Save the Redwoods League, National Park Service, and California State Parks Launch Historic Forest Restoration Program, “Redwoods Rising,” on Fri, April 27

Event at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in Orick, California celebrates unprecedented collaboration to bring back forests of giant coast redwoods on nearly 80,000 acres of public lands

Two panoramic photos comparing conditions in an old growth forest(top) and a neighboring second growth forest(bottom) in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Redwoods in the second growth forest suffer from high competition and lack the fully develop canopies seen in the old growth forest. The large multilayered canopy of an old growth redwood allows these trees to grow so large and provide critical habitat for wildlife. Photo by Andrew Slack, Save the Redwoods League — Two panoramic photos comparing conditions in an old growth forest (top) and a neighboring second growth forest (bottom) in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Redwoods in the second growth forest suffer from high competition and lack the fully develop canopies seen in the old growth forest. The large multilayered canopy of an old growth redwood allows these trees to grow so large and provide critical habitat for wildlife. Photo by Andrew Slack, Save the Redwoods League

April 24, 2018

San Francisco, Calif. (April 24, 2018) – Save the Redwoods League, the National Park Service and California State Parks today announced the kickoff of Redwoods Rising, a collaborative effort to restore the historically logged redwood forest within Redwood National and State Parks. Executives representing the three organizations will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Friday, April 27 at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in Orick outlining the program commitments and its benefits. State Senator Mike McGuire and Assemblymember Jim Wood will speak about the importance of the north coast redwood forests and local communities to California.

WHAT:

Redwoods Rising creates an unprecedented level of collaboration and efficiency between these three organizations. Their collective goal is to restore the redwood forests while coordinating on efforts to increase public engagement and sustainable financial support for restoration.
To fast-track the regrowth of healthy redwood forest ecosystems in this region, Redwoods Rising will utilize scientifically verified methods of restoration tree thinning, removal of old logging roads and invasive species, and restoration of waterways and watersheds.
For more information, please visit RedwoodsRising.org.

WHEN:

Friday, April 27, 2018 from 11:30 am to 2 pm

Event Timeline:
- 11:30 am – BBQ lunch
- 1:10 pm – Comments by keynote speakers (listed below)
- 1:25 pm – Group photo opportunity with ceremonial certificate
- 2:00 pm – Optional guided hike through the redwood forest

WHERE:

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park Amphitheatre
Parking available at 174 Bald Hills Road, Orick, CA 95555. (Shuttles available between the parking lot and the amphitheater every 15 minutes from 11 am to 4 pm.)

WHO:

Senator Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) and Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg)
Save the Redwoods League: Sam Hodder, President & CEO; Paul Ringgold, Chief Program Officer
National Park Service: Steve Mietz, Superintendent for Redwood National Park; David Roemer, Deputy Superintendent for Redwood National Park
California State Parks: Lisa Mangat, Director; Jay Chamberlin, Chief, Natural Resources Division; Victor Bjelajac, District Superintendent, North Coast Redwoods District

WHY:

Redwood National and State Parks is home to 45 percent of the world’s remaining protected old-growth redwoods, including the tallest trees. Redwoods Rising begins to increase the health and resilience of the younger forest that surrounds and sustains the old-growth groves.
The complexity and costs of restoration in young, historically logged forestland continue to increase, making the need for coordinated and efficient project planning, execution and funding critical. Scaling up and accelerating the pace of restoration across state and federal boundaries is necessary if this ecosystem is to be resilient to the harmful effects of drought, fire, disease, invasive species and climate change.
The benefits of Redwoods Rising: provides clean air and water; fights climate change; creates and restores wildlife habitat; begins to bring back the ancient redwoods for future generations to enjoy; leverages organizational strengths and expertise while increasing efficiency; and provides a new opportunity for the public to support these forests directly.
The goals of Redwoods Rising include: creating a shared restoration strategy among the collaborating organizations; enhancing restoration capacity for larger and more frequent projects; developing dedicated and increased funding for restoration; and building and expanding public support for restoring, protecting, and stewarding redwood ecosystems.

PLEASE NOTE:

To request hi-res images, video or an interview with a Redwoods Rising representative, please contact David Cumpston at (415) 359-2316 or [email protected].
Following the event, LCI will distribute a captioned photo and video b-roll recapping the afternoon’s event.

Contacts:

Save the Redwoods League: David Cumpston, Landis Communications, Inc.
Phone: (415) 359-2316 | Email: [email protected]
National Park Service: Leonel Arguello
Phone: (707) 465-7780 | Email: [email protected]
California State Parks: Gloria Sandoval
Phone: (916) 651-7661 | Email: [email protected]

To access hi-res images or b-roll of Redwood National and State Parks, view our media resources.

Save the Redwoods League logo

Save the Redwoods League revitalizes coast redwood and giant sequoia forests across California’s redwood range. In partnership with state and federal agencies, Tribes, and communities, we have conserved more than 220,000 acres in 76 parks and preserves and restored 37,000 acres. Our work bolsters carbon storage, strengthens wildfire resilience, benefits local economies, and safeguards iconic landscapes enjoyed by millions.

California State Parks and the recreational programs supported by its divisions of Boating and Waterways, Historic Preservation and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide the opportunity for families, friends and communities to connect. Off-highway motor vehicle recreation, boating activities, horseback riding, cycling, hiking, camping, rock climbing, tours, hikes, school group enrichment and special events are just some of the activities enjoyed in 280 park units organized into 21 field districts throughout the state. Learn more at www.parks.ca.gov.

National Park Service (NPS) preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations. The national park system includes 419 areas covering more than 84 million acres in every state, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The NPS cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world. Learn more at www.nps.gov.