Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today filed a statement of support for the Save Our Redwoods Act, which was heard today before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
The bill, introduced earlier this month by Sens. Feinstein and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), would take significant steps to protect California’s giant sequoias – the world’s largest trees – from the threat of fire and accelerate future fire resilience projects. Additional account information is available here.
“Giant sequoias are one of the most legendary plants in the world. The sequoia known as “General Sherman” is the largest tree on Earth with a girth of over 100 feet and a height of 275 feet. These trees are also remarkably adapted to fire, with spongy bark up to two meters thick.
Giant sequoias are only found naturally in the United States, actually only in my home state of California. Nevertheless, as many members of this committee know from first-hand experience, they have been a source of respect and wonder for nature lovers around the world for years, including Americans like John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt.
Sequoias were long thought to be almost immune to the effects of wildfires, but unfortunately, devastating fires in recent years have overwhelmed even their powerful defenses. Officials have estimated that 20 percent of all mature giant redwoods have been lost as of 2020. Scientific research has further suggested that without significant action, another 20 percent could be lost in the next three years.
To prevent such a tragedy, the Save our Sequoias Act would codify the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition, an existing group of public land managers with jurisdiction over redwood groves, and require it to develop a strategy to make redwood groves more resilient to wildfires . It would provide legislative support for the Biden administration’s emergency declaration that is currently accelerating Sequoia wildfire resilience projects.
However, federal agencies should not rely on emergency management authorities to implement necessary resilience projects for wildfires that will become more common in the future. To that end, our bill makes narrow, targeted adjustments to authorize federal agencies to implement redwood protection projects in areas of highest fire risk. It also authorizes federal agencies to engage with local communities to implement these projects, from tree nurseries and timber companies to local and tribal governments. Californians have an interest in protecting these magnificent trees, and this bill recognizes their role in helping.
Finally, our bill ensures that we not only mitigate future redwood losses, but also begin the process of regrowth. Since redwoods can live for thousands of years, it’s never too early to start rejuvenating these groves.
Giant sequoias are one of the greatest treasures of the world, not just California, and their loss in recent years should prompt urgent action.”
