Letters needed on Ancient Tree bill

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Urge the Assembly Appropriations Committee to Approve SB 754!

Dear Friend of the Forest,
Never before have we been this close to seeing lasting protection for
our heritage trees and setting a precedent that can be a model for
other parts of the globe.

The next month is crucial for this bill. Now more than ever, we need
your help.

The California Heritage Tree Preservation Act (SB 754) recently
cleared a major hurdle on June 14 with the approval of the Assembly
Natural Resources Committee by a 7-3 vote.

Our next challenge is the Assembly Appropriations Committee,
currently scheduled for Wednesday, August 4th. Given the state
budget crisis, we need all the help we can get to convince these
legislators SB 754 is a bargain in terms of protecting California's
heritage.

Old growth is most valuable left standing. SB 754 will protect
forever many species of heritage trees (trees older than the state
[1850] and meeting specified diameter requirements) on non-federal
forestland in California.

These trees hold the soil, shade streams, preserve fisheries, act as
seed trees, maintain genetic diversity, resist fire by reducing
temperatures, shade out underbrush and maintain moisture, and provide
species habitat. Less than one percent of California's old-growth
trees remain standing on non-federal forestland.

SB 754 would also grant property owners and their heirs the benefit
of substantial reduction in estate taxes. This fact alone would help
keep many
old-growth trees standing, rather than being cut to meet tax
obligations.

Please take a moment right now and contact Appropriations Chair Judy
Chu and ask her to support SB 754. Tell her that forest protection
must be measured in both dollars AND sense (for sample text, scroll
down).

You can also email your letter to Assemblymember Chu's Chief of
Staff, Bill Wong. His email address is william.wong@asm.ca.gov.
Contact info and a sample letter/email are below.
Thank you for your help !!!

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The Honorable Judy Chu
California State Assembly
PO Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0001

Phone: 916-319-2049
Fax: 916-319-2149
Email: william.wong@asm.ca.gov

RE: SB 754 - SUPPORT

Dear Assembly Member Chu and Members of the Appropriations Committee,

I urge your support of SB 754, the Heritage Tree Preservation Act.
This bill has been carefully written to protect some of California's
largest and oldest trees while minimizing impacts to landowners, jobs
and state revenues. The bill minimizes and offsets costs and it
preserves revenues to the state from tourism, recreation and
fisheries.

Less than one percent of California's old-growth trees remain
standing on non-federal forestland. SB 754 will protect these trees
and the ecological and economic benefits they bring to our state.
Millions of tourists flock to California's forests each year to
witness these towering giants with their own eyes. The trees
protected by this bill are among the oldest, tallest, and largest
living things on earth.
Please approve SB 754 and help us preserve California's ancient trees
for future generations.

Sincerely,
[your name and address here]



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