 |
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
 |
 |
|||||
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
to most of us, "tree pilots" calling attention to the value of Heritage Trees and stopping, even for a while, their destruction. Just as with the FTSP, they were calling attention that we can live with these few remaining Heritage Trees, we can build around them instead of bulldozing them flat and replanting. The careless bulldozers destroy paradaise, without knowing, but for their sacrifice. This bill, SB754, is still a long way from being signed, but its got the support of CA majority party thanks at least in part, perhaps, to Joey's "Heritage Tree Resolution" that was adopted by the Cal. Dem. State Convention -- and common sense! And thanks to the ideas behind the 1991 FTSP. The danger is that "forestland" could be amended to exclude SoCal mountains. Otherwise, Oaks and other hardwoods 28 inches and over would be protected, and the builder would have to leave them standing -- thus stopping "cut and fill" grading plans. And, paradoxically, raising the value of their housing tract. /Doug FORWARDED
FROM THE CIRCLE OF LIFE EMAIL NEWSLETTER "Last week, we let you know that the Heritage Tree Preservation Act, a bill aimed at protecting a number of California's old-growth species (coastal redwood, giant sequoia, Douglas fir; Port Orford Cedar, and hardwoods over 150 years old) passed through the Appropriations Committee of the California State Senate. "This Wednesday, the landmark bill that will outlaw cutting of California's ancient trees took a major step towards becoming law, 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. 'They decrease fire risks, boost our state's
economy, increase tourism, improve air quality, provide critical habitats
for endangered species, promote "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. "Yesterday'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. The State Assembly is the next hurdle toward getting this bill passed into law. This
will be one of the most difficult challenges yet. No date has been set
for when the bill will be presented before the assembly. Get the latest
at Back to T.O.C. 3
|
|