of injury.
Important considerations for tree spiking include:
- Timing: Spike trees well in advance of timber sales to maximize deterrent effect and allow nature to conceal the evidence.
- Security: Always work in teams, with lookouts to ensure safety.
- Technique: Use large nails (60d or larger) and a heavy hammer. De-head the spikes to prevent removal. Camouflage the spikes.
Advanced Techniques
More advanced spiking techniques involve using helix nails, which are extremely difficult to remove, or drilling holes and inserting hardened steel pins.
Non-Metallic Spikes: Evading Detection
Metal detectors can find traditional spikes, so using ceramic, rock, or even plastic spikes offers a way to avoid detection.
Tree Pinning: The Art of Silent Spiking
Pinning involves drilling holes and inserting steel pins. This method can be effective in areas where silence is crucial.
Rock Spikes: A Natural Deterrent
Using quartz or other hard rocks as spikes can damage sawmill blades while avoiding metal detectors.
Stopping Logging Non-Destructively
Survey Stakes
Pulling up survey stakes can effectively delay or halt construction projects.
Roads and Tires: Disrupting Infrastructure
Road spiking and sabotage can hinder logging, mining, and ORV use.
Road Spiking
Road spikes, made from angle-cut rebar, can flatten tires. Placement is critical for effectiveness and safety.
Other Tire-Flattening Methods
Alternatives to road spikes include:
- Spikeboards and Nailboards: These boards are studded with nails or spikes.
- Caltrops: These small, multi-pointed devices are designed to puncture tires.
- Roofing Nails: Can cause slow leaks in tires.
Closing Roads
Roads can be closed by:
- Undercutting a Bank: Destabilizing the roadbed.
- Removing the Roadbed: Digging out sections of the road.
- Plugging Culverts: Blocking drainage and causing washouts.
Vehicles and Heavy Equipment: Disabling the Machines
Disabling vehicles and heavy equipment can effectively stop destructive projects.
Abrasives
Introducing abrasives, such as sand or silicon carbide, into the oil or fuel systems can cause significant engine damage.
Other Sabotage Methods
Other sabotage methods include:
- Cutting Hydraulic Hoses: Disrupting the machine’s power.
- Disabling Motor Vehicles of All Kinds: Damaging the brake system.
- Burning Machinery: A controversial but potentially devastating tactic.
Vehicle Modifications for the Serious Monkeywrencher
Modifying vehicles with electrical and fuel system enhancements can aid in covert operations.
Animal Defense: Protecting Wildlife
Monkeywrenching can play a role in protecting animals.
Trap Lines
Sabotaging trap lines can save animals from injury or death. However, it is important to handle trapped animals carefully.
Fence Cutting
Fence cutting can restore migration routes and disrupt grazing operations.
Miscellaneous Deviltry: Expanding the Toolkit
Monkeywrenching tactics can be adapted to urban environments and target various systems.
Urban Monkeywrenching
This includes actions against corporate offices and urban residences.
Computer Sabotage
Targeting computer systems can disrupt operations and expose sensitive data.
Propaganda: Spreading the Message
Propaganda is a powerful tool for raising awareness and inspiring action.
Advanced Billboarding
Billboard revision and destruction can reclaim public spaces and challenge corporate messaging.
Miscellaneous Deviltry: Stink Bombs and More
- Stink Bombs: These create disruption and discomfort.
- Smoke Bombs: These create confusion and visual obstruction.
- Jamming Locks: This prevents access to buildings and equipment.
Security: Staying Safe and Effective
Security is paramount for any monkeywrenching operation.
Basic Security
This includes target selection, planning, team selection, and communication protocols.
Tools of the Trade
Essential tools include reliable radios, night vision equipment, and specialized hardware.
Mental Conditioning
Maintaining a clear and focused mindset is essential for effective action.
Surveillance and Counterintelligence
Understanding surveillance techniques and practicing counterintelligence can help avoid detection.
Arrest and Media Relations
Knowing your rights and having a plan for dealing with law enforcement and the media is crucial.
Epilogue: Marine Monkeywrenching
Taking the fight to the seas involves disrupting whaling, drift-netting, and other forms of marine destruction.
Sinking Whaling Ships
Sinking whaling ships and pirate fishing vessels can put a stop to illegal hunting.
Infiltration and Ramming
Infiltration, sabotage, and even ramming can be used against destructive ships.
This field guide is dedicated to Edward Abbey, John Zaelit, and Bill Turk.
Wilderness needs no defense, only more defenders.
