| Dear Jack, |
The recent Washburn Fire near the treasured Mariposa Grove in Yosemite underscored the need for immediate Congressional action to protect the remaining giant sequoia groves from catastrophic loss. Mariposa Grove has only survived because of decades of active forest management to reduce unnatural buildup of vegetation. Unfortunately, most sequoia groves haven’t had that treatment and are vulnerable. In just 14 months from 2020-2021 we lost 19% of the world’s oldest and largest giant sequoias to severe wildfire.
Please send a note to your Member of the House of Representatives asking them to support the recently introduced Save Our Sequoias Act.
The bipartisan Save Our Sequoias Act would deploy existing provisions in the Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Protection Act to declare an emergency to expedite much-needed work in the giant sequoia groves. It would also do the following:
- Authorize funding to support restoration projects in and around the groves.
- Enhance coordination between federal, state, tribal, and local land managers.
- Create a Giant Sequoia Health and Resiliency Assessment to prioritize and inform forest management projects.
As wildfires in the West have reached unparalleled severity, they pose an existential threat to our iconic giant sequoias. Having thrived through countless fires over millennia, thousands of these trees are perishing in today’s climate-driven fires. Passing this legislation is a vital step in halting this loss and ensuring a future for these precious forests.
Please send your email to Congress right now. The giant sequoias need your voice. |
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Sincerely,
Sam Hodder
President and CEO
Save the Redwoods League
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