Cache Creek Wild & Scenic Bill passes Assembly with bipartisan support

Wolk amends legislation to protect local water rights

"We jumped a big hurdle today," said Assemblywoman Wolk. "Today's vote proves that we can strike a balance, and that agriculture and conservation interests can coexist… even work together to preserve a great natural resource such as Cache Creek."

Last week, attorneys for Lake County, the Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, and Friends of the River jointly developed significant amendments to Wolk's Assembly Bill 1328 that will protect water rights, prevent a federal wild and scenic designation and insure that efforts to eradicate mercury and invasive species will not be stopped.

"This bill is the product of negotiations that included everyone with an interest in the Creek. I have been meeting with people in my District on this issue for two years," said Wolk. "We are closer today to our goal of preserving 31 miles of Cache Creek for future generations, while protecting the fundamental water and flood management interests of the local community. But there is still work to be done. I look forward to working with the Senate and the Governor.

"There has been a groundswell of support for this legislation from environmental groups and hundreds of individuals who want to see Cache Creek preserved for future generations. I have received nearly 1000 letters in support of this bill, letters that say clearly how vital Cache Creek is to the community… as a natural beauty, a richly diverse ecosystem, and source of recreation."

Among the bill's other supporters are the County of Yolo, the city of Davis, the city of West Sacramento, Sierra Club California, Sierra Club Yolano Chapter, Sierra Club Mother Lode Chapter, California Trout, Sacramento River Preservation Trust, Northern California Federation of Fly Fishers, California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, Friends of the River, Cache Creek Wild, California Audubon Society, Yolo Audubon Society, Trout Unlimited, Patagonia, The California Oak Foundation, California Wilderness Coalition, Natural Resources Defense Council, California Canoe and Kayak, Defenders of Wildlife, California League of Conservation Voters, Environmental Defense, and hundreds of individuals.