Write Senator Boxer to co-sponsor S. 2921: The California Desert Protection Act
The California Desert Protection Act introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein would help protect over 72 miles of rivers. It includes parts of the Amargosa River, Deep Creek, Surprise Canyon, and the Whitewater River to be designated Wild & Scenic. S. 2921 needs co-sponsors and would directly benefit by having both our state's Senators behind this bill. Urge Senator Boxer to become a co-sponsor of this critical legislation. TAKE ACTION: click here to send your letter to Senator Boxer.
Write President Obama to Save California's River-Side Trees
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has ordered all state and local flood control districts to remove every tree and shrub larger than two inches in diameter from the banks of its levees or risk losing Federal funding and assistance. This tree-elimination policy would destroy more than 1,600 miles of wildlife-rich riparian forest in California alone and would severely impact a good number of already threatened species including the Swainson's hawk, Delta smelt, Chinook salmon and more. Plus, the policy would cost more than $7 billion to implement. Friends of the River strongly opposes this short-sighted and destructive mandate and is calling the move, a "War on Nature." We need concerned individuals like you to tell President Barack Obama that this issue deserves his attention. TAKE ACTION: click here to send your letter to President Obama.
Thank Rep. Farr, Protecting the rivers of the Big Sur Coast
Representative Sam Farr (D-Carmel) has introduced legislation in Congress to add to the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System more than 90 miles of rivers and streams flowing from public lands in the Big Sur Coast region. HR 4040 proposes protection for four rivers and streams and their tributaries in Monterey County and one creek in San Luis Obispo County. Wild & Scenic designation of the rivers and streams will help protect some of the few remaining free flowing rivers on public lands in the Big Sur region. “The forests and coastline of Big Sur and the rivers along the Central Coast are known worldwide as places of amazing beauty,” Rep. Farr stated when he introduced the bill. “But it will take effort by all of us to maintain that beauty,” he said. Rep. Farr deserves a huge thanks from all conservationists for introducing HR 4040. TAKE ACTION: click here to send a thank you email to Rep. Farr.
Klamath River Restoration: It's Important
FOR has been a key voice for the removal of hydroelectric dams responsible for fish-kills and poor water quality on the Klamath River for seven years. A draft settlement agreement was released in late September that could lead to the removal of these four dams on the Klamath River and restoration of the river’s once fabled salmon runs. This is an important step towards restoration of the Klamath River, but the draft settlement provides little certainty that dams will be removed by the proposed target date of 2020. Friends of the River noted that not only does the draft agreement fail to guarantee removal of the dams, it provides broad liability protection for PacifiCorp against future lawsuits (even in circumstances where PacifiCorp could be negligent), and will rely on the multi-million dollar appropriations from the two states and the federal government to pay to remove the dams and restore the river. Much more work and effort will be required of all parties to ensure that the dams are actually removed, and the Klamath River salmon is restored in our lifetime.
Key decision makers need to hear from you TODAY to ensure that Klamath hydro dams are removed to restore the river’s salmon runs and water quality. There are many threats to the Klamath River: from toxic water in the reservoirs affecting human health, to vanished spawning habitat for the local fisheries, to upstream pollutants affecting water quality for all downstream users. Take Action.
Tell Congressman Drier to protect additional rivers and lands in our San Gabriel Mountains
More than three million people visit the San Gabriel Mountains every year to hike, fish, ride horses, camp, ski, snowboard, hunt, picnic, pan for gold, and simply enjoy the remarkable natural beauty of these majestic mountains. The National Forest lands that encompass the range are some of the most heavily visited public lands in the United States. Comprising 70% of Los Angeles County’s open space, the San Gabriel Mountains provide 35% of the region’s drinking water, while generating clean air for local communities. The mountains also offer critical habitat and biological corridors for Nelson’s big horn sheep, California condor, mountain lion, spotted owl, native frogs and fish, and many other endangered, threatened, and sensitive species. San Gabriel Mountains Forever is a coalition of local business owners, residents, faith and community leaders, recreation groups, health and social service organizations, and conservation groups who have come together to protect this magnificent mountain range’s wild places. Take Action.
North San Diego Wild Heritage Campaign
Thank Rep. Issa for proposing the protection of wild places and rivers in San Diego and Riverside Counties
Friends of the River is working with the California Wilderness Coalition, The Wilderness Society, Sierra Club, and other conservation groups to protect wild rivers and wilderness on public lands in northern San Diego County and southwestern Riverside County.
Congressional Representative, Darrell Issa, has already proposed legislation to add to the existing Agua Tibia and Beauty Mountain Wilderness areas. Please take a few minutes to send him a thank you email and encourage him to expand the legislation to include other wild places and several proposed Wild & Scenic Rivers. Click here to send your comments to Rep. Issa.
