-- Campaign For Old Growth | Press Releases --

For Immediate Release
June 5, 2002

Contacts: Lisa Beyer, 510-444-4710 ext. 308

Sacramento, Calif., - June 5, 2003 - A landmark bill that will outlaw the cutting of California's ancient trees took a major step towards becoming law today by passing the state senate in a 24-16 vote. Senate bill 754, the Heritage Tree Preservation Act, sponsored by Senator Don Perata (D-Oakland) will now move on to the Assembly for a crucial upcoming vote.

"We are ecstatic that the Senate has chosen to protect these ancient treasures, because once they are gone, they are gone forever," said Senator Perata. "This bill will preserve their magnificent legacy for our children and grandchildren."

SB 754 will protect "heritage" trees on non-federal forestland that were alive in 1850, marking the year of California's statehood and the onset of commercial logging, and meet species-specific diameter requirements. California has already lost 97% to 99% of its ancient trees. This bill will only affect the remaining 1% of trees on non-federal forestland that qualify for heritage protection.

"The Heritage Tree Preservation Act gives us a unique and perhaps final opportunity to protect what has become an endangered species: old growth trees," said Julia Butterfly Hill, best known for living in an ancient Redwood tree for two years in order to bring attention to the destruction of our Heritage forests. "They decrease fire risks, boost our state's economy, increases tourism, improve air quality, provide critical habitats for endangered species, promote biodiversity, and improve the health or our rivers, streams, flora and fauna."

The bill is supported by a broad coalition of environmental, public interest and religious organizations, including the Campaign for Old Growth (CFOG), the California League of Conservation Voters, the Sierra Club, the Green Party of California, Circle of Life, Forests Forever, Bay Area Coalition for Headwaters, Voice of the Environment, Defenders of Wildlife, Earth Island Institute, Friends of the Eel River, the Forestry Monitoring Project, Greenpeace, The Regeneration Project, the Episcopal Church Diocese of California, and the California Oaks Foundation.

"Today's vote in the Senate was a critical step in the right direction. I hope the State Assembly will be equally as dedicated to the preservation of our Heritage trees, said Susan Moloney Executive Director of CFOG who recently completed a 52-day hunger strike to bring attention to the state of our old-growth trees.

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