The MEC recently received a letter from David Bolling, the organization's president, describing the status of FORR's recent activities. Bolling states that FORR has been working for the past several months to put into place an effective structure to address the many complex issues affecting the health of the river. FORR has convened numerous organizational meetings, adopted a mission statement and by-laws and hired Tom Roth to be Executive Director. Roth is the former environmental aide to Rep. Frank Riggs.
FORR has been an active participant in a number of issues related to the Russian River. Some examples include:
¡ Involvement in initiating and collaborating on the two very successful congressional forums on the Russian River with Representatives Lynn Woolsey and Dan Hamburg;
¡ Joining with lower river groups, they assisted in temporarily halting a drive to weaken wastewater release standards;
¡ With Trout Unlimited, they have fought for a thorough environmental review of Sonoma County's summer crossings;
¡ They have commented or testified on several gravel mining plans;
¡ In cooperation with the Sequoia Paddling Club, sponsors of the Russian River Clean-up in Sonoma County, they convinced the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to declare an official Russian River Clean-up day; and
¡ In pursuit of a comprehensive management plan and fisheries restoration for the Russian River, they have met with numerous elected officials and state and federal agencies.
In his letter of October 21, 1993, Bolling emphasized the importance of launching an active campaign to rehabilitate the river and the need to involve representatives from Mendocino County in that effort. Bolling specifically invited a representative from the MEC to serve on the FORR steering committee. The steering committee is intended to serve in an advisory capacity to FORR's Board of Directors.
We think this program shows promise of making a significant contribution to restoring the river and deserves our support. Persons wishing to represent the MEC on FORR's steering committee should contact Gary or Betty by Dec. 15th, 1993.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2004
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