Posted by: thepinetree on 02/27/2014 02:51 PM
Updated by: thepinetree on 02/27/2014 02:53 PM
Expires: 01/01/2019 12:00 AM
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Calaveras County Supervisors Vote Unanimously For Mokelumne River With State Wild and Scenic River Designation
San Andreas, CA...In front of a standing-room-only crowd, the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously in favor of a resolution supporting California State Wild and Scenic River designation for the Mokelumne River during its February 25 meeting. The 5-0 vote came after a public comment period requested by District 2 Supervisor Chris Wright, who introduced the resolution....
Supporters of the resolution attending the meeting included local residents, business owners, families and students representing the Calaveras High School Earth Club. Speakers discussed the Mokelumne River’s contribution to the area's growing tourism economy, its use by generations of families for recreation and food, and the educational and outdoor opportunities it provides for people of all ages, incomes and abilities.
Fred Velasquez, representing both the Native American Traditional Plant Coalition and the Stewardship Through Education program, noted local tribes continue to gather and use willows in the Middle Bar area of the Mokelumne for traditional basket weaving. In addition, access to the Mokelumne River teaches students that “they are part of a watershed that makes California one of the richest states in the nation.”
California State Wild and Scenic River designation requires passage of a bill by the state legislature. State-level Wild and Scenic River designation prevents the construction of new dams and water diversions within the protected river section. The designation does not affect activities on private land, and local governments retain their jurisdiction over land adjacent to the river.
In addition to the economic, community and environmental reasons for supporting State Wild and Scenic River designation for the Mokelumne, Supervisor Wright noted that passing the resolution has special meaning for him, as his earliest childhood memories include “running around” the Mokelumne River canyon with a friend who passed away last year. “I’m hopeful this is the first step in protecting that river,” stated Wright. “For the memory of Jake Chatfield and those who have passed before him who have loved this river.”
“Foothill Conservancy commends the Calaveras County supervisors for their leadership in recognizing the many benefits the Mokelumne River provides to humans and wildlife,” said Cecily Smith, the organization’s executive director. “In passing this resolution, the supervisors demonstrated that a diversity of river-related community needs can be balanced while protecting a much-loved river for current and future generations.”
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