[6/14/04]

ACTION ALERT

LET’S PASS THE HERITAGE TREE ACT TODAY!

On Monday, June 14, at 1:30 p.m., the Assembly Natural Resources Committee will vote on the Heritage Tree Preservation Act (SB 754).

At noon, on the North Steps of the Capitol, Pierce Brosnan and his wife Keely will be present for a press conference urging the Natural Resources Committee to vote yes on SB 754.

This committee vote is absolutely critical: If a majority of the committee votes yes, then the bill will go forward. If the committee votes no, the bill– and its protections for California's old-growth trees– will be dead.

SB 754 would ban the cutting of California’s last old-growth trees, defined as trees that meet species-specific diameters and were alive in 1850, California’s first year of statehood.

Please e-mail or call these members of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee:

Hannah-Beth Jackson, Chair
(916) 319-2035
Assemblymember.Jackson@assembly.ca.gov

Alan Lowenthal
(916) 319-2054
Alan.Lowenthal@assembly.ca.gov

Lois Wolk
(916) 319-2008
Assemblymember.wolk@assembly.ca.gov

John Laird
(916) 319-2027
Assemblymember.laird@assembly.ca.gov

Loni Hancock
(916) 319-2014
Assemblymember.hancock@assembly.ca.gov

Paul Koretz
(916) 319-2042
Assemblymember.Koretz@assembly.ca.gov

Sally J. Lieber
(916) 319-2022
Assemblywoman.lieber@assembly.ca.gov

Please copy all of your e-mails to Sen. Don Perata at:

Senator.Perata@sen.ca.gov

Here's what you should say in your e-mail or phone call:

RE: Support SB 754

Dear Natural Resources Committee Member:

I urge you to vote YES on SB 754, the Heritage Tree Preservation Act.

SB 754 protects our oldest and largest trees, which have become a symbol of California to people around the world. The bill bans the cutting of California Heritage Trees, defined as those trees on non-federal forestland that were alive in 1850 and meet species-specific diameter requirements. Not only do these trees hold environmental, spiritual, cultural and historical value, they also have fire-retardant qualities, and create natural firebreaks to help protect our forests and our homes.

SB 754 gives Californians a unique and perhaps final opportunity to preserve our heritage for future generations by protecting what has become an endangered species: old-growth trees. Please support SB 754, because once these trees are gone, they are gone forever.

Sincerely,

Your Name
Address
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