We would like to thank all the volunteers who worked on the Forests Forever "River, Oak and Wildlife Protection Act". Your help, support and energy were indispensable in the effort to qualify a grassroots initiative for the ballot. The decision to stop gathering signatures and aim for the 1994 ballot with a new initiative was difficult, but necessary. Compromise deals in Sacramento blocked the promised support and official endorsements of large environmental groups which made it difficult to meet our fundraising goals. As you know, we explored the possibility of continuing to gather signatures until June 15 to qualify for June 94. Qualifying for November, 1994 is the best option.
We are continuing the campaign and plan to file an initiative for the 1994 ballot. The wisest decision is to regroup, build upon the Biodiversity Network and continue with an educational campaign. There are several reasons that informed this decision. Primarily, we feel that we need to write an initiative that will reflect the needs and urgency of the environmental situation in 1994. The process of drafting the initiative will be inclusive and participatory. Secondly, because of the compressed time period of this campaign, there was not sufficient time to contest the politically motivated and misleading Initiative Title and Summary written by the Attorney General. Thirdly, if we file another initiative in December we will have the full 150 days to gather signatures in the sunniest time of the year!
We will continue to be active in the struggle to protect ancient forests and endangered habitat. We will build a grassroots environmental network to mandate sustainable forestry, habitat protection and biological diversity. The Biodiversity Network will enable grassroots environmental groups and activists statewide to network, organize within their local communities and work together to protect our natural heritage.
The "River, Oak and Wildlife Protection Act," is one step in a visionary and never-ending process to protect natural resources and empower citizens to draft legislation that reflects our concerns about the environment and social justice. When we think of all the political and financial obstacles faced in this campaign, it is amazing that we have gathered 100,000 plus signatures with a grassroots volunteer network. This is living proof that if we continue to work together we can qualify for 1994. Joining together is the most important choice for the future.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2004
Permission granted to excerpt or use this article if source is cited