On April 4, Sen. Loni Hancock, of Oakland, introduced legislation to designate 37 miles of the North Fork and main Mokelumne River a State Wild and Scenic River. The Mokelumne provides 90 percent of the water for Hancock’s constituents in the East Bay. If the Wild and Scenic River designation is made into law, it will ensure that all current uses of the river between Salt Springs Dam and Pardee Reservoir continue while protecting its free-flowing segments from new dams.

“The Mokelumne River is an extremely important state resource that provides high-quality drinking water to 1.4 million East Bay water users,” Hancock said. “It deserves to be recognized and protected as a Wild and Scenic River. This designation will protect the East Bay’s water supply while ensuring the Mokelumne’s importance is reflected in state law for generations to come.”

The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors unanimously endorsed the Wild and Scenic designation in late February. It recognized that protecting the Mokelumne as a state Wild and Scenic River will enhance the rural economies of Amador and Calaveras counties by boosting tourism, providing for family recreation and ensuring the river is permanently protected for present and future generations.

“The Mokelumne is very important to Calaveras County’s people and our economy,” said Calaveras County Supervisor Chris Wright, whose district borders the Mokelumne. “It’s where our families go on a hot day and teach their kids about nature. Local families pass those experiences down from generation to generation. The Moke also attracts tourists who spend money in our local businesses.”