LETTER TO THE EDITOR

San Francisco Chronicle
January 23, 2002

Save Sierra tracts used by PG&E

Editor -- Many thanks to state officials for highlighting the renewed threat to more than 140,000 acres of California's most valuable undeveloped lands ("Reorganized PG&E could sell Sierra land," Jan. 16). The Pacific Forest Trust has long been advocating the permanent protection of these lands.

As PG&E attempts recovery from bankruptcy, it is essential that the lands be protected from irresponsible logging or development, and that public benefits are preserved.

The public has used these lands for decades for recreaton and cultural acitvities. Places such as the Sky Valley in Solano County have tremendous potential for public recreation and permanent open-space protection in the burgeoning Bay Area.

The forests are significant, serving as natural water filters by absorbing and cleaning run-off and as natural air cleaners absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps mitigate global warming. These forests include old-growth trees that provide important habitat for rare fish and wildlife such as bald eagles, spotted owls and wolverines.

California cannot afford to let this land become another casualty of the deregulation debacle. Whatever the details of the final plan for PG&E, it should ensure the continued conservation and public benefits of this land, providing a lasting legacy for future generations.

Sincerely,

LAURIE WAYBURN

President
The Pacific Forest Trust
Santa Rosa