When Redwood Chapter leaders met with Congressman Jared Huffman in October, the cordial and productive conversation ranged from efforts to protect the Wild and Scenic Smith River from nickel mining and remove dams from the Klamath to preventing right-wing extremists from dismembering the state of California and the goals of the upcoming United Nations climate conference in Paris. We also touched briefly on an exciting proposal to designate substantial new federal Wilderness Areas and Wild and Scenic Rivers in the northern part of the Chapter.
As discussed earlier this year, a broadly based stakeholder group under the leadership of the Wilderness Society and California Wilderness Coalition has been working behind the scenes to define boundaries, identify outstanding natural features, and hold quiet discussions with neighboring private landowners, federal agencies and local tribes. As the proposal (which includes plans for fire management, restoration, and trailbuilding) has evolved, a few details have changed and maps have been redrawn, but all of the newly protected areas would be situated in Representative Huffman’s Congressional District 2, with the bulk in Trinity County, others in Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte counties -- and far to the south, Olema Creek in Marin.
Over the summer North Group has led several hikes into areas proposed for protection, and both Redwood Chapter Outings leaders and the San Francisco Bay Chapter’s Backpacking Section have been making plans for more extended adventures next summer. At the same time, the campaign has drafted legislative language that they hope to offer for Congressman Huffman’s consideration before the end of the year. If all goes according to plan enabling legislation may be brought before Congress early in 2016.
Please visit www. mountainsandrivers.org for more information, and please consider offering a letter of support to demonstrate strong grassroots backing for the permanent protection of some of our most special public lands. Details about composing and sending support letters are posted to the website, with the crucial point being that they should be submitted to the campaign, not to the Congressman.
More later!
by Victoria Brandon, Redwood Chapter Chair
