Federal Committee OKs Plan to Create Redwoods Preserve
SACRAMENTO — An attempt to create a public preserve for redwoods at the core of the majestic Headwaters Forest passed a key federal committee late Thursday, but the state’s share of the $380-million plan remained in doubt.
A two-house conference committee approved the federal government’s $250-million piece of the Headwaters proposal and sent it to the floors of the House and Senate. Votes are expected the week of Oct. 21.
“We have a deal,” said an aide to Rep. Frank Riggs (R-Windsor). His 1st Congressional District includes the forest, which contains the largest groves of old-growth redwoods in private hands.
Two key issues have emerged in recent days: a six-month deadline imposed by congressional negotiators that, in effect, gives two committees the power to kill the deal, and the inability of the state to sell $30 million worth of properties to raise cash for part of California’s portion.
At issue is a 7,500-acre tract that includes 3,000 acres of ancient redwoods north of San Francisco.
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