ARTICLE 6. Preservation of Big Trees [4721. - 4727.]

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC 6.

in effect

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 4721. Section 4721.

It is the policy of the state to preserve as far as possible the species Sequoia gigantea in the interest of conservation, both of soil and of the species itself, and for the benefit of present and future generations.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 4722. Section 4722.

Upon the finding of the Department of Parks and Recreation or the director, or both, that any Sequoia gigantea grove is suitably situated and is of a size and character which justifies its preservation by and for the public, it is the policy of the state to acquire the grove for preservation and conservation purposes.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 4723. Section 4723.

Pursuant to Sections 4721 and 4722, the Department of Parks and Recreation, or the department, on favorable recommendation of the board, may acquire any forested lands on which are found growing trees of the species Sequoia gigantea when, in the opinion of the commission or the board, the acquisition of such forested lands is necessary to the preservation of the Sequoia trees and to the public welfare.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 4725. Section 4725.

Nothing in this article shall be construed as establishing a policy to acquire any such Sequoia gigantea groves for preservation and conservation out of any money appropriated for acquisition of land for park purposes by Chapter 1422, Statutes of 1945.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 4726. Section 4726.

Any person who willfully cuts down, strips of its bark, or destroys by fire, any tree “over 16 feet in diameter,” in the groves of big trees situated in the Counties of Fresno, Tulare, or Kern, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and is punishable by fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than six hundred dollars ($600), or by imprisonment in the county jail not less than 25 days nor more than 150 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 4727. Section 4727.

Upon the arrest and conviction of any person for violation of Section 4726, the party informing is entitled to one-half of the fines collected.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026