Sierra Club
Redwood Chapter Newsletter
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Lake Group Report Victoria Brandon | |
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Cache Creek: Wild and Scenic? The Lake Group is still working hard for the passage of AB 1328, the bill adding 31 miles of Cache Creek to the state Wild and Scenic River system. It landed on Governor Schwartzenegger's desk in late August, and we had hoped to be able to announce its passage in this issue of the Needles. But on September 6, the deadline for him to sign (or veto) the bill, he "requested more time to consider" it, and thereby set the clock ticking for an additional 30 days, until October 7. Keeping Genetic Engineering Out Lake County has become the latest battleground in the GMO wars: an ordinance establishing a 2-year moratorium on the cultivation of genetically engineered glyphosate-resistent alfalfa has been drafted by a group of local environmentalists, farmers, and concerned citizens that have banded together to form the Coalition for Responsible Agriculture. No "Roundup Ready" alfalfa has been planted in the county (yet), but its introduction would undoubtedly lead to increased herbicide use (that was, after all, the reason for the creation of this chimera), and possibly to the acceleration of glyphosate-resistence among targetted weed species, a development which could seriously hamper the already difficult battle against invasive alien vegetation. The ordinance came |
up for consideration by the Board of Supervisors on August 23 before a standing-room-only chamber, but time constraints and the complexity of the discussion compelled postponement to September 27. Another packed house can be expected. The Lake Group is committed to keeping local agriculture clean, green, and economically viable, and as active members of the Coalition we are enthusiastically supporting this ordinance, encouraging Sierra Club members to attend the meeting, and asking them to speak in its behalf. Although the majority of the supervisors have indicated an inclination to favor it, the Farm Bureau, with support from the chemical industry, has mounted a vigorous opposition campaign, so it is essential that members of the community make their views clear to our elected representatives. New Treasurer Pam Gentry resigned from both ExCom and the job of Treasurer when she moved to Oregon in June. We accepted her resignation with great regret, and now with equal delight announce that Debra Sally has agreed to fill the gap. Debi brings a new perspective to the Lake Group, not only as an able and dedicated veterinarian, but as an active participant in Rotary and the Citizens' Coalition of Lake County. |