Old Growth Initiative

A coalition of business, social, civic, and conservative organizations launched an initiative July 24th to save the remaining ancient trees and old- growth redwoods that are not yet protected. If passed, the initiative will protect all trees that were alive when California became a state in 1850. The initiative applies to all private and state-owned forestlands.
It is estimated that less than 3% of California?s native forests remain. Much of this is preserved in state parks. The initiative will prohibit logging operations and other activities that can damage old growth trees in the remaining unprotected forests. ?It is our last best hope to preserve what remains of the unprotected old-growth forests of California,? said Dan Hamburg, former north coast congressperson.
After final language is submitted to the attorney general?s office, 500,000 signatures will be needed in order to put the initiative on the November 2002 general election ballot. At that point, protecting our old growth forests will in the hands of California?s voters.
To read the initiative or for information please go to the website: www.ancienttrees.org.


This article can be found online at www.treesfoundation.org/publications/article-93

Forest & River News is produced by Trees Foundation.