As evidenced in the history of local debates, watersheds are a big issue here in Amador County. In addition to county government, who is charged with protecting our valuable watershed lands? In 2003, as part of a settlement with the California Public Utilities Commission, or CPUC, PG&E was required to establish a “PG&E Environmental Enhancement Corporation” to oversee conservation on California watershed lands. That non-profit corporation is now called the Pacific Forest and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council. The council will receive 10 million dollars per year from PG&E until the year 2013. According to Ric Notini, Director of the Land Conservation Program, the council is in the process of developing a comprehensive land conservation plan.

The council’s mission is to preserve and protect about 981 parcels of watershed lands covering over 140,000 acres, more than 221 square miles, which includes 22 counties in California, including Amador and Calaveras counties. The council has identified watershed lands in each area that will be donated to an appropriate public entity, non-profit group, or recognized Indian tribe for protection and preservation. As for Amador County, there are over 2800 acres available for donation. The selection system will ensure that the lands are protected as watershed lands and never developed. Notini says this is a “great project” and is “looking forward to starting the pilot program.” Interested organizations can find more information on the council’s website at www.StewardshipCouncil.org. We’ll have more on the activities of the council when Amador County is identified in the next step of their process.