Calaveras Supervisors to reconsider Wild and Scenic designation.

Three months after they voted unanimously to support a California State Legislature proposal to declare 37 miles of the Mokelumne River as “wild and scenic,” the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors is having second thoughts.

Supervisor Cliff Edson asked his colleagues to schedule a study session at which it would be possible for critics of the earlier resolution to speak. Edson said that when the board supported the Wild and Scenic designation, it was responding to input from many community members.

Although environmentalists have for decades sought protection for the river, Edson said that many people were caught by surprise by the resolution and had not had an opportunity to address it. In particular, county leaders connected to water agencies have concerns that the designation could eliminate local water rights on the river and limit future water supplies, he said.

“I’m asking that we revisit the resolution,” Edson said.

Supervisor Chris Wright was formerly the chief executive for the Foothill Conservancy, one of the organizations that has long sought protection for the Moke. Wright said he supported Edson’s request and agreed with holding a study session to consider the issues around whether to protect part of the Mokelumne from additional dams and other development.

“I think we all have to work together in this small county,” Edson said.

Board Chairwoman Debbie Ponte also agreed that the board should reconsider the Wild and Scenic resolution.

County Administrative Officer Lori Norton said that it will likely be July or August before it will be possible to schedule the study session and reconsideration. By then, any new resolution from Calaveras County could be moot, as the bill just got approved Thursday, May 29, by the state Senate and now moves on to the Assembly.

A number of other local entities including the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors and the board of the Calaveras County Water District have come out in opposition to the Wild and Scenic designation.