Conservationists got a little help from some perhaps surprising sources in winning a designation for the Mokelumne River as the latest Wild and Scenic River in California.
Steve Evans reports on the culmination of years of work that has resulted in the newest designation of a Wild and Scenic River in California.
The natural resources budget bill signed by Governor Jerry Brown in the last week of June also designated the Mokelumne River as a Wild and Scenic River.
The designation protects 37 miles of the river from Salt Springs Dam to a point just upstream of Highway 49. "California Wild and Scenic Rivers are protected against destructive dams and diversion projects and state agencies are required to protect the rivers’ free-flowing character and extraordinary scenic, recreation, fish and wildlife values," explains Evans. A study complete earlier this year enabled the designation, finding the river to be "free-flowing and to possess extraordinary scenic and recreation values."
The designation is the result of work by the Friends of the River, the Foothill Conservancy, Amador and Calaveras counties, East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), and the California Natural Resources Agency.
FULL STORY: Why California’s New Wild and Scenic River Is a Big Deal
Bill Would Double Protections for Montana Rivers
The Montana Headwaters Legacy Act would double the number of wild and scenic rivers in the state of Montana.
A Path for California to Get to Zero Carbon...And Below
A new study from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory evaluates strategies to achieve former Gov. Jerry Brown's goal of carbon neutrality by 2045. Unlike other reports that study emission reductions, it evaluates "negative emissions" strategies.
Can Hydrogen Make a Comeback?
While hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles are much less popular than their battery-powered siblings, California remains committed to the zero-emission technology, with three state agencies investing in and monitoring its progress.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)