SAVE THE MOKE – Support Wild & Scenic

Help Save the Moke on Wednesday, March 11:

Urge CCWD directors to support Wild and Scenic River protection, not wasteful study and delay

What: Calaveras County Water District Board meeting
When: Wednesday, March 11, 9:00 a.m.
Where: 120 Toma Court, San Andreas, off Poole Station Road

On Wednesday morning, CCWD will consider jumping on the bandwagon of those who claim that the state needs to spend even more money before protecting the Mokelumne from Salt Springs to Pardee as a state Wild and Scenic River. The board will consider taking a support position for Assembly Bill 142 (Bigelow)which would prevent permanent state protection for the Moke until the state carries out more studies.

Please attend the meeting and tell the CCWD directors: 

>>))))):>  The Mokelumne is clearly eligible for state Wild and Scenic River protection based on federal studies. There’s no need for more public spending when the state and federal government have spent more than $2 M on Mokelumne River studies and planning projects.

>>))))):>  Unlike previous state Wild and Scenic study bills, AB 142 does nothing to protect the river while a study is pending (and there’s no due date or spending limit!).

>>))))):> The Mokelumne is more than a source of water. Calaveras residents use the river every day and understand its value to the local community and economy.

>>))))):> Calaveras has water options that are compatible with Wild and Scenic designation. AB 142 isn’t about providing more information. It’s just about delay. There’s already a state regulation on how the state evaluates water rights applications for projects upstream of Wild and Scenic Rivers.

>>))))):> Last year’s foothill opponents to state Wild and Scenic Mokelumne protection said it would cost the state more money. Now they want to spend an unspecified amount on unecessary studies!

>>))))):> Failing to protect the Mokelumne leaves it open for onstream dams that could destroy the most-valued parts of the river. Thirsty, affluent urban and agricultural water districts will be looking at every dam option as the drought continues.

>>))))):> As a local resident, taxpayer and (if you are) ratepayer, you want to see the river protected now with state Wild and Scenic River designation.

The board should not support AB 142. 

For more information, contact Cecily Smith at 209-223-3508 or by e-mail.