Wolk honored for Cache Creek preservation

Legislator awarded for her work to designate Cache Creek a Wild a Scenic River

SAN FRANCISCO—Assemblymember Lois Wolk (D-Davis) was honored Friday evening for her preservation of a stretch of Cache Creek running through Yolo and Lake Counties.

Wolk was awarded the Philip Burton Wilderness Award by the California Wilderness Coalition for her Assembly Bill 1328 designating 31 miles of Cache Creek as a State Wild, Scenic and Recreational River to preserve the unique environmental and recreational qualities that set it apart from many other waterways in the state. The award honors elected officials and other leaders “who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to wilderness conservation in California, making them true champions for California’s wild lands.”

“It’s a great honor to be included among recipients who have protected the wild places that make the Californian landscape so unique,” said Wolk. “It was rewarding to see Cache Creek recognized for its natural, scenic and recreational significance. Now, the creek will forever be protected for the enjoyment of Californians and people everywhere.”

“Assemblywoman Wolk has foresight and vision for conservation in California,” said CWC’s Executive Director Mary Wells. “The Cache Creek Wild and Scenic River Act is a symbol of that vision.”

The CWC presented Wolk with the award at their 30th Anniversary Celebration in San Francisco. U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) was also honored.

This is the second time the group has bestowed the award, named for the U.S. Congressman made famous by his National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978. Prior winners Senator Barbara Boxer (D-San Francisco) and Congressman Sam Farr (D-CA) were honored for their efforts in passing the Big Sur Wilderness and Conservation Act. The Coalition only awards the honor, Wells said, “when we think there’s a special reason.”

The CWC, an organization dedicated to protecting California wilderness and native biodiversity, has over 5,000 members and 200 member organizations.