Fall 2009 Issue Click on the titles below to read more articles from this edition of Headwaters: From the Executive Director's Desk Water Won't Wash Away Valley's Recession Bringing the Stan Back to Life: An Interview with Christian Kallen Today's Youth, Tomorrow's Conservationists Rafting Program - A Labor of River Love Q & A with FOR Volunteers The Campaign to Save the Stanislaus River Protecting and Restoring California Rivers: Reports from the Front Lines Join Us: On the River Guide Training Give a Gift Membership To receive the next issue of Headwaters in your mailbox.  Become an FOR Member (or renew your membership) before May 2010. Click here to download a pdf version of Headwaters.

California Legislature Approves Controversial Water Package And Budget-Busting Water Bond

After a marathon special session that went well in the wee hours of the morning, the California Legislature approved early this week a controversial package of Delta water policy bills and a budget-busting $11 billion water bond. Its legislative supporters and some environmental groups hailed the complex package as fairly balanced and ambitious water reform. Friends of the River, other conservation and fishing groups, and Delta farmers opposed the legislation, noting that was rife with environmental loopholes and pork-barrel funding. Learn more >

2009 California River Awards: Stanislaus Campaigners Celebrated

 The 2009 California River Awards was a very special and meaningful event for F.O.R. because we honored the Stanislaus River campaigners whose unyielding efforts to save the Stanislaus River catalyzed a river conservation movement in CA and across the country.  Plus they started Friends of the River 35 years ago and inspired the work we carry on today.  Learn more, View pictures >

Save the Moke: EBMUD Approves Pardee Dam Expansion 

In the face of overwhelming opposition and impassioned public testimony, the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) board recently voted 4-2 to include options for a new and expanded Pardee Dam on the Mokelumne River in its 2040 water plan. At the same time, the board voted 6-0 to work with river conservation interests to secure National Wild and Scenic River protection for the Mokelumne River. In response to the vote to expand Pardee, Friends of the River, the Foothills Conservancy and other conservation groups are considering possible litigation. Read more >

Klamath River: Agreement, But will the dams be removed? 

The Oregon-based utility PacifiCorp, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and Native American Tribes released a draft settlement agreement on Wednesday, September 30 that could lead to the removal of four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River and restoration of the river’s once fabled salmon runs.  But the defining characteristic of the complex 130-page agreement is “could.” Read more >

Cartoon created by Rex Babin & published in the Sacramento Bee