Governor Signs Legislation to Protect Popular Rafting and Recreation Destination

Sacramento - California reinforced its commitment to preserving the Golden State's wild heritage today, when Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill that will add approximately 31 miles of Cache Creek, flowing primarily through public lands in Lake and Yolo Counties, to the California Wild & Scenic Rivers system.

Authored by Assembly member Lois Wolk (D-Davis), the Cache Creek bill received bipartisan support from county supervisors and city councils, dozens of businesses, conservation groups and scientists throughout California.

"This bill protects the environment and the water rights of many diverse stakeholders. The Governor did the right thing, not only for local residents, but for all Californians" added Ed Robey, Chair of the Lake County Board of Supervisors.

Wild and Scenic designation grants permanent protection to Cache Creek, prohibits new dams and water diversions, and helps protect wildlife, fisheries and the recreational opportunities Cache Creek provides for rafters, anglers, hikers and others. Designation will not affect the current management plans, invasive plant removal or mercury pollution abatement efforts.

The California Wild & Scenic Rivers Act (Public Resources Code Sec. 5093.50 et seq.) was passed in 1972. Today's signing brings the current number of rivers in California's Wild and Scenic system to thirteen. Conservation groups who backed the bill include Friends of the River, Cache Creek Wild, Trout Unlimited, Sierra Club and numerous other organizations. Republicans for Environmental Protection (REP America) also endorsed the legislation.

According to Steve Evans, Conservation Director of Friends of the River, "Assemblymember Wolk and the bill's supporters worked hard to address the interests of all who depend on this vital resource. It was a collaborative and bi-partisan effort, and we commend Governor Schwarzenegger on his action to preserve one of California's most spectacular wild places."

Bob Schneider of Cache Creek Wild adds, "We are ecstatic. State wide recognition for the wild and scenic values of Cache Creek is truly awesome. My thanks go out to the many volunteers that worked on this campaign and to the political leadership shown by Assemblymember Wolk and others that made this happen."

"WOODLAND - The Yolo County Board of Supervisors gave the nod to a former colleague on Tuesday, voting to support Assemblywoman Lois Wolk's wild and scenic rivers bill.

...The board wants to make sure that local control over the creek is not lost, that the existing water rights are protected, that no dams will be built on Cache Creek, and that invasive weeds can be removed and mercury monitored without interference.

But as long as those conditions are addressed in the coming months, the board agreed to support her efforts. AB 1328 would preserve and protect for public benefit 30 free-flowing miles of Cache Creek from a quarter-mile below Cache Creek Dam to Camp Haswell."

"Assemblywoman Lois Wolk, D-Davis, on Wednesday introduced a bill seeking to designate portions of Cache Creek in Yolo and Lake counties as a state wild, scenic and recreational river... AB 1328 would place about 31 miles of Cache Creek, from just below the Clear Lake dam to Camp Haswell at the upper end of the Capay Valley, as well as the creek's north fork downstream from Highway 20, into the state rivers system. About 80 percent of the land is under the control of the federal Bureau of Land Management, California Department of Fish and Game and Yolo County."

'Cache Creek is a great resource that needs to be protected. Not just for today, but protected long into the future," Wolk said in a news release. "A governor's signature on this bill will make sure a dam is never placed on Cache Creek and the abundant resources that make it such a special place will always be there.'"