In contrast to this belief, a large lumber company had taken a contract to cut down the trees. Many of the ancient trees had already been cut, and the company planned to continue. There was one large tree that was very special to Julia. The tree was over 600 years’ old, and over 55 meters tall. Julia called the tree Luna. She felt a great deal of contempt for the company which planned to cut down this tree. She decided to contact some of her friends at an environmental group. They helped her conspire against the lumber company and started to construct a little shelter up in the tree. When they were done, Julia climbed the tree and refused to come down until the lumber company promised not to contaminate the forest by cutting down the special trees.
Living up in the tree was very difficult for the woman. During storms she was in constant danger. Although she had lots of time to contemplate her life, loneliness would consume her. She felt trapped, as if the lumber company was trying to constrain her. However, Julia did not give up. Newspapers and television stations and contemporary magazines began to come visit her. Everyone was curious about the woman involved in such a strange contest of wills, trying to contend with the lumber company. Many people started to contribute money, which Julia’s friends used to buy her the food and medicine she needed.
Finally, in December of 1999, the lumber company began to consult Julia, and soon they made a conspicuous surrender. They were unable to contradict her strong ideals. Contrary to their earlier behavior, they promised to cut down only young trees. This promise would constitute an end to the cutting down of older trees. After 738 days up a tree, Julia came down to the ground and went home. She had saved her special trees.