
The
Wild and Scenic designation for portions of the Mokelumne
River in Amador County
proposed by the Bureau of Land Management, or B-L-M, has generated quite a bit
of discussion amongst both local opponents and proponents of the designation. According to Chris Wright of
the Foothill Conservancy there are many direct benefits to the designation.
Wright says the National Wild and Scenic River
designation is good for local people because it ensures we can continue using
our river in all the ways we do today. He emphasizes
that the federal designation protects people locally by making sure that no big
city can destroy more of our river with a dam and reservoir to provide
water to the urban areas. There are also positive economic impacts to local
communities says Wright because the national recognition is a tourist draw Amador County
for nature and wild life enthusiatists.
Wright
says that the designation does not regulate private land at all -- but in fact,
is likely to increase its property
values. For more information, see
www.foothillconservancy.org or call Chris at 295-4900.