9/24/04

LAST CHANCE FOR OAK WOODLANDS PROTECTION ACT!

The Oak Woodlands Protection Act has not yet been signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The bill would make conservation of oak woodlands a part of the planning process for California counties and offers options to restore or replace oak woodlands damaged or destroyed by development.

California's oak woodlands are an essential feature of the local landscape. They are also the fastest-disappearing woodlands in the state. Oaks are vanishing at an average rate of 20,000 acres a year. More than 1 million acres of native oak forests have been wiped out since 1945– "converted" permanently to subdivisions, shopping centers and freeways.

The Oak Woodlands Protection Act, sponsored by Sen. Sheila Kuehl (D-Santa Monica), would require counties to consider the impact on oak woodlands in deciding whether a proposed development project meets the environmental assessment requirements of California law. It also would offer mitigation options to developers whose projects would affect oak woodlands, including replacement, restoration, or the purchase of conservation easements.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

The Oak Woodlands bill is now on the governor’s desk. Schwarzenegger has not revealed whether he plans to sign or veto it, though he has vetoed other forest-friendly measures that we have supported this year, including the State Forest System/Jackson Forest reform measure.

Please write to the governor TODAY and urge him to sign SB 1334, The Oak Woodlands Protection Act. He has only until Sept. 30 to act!

Mail, email, or fax your letter to:

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger:
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916/445-2841
Fax: 916/445-4633
http://www.govmail.ca.gov

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Gov. Schwarzenegger:

I strongly urge you to sign SB 1334, the Oak Woodlands Protection Act.

This bill offers a menu of mitigations to replace or restore oak woodlands affected by development. Our state's oak woodlands are disappearing at a rate of 20,000 acres a year. More than 1 million acres of native oak forests have been lost since 1945.

By signing this bill into law, you will be helping to preserve the beauty of oak woodlands for all Californians.

Thank you.
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Sincerely,

Your Name
Address
City, State, Zip