1) I continue to attend lengthy but very interesting meetings of the Chico Water Coalition (CWC). At the last meeting, one of the major local developers (named Zeke Lunder) of a very useful website explained it, his concerns about getting funding to keep the sight up to date, and making it increasingly lay user-friendly. A major focus is Watershed Protection and Restoration. Go to Sacriverorg, where one can see many different layers, zoomed photos, etc,. in this GPS mapping of the entire Sacramento Watershed from Oregon to the Delta.
ACTION ITEM: Our group should write the CA Secretary of Natural Resources about our environmental concerns, especially regarding WATER issues. (The next water CWC meeting will focus on ways we can educate the public to prepare for the next Water Bond vote.)
2) 3/20/11 MLC Conservation and Executive Committee Meetings: a few points that might interest the Yahi leadership:
ACTION ITEM: We are one of two MLC groups that has not sought what we are owed financially: We should be requesting reimbursement for those portions of our newsletter that would be covered by C3 funds. The money comes form National.
ACTION ITEM: The MLC Political committee chair, Andy Sawyer (VERY dedicated), is looking for volunteers from each group --whom Andy could notify when environmental legislation comes up . (Frequency of volunteer efforts in our area would be small given the leanings of our representatives.)"Andy Sawyer" andysawyer@aol.com
+Forest biomass is a source of controversy within the club, e.g., MLC's Forest Legacy Group has a position, but SC-California is very split on issue. There are different ideas re what to do with the forest biomass including; use small wood for products, remove all by burning it, chip and scatter, etc. In order to help reach our goal of truly healthy forests for the long-term: if we go for removal through burning in short term, the EPA might push back due to carbon emissions. Concerns about how to pay for it, too. MLC will have a position, while being especially attentive to our concern that large trees not be removed.
+Climate Action plans of several cities were discussed, including my making brief remarks about Chico's plan & its limitations, e.g, more housing and highways allowed in General Plan would negate much of the supposed big efforts to clean our air. The city of Davis has what-sounds-like a truly great plan which was developed bottom-up ,i.e., by grassroots efforts, and not top-down. (One can find cities' climate plans on the web.)
+The Club's Resilient Habitats campaign is concerned about logging companies getting carbon credits. Defenders of Wildlife is especially active with this.
+The U.S. House GOP, e.g., McClintock, is trying to roll back crucial environmental regulations, including Wild and Scenic River designations, allowing more dams, etc. Sierra Club is unaccustomed to fighting for this on the national level; thus club needs people to lobby in D.C. Moreover, longtime attempts by SC and others to develop a huge national park around Lake Berryessa are threatened now.
+Terry Davis will look into vernal pools issue, e.g., should we be considering wider regional perspectives in Habitat Conservation Plans (part of our counties' General Plans), and not just preservation of local vernal pools?
3. As you know from my email, I sent a letter to the City of Chico about air quality issues in the General Plan. I also attended the Planning Commission meeting and presented that letter aloud at the beginning of the meeting.
4. I am always glad to find out about the activism of other Yahi leaders, e.g., Dave Garcia's presentation of a film about fracking at the Grange, and his efforts to get younger people involved in the club! Moreover, John Hollister volunteered to attend Chico City Manager Dave Burkland's quarterly environmental meetings at City Hall next week (March 31). Please share with us what you learn through your activism.
Grace Maria Marvin
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