OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Governor Gray Davis today announced the release of a landmark report that will help California protect and restore its watersheds, lakes, rivers, and waterways.

"My administration has made the protection of the state's watersheds a top priority," Governor Davis said. "This important study will help to protect and preserve our natural resources, improve water quality and leave a priceless legacy for the future."

The Resources Agency and Cal/EPA assembled a Joint Task Force to examine 10 exemplary local and grassroots watershed organizations. Its conclusions include suggestions on how to improve and develop partnerships between local groups and government, and approaches to providing support and improved guidance for grassroots groups.

The report, Addressing the Need to Protect California's Watersheds: Working in Partnerships, was the first of its kind, and a legislative requirement under AB 2117 (Wayne). The report was compiled over 18 months under the leadership of the Secretary of the Cal/EPA Winston H. Hickox, Secretary for Resources Mary D. Nichols, and State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Chairman Art Baggett. The Joint Task Force evaluated the relationships of state and federal agencies to local watershed group efforts and studied watershed projects geographically from Humboldt Bay in Northern California to Los Penasquitos Lagoon in San Diego.

A watershed is an area of land that drains water (and everything in the water) to an outlet - typically a lake, bay, or the ocean. 'Watershed protection partnerships' have gained popularity around the country and in California, helping to organize scientific data, engage local citizens and landowners in environmental stewardship, and deliver programs and activities to improve natural ecosystems and community health.

The 10 watersheds selected by the Joint Task Force on Watershed Management are (with counties): Humboldt Bay (Humboldt), Yuba River (Nevada), Clear Lake Basin (Lake), Tomales Bay (Marin), Codornices Creek (Alameda), Santa Clara Basin (Santa Clara), Elkhorn Slough (Monterey), Arroyo Seco (Los Angeles), Santa Ana River (Orange), and Los Penasquitos Lagoon (San Diego).

"Watersheds have a wonderful ability to bring people together, even those once in conflict," Secretary Nichols said. "Watersheds help find what unites rather than what divides a community. They also bring out creativity and innovation by bringing together many viewpoints through the collaborative process."

"We are fortunate to live and work in a state with some of the most diverse and beautiful ecosystems on Earth," SWRCB Chairman Baggett said. "All of us have the responsibility to protect, preserve, and restore these watersheds for the benefit of those that live here, the millions of visitors that recreate here, the migratory birds that rest in our waters, the farms that supply our food, and the generations yet to come. This report is the beginning of a process to set aside differences and do just that."

Please see attached list of selected watershed projects.
For more information on the Joint Task Force on California Watershed Management, please visit the web.