Amador Ledger Dispatch
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
More than 37 miles of the Mokelumne River are eligible for the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
Photo by: Courtesy to the Ledger Dispatch
Just in time for the Wild and Scenic River Act's 40th anniversary, more than 50 upcountry businesses signed on to support designating the Mokelumne a National Wild and Scenic River.
More than 37 miles of the river, from just below Salt Springs Dam to just below Highway 49, are eligible for this national recognition. Adding the river to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System requires an act of Congress. Foothill Conservancy is spearheading local efforts to protect the Mokelumne.
"We only recently launched our business outreach campaign, and the support has been overwhelming so far," said Chris Wright, executive director of the Foothill Conservancy. "Like the more than 1,000 individuals who have added their names to the Mokelumne Wild and Scenic support list, our business supporters are a very diverse group. They range from builders and grocery stores to tourism-related businesses that recognize the recreation marketing value of National Wild and Scenic River designation. The Mokelumne really is a river for everyone, and we need to keep it that way. Local residents and businesses understand that best of all."
Wild and scenic designation for the Mokelumne would protect the designated sections of the river from new dams and diversions. It would not affect the existing uses of the river for water supply, power generation or recreation.
Rick Torgerson, owner of West Point Publishing, is assisting the conservancy in its business campaign. "For most people, it boils down to this: Do you want to keep the Mokelumne flowing as it does today or would you like to see more dams on the river?" Torgerson said. "Nearly every business I have contacted so far supports the river."
Mokelumne Wild and Scenic supporters also include Lt. Gov. John Garamendi, the Volcano Community Services District and the Pine Grove Council.
Oct. 2 was the 40th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. This landmark federal legislation was intended to balance the development of some rivers with the preservation of other rivers in their free-flowing state. It was written by Idaho Sen. Frank Church and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Fifteen California rivers have been added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System since 1968. They include such well-known rivers as the Tuolumne, Merced, and American. Wild and scenic river designation prohibits new dams and diversions on the designated river reaches, ensuring that they keep flowing for generations to come.
"The act is notable for safeguarding the special character of these rivers, while also recognizing the potential for appropriate use and development," states the official multi-agency wild and scenic Web site, www.rivers.gov. "These living landscapes are uniquely managed to protect the public's enjoyment of these heritage resources for present and future generations."
To join the local businesses, individuals, officials and organizations who support protecting the Mokelumne River, contact the Foothill Conservancy at 295-4900 or fill out the online form at www.foothillconservancy.or. The recently revamped Web site features photographs of the Mokelumne River, video, FAQs, an interactive map, river access information, relevant documents and more.
For more information, contact Wright at 295-4900 or chris@foothillconservancy.org.
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