Yesterday, I received a petition from a group of environmental organizations calling on Governor Davis to protect all old growth forest remaining on private land in California. The protection of old growth forests is very important to Governor Davis and the Resources Agency.

The Davis Administration has a well-documented and long-standing commitment to protect old growth forests. Consistent with the authority provided in existing law, the Administration has been implementing a two-part old growth forest protection strategy: 1) acquisition of and easements on key old growth tracts, most notably the Headwaters Forest Agreement, and 2) improved protection for species associated with old growth forest by increased enforcement of existing logging rules.

On Monday, Governor Davis proposed a $100 million Natural Heritage Preservation Tax Credit for next year’s budget. This initiative will protect old growth forests and other unique habitats by promoting public-private partnerships through tax incentives.

The Administration also enthusiastically supports the Parks Bond Act, Proposition 12. Prop. 12 will provide up to $632 million in additional funding for acquisition of ecologically important lands including old growth forest. The petition delivered today underscores the importance for the citizens of California to pass Prop. 12 in March.

This petition has been forwarded to the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (BOF) for consideration at its meeting today. I am aware that a similar petition, filed by some of the same organizations, urging the BOF to adopt emergency rules to protect old growth forest and other resources is also on the BOF’s agenda.

In addition, I am directing the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to inventory old growth forest in the state and develop recommendations for its protection as part of the statewide Resource Assessment currently being conducted by the Resources Agency. This Resource Assessment will guide the administration’s efforts to protect a variety of critical habitats around the state.

I have also requested that the BOF re-energize its ad hoc Subcommittee on Old Growth Forests to review the issues raised in the petition. At a minimum, I would like the committee to identify the appropriate review needed for any harvest activity that might involve old growth forest. I want to make sure that we close any loophole that might permit even the incidental cutting of old growth.

The Resources Agency is committed to protecting all California’s natural resources, including its old growth forest, while maintaining the state’s timber industry.