Action Alert

The good John Moore of the Sierra Club, whose sustained efforts over many years have forwarded land acquisitions by Tahoe National Forest (TNF) in and near the North Fork American River, asked that I forward this "action alert" from the Trust for Public Land, to all of you.

Briefly, the "old railroad lands" which mostly passed to Sierra Pacific Industries (the notorious lumber company) have been all-too-slowly purchased by TNF. I wish to see TNF expand the scope, and increase the pace, of these acquisitions. Maybe the historic Big Granite Trail wouldn't be getting ruined, right now, if we all had been more diligent in letting our representatives know that our Placer County wildlands are very important.

I suggest that you use the links at the bottom of this action alert to send emails to Senators Boxer and Feinstein, "to support the $1.5 million funding level for the Sierra Nevada Inholdings program in the final Interior Appropriations bill and thank them for their continued strong support for this important project."


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ACTION ALERT *** ACTION ALERT *** ACTION ALERT

HELP PROTECT LAND IN THE SIERRA NEVADA!

Congress is nearing completion of the FY 2005 federal budget and final
decisions on spending levels for next year will be made in the next few
weeks.

The Senate recently recommended $1.5 million for the Sierra Nevada
Inholdings program. It is very important that you continue to urge your
Senators to support the $1.5 million funding level for the Sierra Nevada
Inholdings program in the final Interior Appropriations bill and thank
them for their continued strong support for this important project.

It is critical that this funding level be included in the final
appropriations bill, or the opportunity to preserve this critical land
may be lost!

PLEASE SUPPORT FUNDING FOR SIERRA NEVADA INHOLDINGS!

The Sierra Nevada Inholdings program is a high priority for the Forest
Service because it aims to consolidate checkerboard lands within the
national forests of the central Sierra, as well as to protect river
canyons and watersheds in the region. Lands available for acquisition in
FY 2005 within the Sierra Nevada Inholdings program include 580 acres
along the North Fork American River and 773 acres of the Barker Pass
property, both of which are within the Tahoe NF. The North Fork’s steep
gorges and exciting rapids attract river rafters from around the
country, while hikers and backpackers are drawn to the challenging
trails and outstanding camping opportunities in surrounding forest
lands. At Barker Pass, a nearby Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail
trailhead is a popular access point into the high Sierra from Lake
Tahoe. Because of its accessibility and beautiful views, hikers, fishers
and campers- frequently use the area.

PLEASE ACT NOW!

Before Congress completes its work on next year’s conservation funding,
please contact Senators Feinstein and Boxer. Thank them again and
encourage them to maintain the Senate’s $1.5 million recommendation for
the Sierra Nevada Inholdings program funded through the Land and Water
Conservation Fund in the final FY 2005 Interior Appropriations bill.


PLEASE CONTACT:
(NOTE: There is a significant delay in the delivery of letters to
Members of Congress due to security concerns. Instead, we strongly
encourage you to fax, call, or electronically contact your Member of
Congress in order to ensure prompt receipt. For online contact, please
go to the congressional websites listed below and follow instructions
for constituent contact.)

The Honorable Dianne Feinstein The Honorable Barbara Boxer
U.S. Senate U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: 202 224-3841 Phone: 202 224-3553
Fax: 202 228-3954 Fax: 415 956-6701
Email: http://feinstein.senate.gov/email.html Email:
http://boxer.senate.gov/contact/webform.html
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