are redwood trees protected in california

Are Redwood Trees Protected in California?

By John ClarkFebruary 9, 2026

Towering above California's landscapes, the iconic redwood trees have long captivated visitors and locals alike. But are these majestic giants protected in the Golden State? The answer is a resounding yes, thanks to a combination of state and federal laws, as well as dedicated conservation efforts.

California's redwoods, the tallest trees on Earth, are primarily found in the coastal regions of the northern part of the state. They are a significant part of the state's natural heritage and contribute to its economy through tourism. Recognizing their importance, California has implemented several measures to safeguard these ancient forests.

State Protection Measures

The California Redwoods State Parks protect over 50% of the remaining old-growth redwood forests. These parks, including Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and Redwood National Park, are managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation and the National Park Service respectively.

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California's Forest Practice Act also plays a crucial role in protecting redwoods. This act regulates logging activities on private lands, ensuring that a significant portion of the redwood forest remains untouched. It requires landowners to maintain a certain percentage of old-growth forest and limits the amount of timber that can be harvested.

Redwood National and State Parks

Established in 1968, Redwood National and State Parks is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that safeguards 45% of the remaining old-growth redwood forests. This park system is a result of a unique partnership between the National Park Service and the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

three different types of trees are shown in this diagram, including redwood and sequta

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Within these parks, redwoods are protected from logging, road construction, and other activities that could harm their delicate ecosystems. The parks also provide opportunities for education and recreation, allowing visitors to appreciate and learn about these ancient forests.

Private Land Conservation

While much of the redwood forest is protected on public lands, significant efforts are also underway to protect redwoods on private lands. Organizations like the Save the Redwoods League have been working with private landowners to purchase and protect redwood properties.

Since its founding in 1918, the Save the Redwoods League has helped protect over 200,000 acres of redwood forest. They work with landowners to place conservation easements on their properties, ensuring that the redwoods remain protected in perpetuity.

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a person sitting on a bench in front of a tree with the caption redwood forests of california if you don't want to drive all the way to redwood national park

Federal Protection Measures

At the federal level, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 provides additional protection for redwoods. This act prohibits the "taking" of endangered species, which includes harming, harassing, or killing them, as well as destroying their habitats.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has designated critical habitat for the northern spotted owl, a species that depends on old-growth redwood forests for survival. This designation provides an additional layer of protection for the redwoods, as activities that could harm the owl's habitat are restricted.

North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board

This board plays a significant role in protecting redwoods by regulating activities that could impact water quality in redwood forest watersheds. They work to prevent pollution and sedimentation that could harm redwoods and other sensitive species in these ecosystems.

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The tallest trees in the world live up to the hype 😍 👋🏼Hi there! We are Kelley & Carl, an American couple with a goal of visiting all 63 US National Parks! Check out @kelleyandcarlsadventures for all things hiking, road trips, outdoor adventures, and national parks! 📍Redwoods National & State Parks, CA 🗺️Located in Northern coastal California 🌲So what’s the deal with the trees? Redwood National & State Parks protect nearly half of the world’s remaining old-growth coastal redwoods, some s...

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Through their regulatory programs, the board helps to protect the health of redwood forests and the rivers and streams that flow through them. This, in turn, helps to safeguard the water quality of downstream communities.

In conclusion, California's redwood trees are indeed protected through a robust network of state and federal laws, as well as dedicated conservation efforts. These protections ensure that these ancient forests continue to thrive, providing habitat for diverse wildlife and inspiring generations of visitors. However, the work is not done. Continued vigilance and support for these efforts are crucial to ensure that these majestic trees remain a part of California's landscape for centuries to come.