Ecological Internet’s campaign in support of long-standing local efforts to end the use of ancient rainforest timbers by government in New York City is enjoying initial success. Mayor Bloomberg has announced a review of NYC policy, and the Park Department will no longer use endangered woods in NYC park benches. We must ensure the review ends the use of all ancient rainforest timbers, the Parks decision is expanded, and an end to the use of ancient rainforest timbers is enshrined in law and procurement policy. Please send the updated alert. This progress is monumental, it must be brought to completion, and together we are doing it! g.b.

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N E W S R E L E A S E

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2008

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Tim Keating, 917-543-4064, Rainforest Relief
Dr. Glen Barry, 920-776-1075, Ecological Internet
JK Canepa, 917/ 648-4514, NYCAG

NYC Parks Department Ends the Use of Tropical Hardwoods for Benches

Recent Actions by Environmental Groups Bring Progress in 13-Year Campaign

NEW YORK CITY — January 8, 2008. In a meeting with representatives of environmental groups Rainforest Relief and New York Climate Action Group, Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe unveiled a plan to phase out the use of hardwoods logged from the rainforests of the Amazon, which the agency uses for benches, boardwalks and the decking of bridges in the thousands of parks and areas overseen by the department. Celia Peterson, director of the Specification Office of NYC Parks, stated that as of last month, Parks will no longer specify tropical hardwoods for benches.