"Once these treasures are gone, they are gone forever. Some of these trees predate the birth of Christ. This bill is about preserving this magnificent legacy for our children and grandchildren," said Perata.
97% of old-growth trees have already been cut, and they continue to be cut at an alarming rate. These forests are home to several endangered species, such as marbled murrelets, spotted owls and fishersÑall of which would die without the shelter.
"The Bush 'forest management' agenda rolls back protections and increases access to loggers in a way not seen for 40 years," said Perata, "but the bulk of the old-growth forests that remain in California are on non-federal land. Preserving them is something we can accomplish if we have the courage."
The bill is supported by a coalition of environmental organizations, including the Campaign for Old Growth, the Sierra Club, Forests Forever, Bay Area Coalition for Headwaters, Green Party of Contra Costa County, Voice of the Environment, Defenders of Wildlife, Earth Island Institute, Friends of the Eel River, the Forestry Monitoring Project, and the California Oaks Foundation.
"We're heartened that the committee decided to move this bill forward and save the remaining ancient trees," said Dan Hamburg, Executive Director of Voice of the Environment, "This bill gives Californians a uniqueÑand perhaps finalÑopportunity to preserve our heritage."
The bill's next stop is Senate Appropriations.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2003
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