The documentary If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front about Daniel and his time leading up to prison was nominated for an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature! Read more on the news and updates page.

Learn more about the CMU, where Daniel is serving time here.

Daniel McGowan is an environmental and social justice activist from New York City. He was charged in federal court on counts of arson, property destruction and conspiracy, all relating to two actions in Oregon in 2001. Following his arrest, Daniel was offered two choices by the government: cooperate by informing on other people, or go to trial and potentially spend the rest of his life in prison. His only real option was to plead not guilty until he could reach a resolution of the case that permitted him to honor his principles. After many months of litigation and negotiation, Daniel was able to admit to his role in these two incidents, while not implicating or identifying any other people who might have been involved (for details, go here).

Daniel grew up in Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York, and is a much loved member of the community. He has worked on projects such as the demonstrations against the Republican National Convention, counter military recruitment efforts, organizing free markets in his neighborhood, and supporting political prisoners such as Jeff "Free" Luers. Daniel was also earning a Master's degree in acupuncture and was working at WomensLaw.org, a nonprofit that helps abused women navigate the legal system, when he was arrested by federal marshals on December 7th, 2005.

Daniel McGowan's arrest had come in the context of a well-coordinated, multi-state sweep of over 15 activists by the federal government who have charged the individuals with practically every earth and animal liberation action in the Pacific Northwest left unsolved. Many have considered this round up indicative of the government's 'Green Scare' focus which has activists being arrested and threatened with life in prison while way more serious crimes go ignored. Many of the charges, including Daniel's, were for crimes whose statute of limitations were about to expire.

We continue to support Daniel completely. He and his family have been through an extremely difficult time and deserve to get through this with the best possible outcome.

Family and Friends of Daniel McGowan continue to raise funds to pay his legal fees, setting up public events about the Green Scare and providing financial, logistical, legal and emotional support to Daniel throughout his sentence.
Write to Daniel at:
Daniel McGowan
#63794-053
FCI Terre Haute - CMU
P.O. Box 33
Terre Haute, IN 47808

More info on what to send here.

On behalf of Daniel, we thank you for your continued support.

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Note: Following sentencing, we put up some information regarding the background of the site here.-->