Save the Redwoods League Urges Quick Action to Save Redwoods and California State Parks

Proposed State Budget Would Require Closure of 60 of 61 State Parks With
Redwoods

Ruskin Hartley, Executive Director of Save the Redwoods League, Comments on
Proposal to Eliminate Public Funding for California State Parks
SAN FRANCISCO--(Business Wire)--
"With only 5 percent of the world`s ancient redwood forest left standing,
California State Parks create irreplaceable opportunities for people of all ages
to experience the awe and majesty of the world`s tallest trees," said Ruskin
Hartley, executive director of Save the Redwoods League. "These parks are a
vital source of enjoyment, education and inspiration for current and future
generations."

"The Governor`s proposal to eliminate public funding for California State Parks
- and effectively close 80 percent of parks - would have devastating
consequences on Californians` access to redwood forests," said Hartley. "The
proposal would require the closure of 60 of 61 parks that are home to redwoods -
including towering stands of ancient redwood forest."

California State Parks also contribute to local economies. In Sonoma alone,
redwoods drive nearly 1 million visitors to the county each year. The closure of
Armstrong Redwoods State Park would result in an economic loss to Sonoma County
between $51 and $78 million annually, according to a 2008 assessment by the
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods. At the state level, studies have shown that
every $1 that funds the state park system returns $2.35 to the General Fund,
largely through economic activity in communities surrounding state parks.

"We are all lucky to benefit from the work of Save the Redwoods League`s
founding leaders and park partners that created the state park legacy we know
today," said Hartley. "This legacy is one that is now sustained by volunteers,
philanthropists, park visitors, voters and all Californians who support their
parks. It is not a legacy that the Governor or the Legislature should undo. It
is now more important than ever that Californians and our State Legislature work
together to save our state parks."

Save the Redwoods League encourages park visitors and supporters to act now by:

* Sending a message to your elected officials and the Governor by visiting:
http://savetheredwoods.org/voice. Ask friends, family members and colleagues to
do the same.
* Uploading a one-minute video to Save the Redwoods League`s YouTube channel at
www.youtube.com/savetheredwoods to let people know what you think.
* Visiting redwood parks with friends and family this summer.

Editors, please note:Interviews available with Ruskin Hartley, executive
director of Save the Redwoods League,by contacting Alicia Balkrishna at
415.359.2316/alicia@landispr.com or Heather Platisha at
415.359.2306/heather@landispr.com

About Save the Redwoods League

For more than 90 years, Save the Redwoods League has been dedicated to
protecting the ancient redwood forests so all generations can experience the
inspiration and majesty of redwoods. In 1850, there were nearly 2 million acres
of ancient coast redwood forests in California. Today, less than 5 percent
remains and faces threats from logging, development and global climate change.
Since its founding in 1918, the League has completed the purchase of more than
181,000 acres of land. For more information, visit savetheredwoods.org.

Landis Communications, Inc.
For Save the Redwoods League
Alicia Balkrishna, 415-359-2316
alicia@landispr.com
Heather Platisha, 415-359-2306
heather@landispr.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009