Water shortage has become a global problem, necessitating a change in how societies value and use water. Today's water scarcity challenges us to recognize the preciousness of water and learn how to steward this resource.
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This June, Sanctuary Forest completed the first water conservation easement in the Mattole watershed. This breakthrough easement includes a legal forbearance agreement in which the landowner agrees to refrain from pumping river water during low-flow months.
A very successful River Conference was held on July 9th, facilitated by Chris Maser, environmental scientist and philosopher. More than 75 residents attended the conference, which focused on the causes and solutions to the low-flow crisis.
Sediment pollution also contributes to the low-flow problem. This summer bulldozers, excavators, and dump trucks are moving into the Mattole River headwaters to decommission abandoned logging roads that are the source of 80% of the sediment that clogs the river.
All of these projects are part of a greater watershed-wide effort to return the Mattole River to a state of health and vitality.
For more information: 707/986-1087,
www.sanctuaryforest.org
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TOC for Forest & River News, Summer 2005