REDWOOD RESEARCH GRANTS AVAILABLE FROM SAVE-THE-REDWOODS LEAGUE

SAN FRANCISCO – Save-the-Redwoods League announces its annual research request for proposals (RFP) for organizations interested in fostering a greater knowledge of coast redwood and giant sequoia trees, forests and ecosystems. Grant candidates can apply to receive up to $15,000 to further scientific research promoting the understanding and conservation of redwoods.

New this year, Save-the-Redwoods League is requesting global climate change proposals to examine the potential impact of global warming on redwood forests. As a climate response baseline has yet to be established for either the coast redwood or giant sequoia, scientific research in this area is critical to the future protection of redwoods.

“For the past 10 years, Save-the-Redwoods League-funded research has provided the scientific community and public with valuable new information regarding forest ecology, redwood growth, restoration and wildlife habitat,” said Ruskin Hartley, Executive Director of Save-the-Redwoods League. “This year, we’re excited to encourage research that examines the impact of global climate change on redwood forests. The future vitality of the coast redwoods depends in part on the complex interplay of air temperature, sea surface temperature, atmospheric and ocean currents. Enhanced knowledge of coast redwoods and their ecosystems is vital to preservation efforts and public awareness of these magnificent natural resources.”

Since 1997, Save-the-Redwoods League has awarded 40 research grants totaling $585,000 to researchers, individuals and organizations seeking to improve the understanding of redwoods and their ecosystems.

In September 2006, the League made history by funding the research team that confirmed the height of the world’s tallest known living organism, Hyperion, a coast redwood tree measuring 379.1 feet.

Research grants will be awarded to universities, schools, non-profit organizations, and public charities. Save-the-Redwoods League requests proposals in the following areas of study:

Redwood biology
Redwood ecosystem maintenance or restoration
Potential effects of global climate change
Sustained public use for redwood areas

Applied research or research that informs redwood conservation, restoration and public is welcome.

In addition to advancing scientific knowledge related to redwoods, the League aims to make research findings available to the public to increase awareness of these unique resources. Applicants are expected to provide a final report, suitable for posting on the League’s website, plus a brief synopsis suitable for a broad public audience. Guidelines and applications are available online at: http://www.savetheredwoods.org/research.

Completed applications must be received by the League on or before November 6, 2007.

Save-the-Redwoods League is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving ancient forests so that all generations can experience the inspiration and majesty of these towering giants. In 1850, there were nearly 2 million acres of ancient coast redwood forests in California. Today, less than 4 percent remain. Since its founding in 1918, the League has completed the purchase of more than 177,000 acres of land. For more information, visit www.savetheredwoods.org.

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