Amador County – The Foothill Conservancy stated their disappointment Thursday over the Amador County Board of Supervisor’s decision to oppose designation of the Mokelumne River as a National Wild and Scenic River. ¶ The nonprofit group, along with many elected officials, 5,000 individuals and 100 local businesses, said the designation would protect the river from new dams and diversions and “restrain federal agencies and federal funding for dams.”

Supervisors voted 5-0 against the designation on Tuesday, citing concerns over the size of the area, eminent domain, and the Foothill Conservancy’s efforts to seek legislation in Washington, D.C. for the designation.

Supervisor John Plasse accused the Foothill Conservancy of “repeatedly advocating without the cooperation of the board of supervisors.”

The board did, however, agree to discuss legislative options with all stakeholders involved.

“We’re disappointed that the supervisors chose to oppose the designation, because it would really benefit the people and economy of the county,” said Foothill Conservancy Executive Director Chris Wright. “But we’re encouraged that they want to discuss legislative language with all of the river stakeholders.”

The Foothill Conservancy is spearheading the effort to oppose EBMUD’s 2040 plan, which includes an option to expand the Pardee Reservoir and flood portions of the Mokelumne River in order to provide more water to customers in the East Bay. They filed a joint lawsuit last November with California Sportfishing Protection Alliance and Friends of the River aimed at stopping the proposed expansion.

Wright says “the final say on any proposed Mokelumne dam will be made by appointed bureaucrats in Washington, D.C., not in Jackson by the county board of supervisors. We can change that with federal legislation that addresses everyone’s concerns.”

Landowners along the river are split on the issue and have expressed concern. Speaking Tuesday, Dennis Rodman of Roaring Camp said the designation bill “sounds really great unless you read the document, then it scares you,” and “gives away your rights.”

“We sponsored a workshop for landowners a couple of years ago, and we have always been willing and happy to work with them to protect the river in a way that also protects their interests,” said Wright. “It’s possible to write the legislation to do just that. Meeting to discuss legislative options will be a great step forward in our community’s effort to Save the Moke.”

Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.