All of us in this room need to recognize that the economic boon will not last forever. We need to have strong coalitions in place that make it clear to legislators, to elected officials at every level, that there will be consequences when you cut funding and endanger the preservation of redwood groves that once gone cannot be replaced. In 1826, Jedediah Strong Smith explored California and became known as one of the great pathfinders. In 1999, the Save the Redwoods League used their formula of acquisition to set aside 556 acres in a Redwoods State Park named in Jedediah s memory. Those of you in this room serve as the historical memory when administrations change in state government, and the work you do has consequence.
Some people look at a tree and see board feet.
Those of you in this room look at a tree, and you see a tree, and every Californian becomes a beneficiary of your vision. Thank you for having me here this evening. God bless you. I look forward to working closely with you in the future. All contributions to the League are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.