Giant Sequoia Campaign Having an 'Impact' on the Vote for America's National Tree, According to Arbor Day Foundation

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Giant Sequoia Campaign Having an 'Impact' on the Vote for

America's National Tree, According to Arbor Day Foundation

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TO ENVIRONMENTAL, OUTDOORS AND TRAVEL EDITORS:

Giant Sequoia Campaign Having an 'Impact' on the Vote for

America's National Tree, According to Arbor Day Foundation

CALIFORNIA, SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, Apr. 17 -/E-Wire/-- The campaign to elect the Giant Sequoia as America's National Tree continues to generate momentum and support as the National Arbor Day Foundation, which organized a vote to designate a national tree, acknowledged the Giant Sequoia campaign's impact while the foundation approaches the announcement of vote results on Arbor Day, Friday, April 27.

"We're excited about the enthusiasm for the Vote for America's National Tree, and especially for the commitment of groups like those who are working so hard to educate people about the importance of a tree like the giant sequoia," said Gary Brienzo, spokesman for The National Arbor Day Foundation. "The Campaign for the Giant Sequoia is an exciting one, and one that is having an impact. All of America's trees are vital, giving us practical and aesthetic blessings. Those who support the giant sequoia have certainly chosen a worthy champion."

The campaign to elect the Giant Sequoia as America's National Tree is enjoying a surge of momentum as key interest groups, elected officials and others have offered their endorsement, support and votes.

In a grassroots campaign waged on behalf of the Giant Sequoia, Americans are learning of its unique place in history, its majesty, natural beauty, immense strength and durability, and why they should vote "Giant Sequoia" online at http://www.arborday.org as part of the National Arbor Day Foundation's poll to select America's National Tree.

"We are increasingly optimistic about this campaign as momentum continues to shift towards electing the Giant Sequoia as America's National Tree," said Tom McFadden, General Manager of Delaware North Parks Services operations at California's Sequoia National Park, home of the campaign's national headquarters at Wuksachi Lodge. "We also recognize that great competition from other trees will result in very close election results." The Giant Sequoia's campaign platform to become America's National Tree includes the following points:

1) Largest Living Tree in the World - The General Sherman Tree, a Giant Sequoia located in Sequoia National Park, is the largest living tree in the world! It weighs approx. 2.7 million pounds, stands 274.9 feet tall and is believed to be around 2,100 years old. And, it's still growing!

2) Tall History - Pioneer cattleman James Wolverton, who served in the Civil War under General William Tecumseh Sherman, named the General Sherman Tree in 1879. Giant Sequoias are among the last surviving members of a family of trees that once grew across North America prior to the Ice Age.

3) All-American - Today, Giant Sequoias grow naturally only on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and appear in five areas throughout that region including Mariposa Grove in Yosemite National Park, Big Trees State Park in Calaveras County, Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park, in the Sequoia National Forest and in the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park.

4) When Lightening Strikes ... - The cones of the Giant Sequoia typically mature in two years, but remain tightly closed, hoarding their seeds for 6 to 20 years. Lightening induced fires can dry and open the cones, therefore dispersing the seeds.

5) Natural Evolution - Giant Sequoias grow incredibly tall and straight and must rely on their streamlined stature and balanced limbs for stability. Their shallow root system can cause them to topple without warning.

6) Spectacular Sights - The Giant Sequoia grows naturally throughout Sequoia National Park. Sequoia National Park also includes Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the 48 contiguous states reaching 14,494 feet at its summit.

7) Naturally Accessible - Giant Sequoias can be enjoyed first-hand by anyone who visits the Sequoia National Park in California. For more information, call [REDACTED-PHONE] or visit http://www.VisitSequoia.com.

Votes for America's National Tree may be cast online through midnight of April 26. Results will be announced on April 27, National Arbor Day. To vote online for the Giant Sequoia at http://www.arborday.org, click the "Write In" option and include "Giant Sequoia" in the blank space below. This will ensure your vote is cast for the Giant Sequoia as America's National Tree. For more campaign information, visit http://www.VisitSequoia.com.

According to the National Arbor Day Foundation, once all votes are counted, the results will be made available to the members of Congress, which must officially designate America's National Tree.

Sequoia National Park

John Moscato of Delaware North, [REDACTED-PHONE], for Sequoia

http://www.VisitSequoia.com

http://www.arborday.org

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