Save-the-Redwoods League
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Save-the-Redwoods League is an organization dedicated to the protection of the remaining Coast Redwood trees in the U.S. state of California. It was founded in 1918 by Frederick Russell Burnham,[1] Madison Grant, John C. Merriam, and Henry Fairfield Osborn.
It relies on private donations and funding from the state and other partners to buy land, and has protected more than 177,000 acres (720 km²) of forestland. Over 60% of the redwoods in California's state redwood parks have been protected by the organization, in particular Humboldt Redwoods State Park, and the Redwood National and State Parks.[2]
The League also supports redwood education, and gives small grants to other organizations involved in ecological conservation.
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[edit] Master plan
The "Master Plan for the Redwoods" attempts to provide a science-based conservation strategy for the remaining Coast Redwood ecosystem. All conservation decisions made by the League and its partners are guided by the Master Plan's strategies. The Master Plan helps to set priorities for land acquisitions, stewardship, and restoration initiatives. It also helps planning integration with partner organizations.[3]
[edit] Forest restoration
With less than five percent of the ancient redwood forest remaining, the League is leading efforts to restore old-forest characteristics to young redwood forest stands. In partnership with California State Parks it is working to restore the 25,000 acres (100 km²) Mill Creek property in Del Norte County.
[edit] Science and research
The League has an active scientific research program that seeks to expand the understanding of the coast redwood and giant sequoia forests and ecosystems of which they are a key component. Over the last 10 years it has awarded more than 25 research grants to leading scientists.
[edit] Memorial groves
Since 1921, the League has established more than 1000 redwood memorial groves, in thirty of California's redwood parks. In return for a donation, a grove is renamed to provide a memorial to an individual, family, or organization. Funds raised through this program are an important part of the League's income.
[edit] Conservation and parks
The League also provides gifts to establish preserves and parks, many of which are open to the public. For example, the League estalished the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve which is part of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MPROSD) in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Since it was established, the League has protected over 177,000 acres (720 km²) of ancient redwoods. Land purchased by the League is generally donated to state or national parks for public enjoyment and education, as well as permanent protection of the redwoods.
[edit] References
- ^ Coates, Peter A. (2007). American Perceptions of Immigrant and Invasive Species: Strangers on the Land. Berkely: University of California Press. ISBN 0520249305.
- ^ Save the Redwoods League
- ^ Save the Redwoods League
