Growth and Development
Group files suit to stop Ione Casino
Friends of Amador County challenges status of tribal members. Gambling Online Magazine, February 12, http://www.gamblingonlinemagazine.com/gambling-news-detail.php?articleID...
Valley Springs residents to vote on boundary
Meeting on community plan to be held February 23. Calaveras Enterprise, February 12, http://www.calaverasenterprise.com/articles/2010/02/09/news/news02_bound...
Sustainability
New program offers energy audits and helps local government
Sierra Nevada Energy watch will help individuals with their homes and governments with climate action plans. Sierra Business Council press release on YubaNet, February 12, http://yubanet.com/regional/4-8-Million-Dollar-Energy-Efficiency-Program...
Wildlife
Environmental group sues over trout stocking
Says Dept of Fish and Game hasn't adequately studied impact of stocking trout in lakes. Sacramento Bee, February 12, http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/story/2527498.html
Backyard bird count begins this weekend
Help scientists learn how well different bird species are doing. The Record, February 12, http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100212/A_NEWS/2120322 See http://www.birdsource.org
Forestry
Sierra Pacific Industries repackages clearcutting as good for the planet
But environmentalists suing it disagree. SF Bay Guardian, February 10, http://www.sfbg.com/2010/02/10/logging-helps-planet?page=0,0
Odds and Ends
Help save an amazing piece of Amador’s History
The Ione Railroad Depot and the Ione City Council heard of the offering by the Union Pacific Railroad to donate the historic old Ione Depot, but there is concern about the existence of some asbestos and lead paint. The City, being a governmental entity, must follow the rules and regulations of other governmental entities in the removal of this "toxic" material. The City is held to a higher standard than is a non governmental entity. One cannot just assemble a group of interested persons to go in and scrape, sand, remove and dispose of these substances. Qualified and certified technicians will be required to accomplish this task.
There may be some who have experience in a similar project. It would be helpful to the City of Ione in saving this 140+ year old railroad icon which sits in the center of the Ione rail yard. Unless, and until, the city decides to take on this project, the end of the depot will come under a wrecking ball.
RRC is a unique, hybred railroad holding corporation whose goal it is to preserve railroad corridors for their educational, recreational and historic values. The Ione Depot is an integral part of the trackage in Ione. It would, indeed, be a shame to see the depot disposed of in such a destructive manner.
Are there any readers who can offer recommendations, suggestions or comments in support of this possible project?
If anyone knows about any special grant, or other funding, for the removal of asbestos and lead paint on historic buildings, please send it on to Larry Bowler at rrcpres@yahoo.com
Larry Bowler, President
RRC/RRCHS
Counties cooperate in seeking broadband service
Group wants to expand high-speed Internet in the foothills. Amador Ledger Dispatch, February 11, http://www.ledger-dispatch.com/news/newsview.asp?c=265919
Take a full moon hike on Tahoe's shores: http://yubanet.com/regional/Park-Ranger-Full-Moon-Hikes-on-Lake-Tahoe-Sh...
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