Media Contact:
Robin Carr, Landis Communications Inc
Email: Redwoods@LandisPR.com | Phone: (415) 766-0927
San Francisco, Calif. (April 10, 2025) — Save the Redwoods League supports the bipartisan Save Our Sequoias (SOS) Act, important legislation that empowers federal, Tribal, state and nonprofit partners to accelerate forest restoration, reduce hazardous fuels and safeguard the world’s largest trees from the increasingly destructive wildfires in California’s Sierra Nevada.
Approximately 20% of mature giant sequoias have died from extreme wildfires in the last 10 years, and megafires have adversely affected the trees’ ability to reproduce, according to recent research. Recent large-scale wildfires have burned at a scale and intensity far beyond the natural fires these trees evolved with—disrupting regeneration and threatening the long-term survival of the species. Restoration work must continue to save these iconic forests.
The SOS Act addresses a specific emergency in a defined geography for a limited time, building on emergency actions already taken by the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service. The SOS Act complements bedrock environmental protections and ensures environmental safeguards remain in place, while enabling faster action in high-priority groves where science has already shown urgent need. As extreme wildfires outpace traditional, years-long federal processes, this legislation provides a timely, collaborative and ecologically sound path forward.
Specifically, the SOS Act would establish a comprehensive reforestation strategy, launch a Giant Sequoia Health and Resiliency Assessment and strengthen collaboration through shared stewardship agreements and official recognition of the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition. These measures will ensure that land managers can move quickly and effectively to mitigate extreme wildfire risk while preserving the ecological, cultural and climate benefits of these ancient trees and their ecosystem.
The League commends the SOS Act’s science-based, collaborative approach to forest stewardship. Its targeted tools to expedite restoration, improve forest health and fire resilience, boost interagency coordination and fund fuels reduction in and around the groves reflect what’s needed to protect this vulnerable ecosystem. Focused specifically on the giant sequoia range, the SOS Act provides informed, site-specific guidance that aligns with both the urgency and complexity of the challenge.
The League looks forward to working with Congress to secure the resources and flexibility needed to protect the giant sequoia range and surrounding communities, wildlife, lands and water—comprehensively and sustainably.
Save the Redwoods League applauds the leadership of Representatives Vince Fong (CA-20) and Scott Peters (CA-50). The League joins with the Tule River Tribe and other partners in urging swift passage of this legislation.
Tags: 2025, announcement, Press Release, statements
