Yes on Prop 4 will prevent wildfires, protect water supply, and preserve natural resources
California’s redwood forests have long been a symbol of the state’s natural beauty. But these majestic trees also provide incredible ecological benefits to our water quality, wildlife habitat, and the health and well-being of local communities.
With Proposition 4—”Prop 4″—on the November ballot, Californian voters have a unique opportunity to secure reliable funding for the preservation of these iconic forests, while ensuring that all Californians can enjoy clean, safe water and protection from devastating wildfires.
Fire risks are already driving up insurance and utility bills. Droughts, floods, rising sea levels, and extreme heat are poised to inflict billions more in damages. Californians can act now by voting YES on Prop 4 to ensure a climate resilient future.
What is Prop 4?
Prop 4 is a $10 billion climate resilience bond that, if passed, would provide significant funding for natural resource projects across California. For the League, this bond is crucial to achieving our mission to protect and restore redwood ecosystems and connect people with the peace and beauty of the forests.
Where will the money go?
The bond includes significant allocations that would directly benefit redwood conservation:
- $175 million for CalFire forest health projects
Significant Prop 4 bond funds are earmarked for forest health projects, which in the past have funded the League’s efforts to protect threatened giant sequoia groves. We are working on the front line of climate action to ensure these spectacular forests are resilient to climate change and increasingly destructive wildfires.
- $725 million for California State Parks
The League is working to improve recreational amenities and expand the capacity of redwood parks to ensure an outstanding experience for all who visit. Our work at ‘O Rew Redwoods Gateway is just one such example. We rely on our California State Parks partners to fulfill this vision, but the park system needs more robust, dependable funding to achieve these goals. Not only will Prop 4 funding help us care for the redwoods park we all share, it will support the acquisition and development of new parks and expanded outdoor access.
- ~$1.9 billion for the Wildlife Conservation Board and State Coastal Conservancy
Through the League’s conservation work, the redwood forest has long benefitted from conservancy funding, including support for Lost Coast Redwoods, San Vicente Redwoods, Mailliard Ranch, the Montgomery Woods Initiative, Redwoods Rising, and many other projects. Prop 4 bond funds would replenish the depleted coffers of these state-run conservancies, which could potentially help with our newest land protection project, Sonoma Coast Redwoods.
How would Prop 4 benefit the redwoods?
- Protection from destruction: The bond would allocate funds for land acquisition, which means that redwood forests that might otherwise be lost to logging or real estate development would be protected.
- Restoration and wildfire resilience: With climate change increasing the risk of catastrophic fires, Prop 4 would fund restoration projects to build wildfire resilience in coast redwood and giant sequoia forests. This includes support for tribal cultural burning practices, which have played a crucial role in forest management since time immemorial.
- Improved public access: By funding the creation of new parks in underserved communities and maintaining existing state parks, Prop 4 would help connect more Californians with the state’s natural wonders.
- Consistent funding source: As prior funding sources become depleted, Prop 4 would provide a reliable stream of financial support for projects that protect natural resource. This is critical for long-term conservation efforts.
Is borrowing $10 billion a good idea for California?
Prop 4 marks a historic shift from picking up the pieces after disasters to investing in disaster prevention. It’s a shift that could save taxpayers billions of dollars in future costs from devastating fires and water shortages. California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment, published in 2019, estimates that without intervention, the cost of climate change to California is estimated to reach $113 billion by 2050 annually. Our choice is clear. We can invest in nature-based solutions to the climate crisis now at a bargain price, or pay dearly for the cost of our inaction later.
By supporting Prop 4, Californians can play a direct role in safeguarding essential redwood ecosystems. Not to mention saving the planet for future generations. Remember to vote this November and remember: YES on Prop 4!
Visit yesonprop4ca.com to learn more and get involved.
Paid for by Save the Redwoods League
