Friends of Gualala River Protecting the Gualala River watershed and the species living within it
Dominating the celebratory opening of the first meeting of the new year for Friends of Gualala River (FoGR) was the continuing relief, pleasure, gratitude, and absolute joy in learning that Mill Bend is now in the hands of Redwood Coast Land Conservancy. See the article Mill Bend in Conservation Hands by John Walton, telling more about this achievement for all who live on the Mendonoma coast as well as for all those in the state concerned about preserving our rivers.
At the recent FoGR meeting in early January, Kathleen Chasey gave a highly informative summary of how the Mill Bend Coalition and Redwood Coast Land Conservancy (RCLC) have been working together over the years, and toward RCLC’s acquisition of Mill Bend. Those at the meeting learned about the negotiation process, coming plans, and the need to keep thinking of ways to raise money to sustain all that can happen for the benefit of the community from protection of this piece of land.
A new status for FoGR: FoGR recently incorporated as an independent non-profit organization, after 27 years under the umbrella of Redwood Coast Watersheds Alliance. In other words, we now have to stand on our own two feet!
The Gualala River Watershed Signs Project made major headway this past year toward reaching its goal of installing nine signs throughout the watershed identifying its area. The project is being carried out by FoGR volunteers who have worked tirelessly with three transportation jurisdictions to make the “Entering Gualala River Watershed” signs a reality. While a completion date for the effort is still fluid, those traveling through the watershed can expect to see the signs appearing sometime this winter. Stay tuned by visiting FoGR’s website and obtaining information from local media sources.
So keep reading! And, please, consider a donation to FoGR. We are all locals working for you as volunteers, and we welcome your ideas, monetary donations, and willingness to join us. Watch in the Independent Coast Observer (ICO) for notice of our times of meeting and our updates on the website! Everyone is welcome, appreciated, and needed!
February, 2020 Newsletter articles:
- Message from Charlie Ivor, President of FoGR
- Update on litigation concerning the Magical Forest, aka the timber harvest plan “Dogwood”
- Mill Bend in Conservation Hands
- 2019 Donors to Friends of Gualala River
