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Conservation Updates The Cache Creek State Wild and Scenic River bill continues to wind its way through the legislature and will soon land on Governor Schwarzenegger's desk. It is important to write the governor and urge him to sign AB 1328. This bill will provide the permanent protection and recognition that Cache Creek merits. Write Governor Schwarzenegger, State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814. For more information go to www.cachecreek.org. The Synergia student 2005 Cache Creek Expedition recently completed a 22 minute film on the Cache Creek wild and scenic river campaign. We have extra copies if you would like to share them with your friends, church or service group. It is an eloquent documentary on why it is important to protect our remaining wild places, as seen through the eyes of young people We now have Cache Creek Wild caps and T-shirts. You can get them at the farmers market or call Bob Schneider at 530-304-6215 or email bschneider@tuleyome.org. North Coast Wilderness Bill (Thompson-HR 233) The North Coast Wilderness bill recently passed the Senate on a consent vote (100-0) and has been heard in a House subcommittee hearing chaired by Rep. Richard Pombo. This is a high priority bill for Congressman Mike Thompson and he will press hard for passage. The bill will protect 31,000 acres of Cache Creek as wilderness. While many say that the Kings Range, also protected by the bill, will be the crown jewel of the Bureau of Land Management wilderness system, we know that the real crown jewel is our own Cache Creek! Conaway Ranch: The Sierra Club Yolano Group, Yolo Audubon Society, and Tuleyome are supporters of the purchase of the Conaway Ranch by Yolo County. Our most recent news is that the court decision has been delayed at the request of Yolo County while the County negotiate with respect to a direct purchase with developer Steve Gidaro and the other owners. It is best to think of this purchase by projecting ourselves 50 or 100 years in the future. We see a protected working landscape with enhanced environmental benefits. Hundreds of thousands of Californians will have visited the Ranch, gaining a greater appreciation for both our wild heritage and our agricultural heritage. There will have been a tremendous change in the Central Valley, but this small area, protected through the leadership and vision of Yolo County supervisors will be there to remind us all of where we came from, and who we are as Americans. Such vision and leadership was guiding those who had the foresight to set aside land for Central Park, Golden Gate Park or our National Forests. Lake Berryessa Redevelopment Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision It is currently expected that the Final Environmental Impact Statement on the Bureau of Reclamation redevelopment of Lake Berryessa will be certified in September, 2005. This should shortly be followed by the published Record of Decision. Lake Berryessa redevelopment will entail the removal of the 1300 trailer homes that have, in effect, privatized the use of this public recreation area. New family oriented, nature based recreation will return to the lake. Zoning on the lake will provide quiet zones for canoes and oar boats, while new recreation facilities will enhance day use and overnight accommodations for families. Current motor powered boat recreation will also continue. National recreation concessionaire firms have expressed interest in operations at Lake Berryessa. This will improve the quality of facilities and operations; and assure significantly improved long-term environmental compliance. |
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