Sierra Club
Redwood Chapter Newsletter
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Lake Group Report Victoria Brandon | |
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The Future: Our Vision Lately most Lake Group conservation issues seem to cluster around growth - how to manage it - and sustainability - how achieve it. Our stimulating October Sustainability Forum produced general agreement on several points: that we have been enjoying (or suffering, depending on your point of view) an unprecedented building boom in the past few years; that we are very fortunate to live in a place that hasn't been ruined (yet); and that with careful planning and creative thinking we have an opportunity to preserve what we have and build a better future. Three uncommon local characteristics stand out with particular clarity: natural beauty and much nearly-pristine wild land; charming small towns with an unhurried atmosphere and old-fashioned friendliness; and an agricultural base typified by small farms producing high value crops. All are vital both environmentally and economically. In the meantime, there seem to be subdivisions sprouting on every hillside, and we are constantly being called upon to distinguish between "Smart Growth" (good) and "Sprawl" (bad). In an attempt to balance growth with sustainability and to keep both firmly grounded in local conditions, we have drafted a Vision Statement on Lake County's future. Vice Chair Denise Rushing wrote it, all the members of the ExCom commented, criticized, and rewrote, and then Denise put Humpty back together again so skillfully that the final result quite amazingly does NOT sound like something written by a committee. We're very proud of this document, and hope that it will be a useful tool as we struggle to make hard choices in the future. Please take a look: it's been posted to the Lake Group website and printouts will be available at all meetings and social events. |
Hitch Migration Coming Up Spring really isn't far away, and in the Clear Lake basin spring brings the uniquely dramatic spectacle of the annual hitch spawning migration. These native fish live deep in the Lake most of the year, but breed in tributary creeks; once unimaginably abundant, their population seems to have declined precipitously, for reasons that are still poorly understood. In hopes of lifting the veil of ignorance, the Chi Council coordinates an annual volunteer survey of the spawning run: 2006 will be the third year of the count. Last year nearly three dozen volunteer fish-spotters took part, and the Council hopes to recruit at least as many this year. Details, downloadable observations forms, and contact information are available on the Council website. Please help! Lake Group Vice Chair Running for Supervisor It's decided: Denise Rushing has decided to contest the District 3 seat. An energetic crew of supporters has been circulating petitions to get her name on the ballot since the beginning of the year, and her strong environmental voice and the prospect of bringing some gender balance to the BOS have aroused a great deal of enthusiasm. For more information about Denise and about the campaign, visit www.deniseforsupervisor.org. |