July 27, 2000
In a late-night session and with strong bi-partisan support, the Senate voted on Thursday, July 27th, 2000 to expand the boundary of Sequoia National Park to include Dillonwood Grove. The League’s Executive Director, Kate Anderton, and the property owner, David Reed, testified before the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks, Historic Preservation, and Recreation in June in support of the legislation.
"We are very pleased by the Senate’s action on this legislation and gratified by the recognition in the Senate of the importance of the Dillonwood Grove and its role as a part of Sequoia National park." said Anderton.
The bill (S. 2279), sponsored by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and cosponsored by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) extends the boundary of Sequoia National Park to include the Dillonwood property currently owned by David Reed and his sister, Susan Matthews.
Save-the-Redwoods League secured an Option to purchase the property for its
appraised value of $10 million and must complete the purchase by 2001. The League
is working to raise $5 million and is hopeful that the federal government will
match that amount to complete the purchase price.
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