The Highland Springs Trails Volunteers is continuing the work to keep Highland Springs' trails beautiful and accessible. The next work day is Saturday, October 22, 2011. Photo courtesy of Kim Riley.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Highland Springs Trails Volunteers will host a trail work day on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 9 a.m., with a catered lunch to follow for all volunteers.

Highland Springs Recreation Area is an extremely rugged and diverse 3,200-acre property including a variety of different watersheds, ecosystems and habitats.

Historically, trails developed by hunters on horseback have existed for more than 50 or more years. They consist mainly of narrow, single-track trails that often traverse very steep terrain.

Highland Springs Trails Volunteers have maintained these trails for 10 years and have recovered approximately 22 miles of overgrown trails.

Although Spring brings a wonderful variety of wildflowers at Highland Springs, with fall they get that crisp, cool air, often without rain, along with some very rich autumn colors as well as incredible scenery.

This past summer, to beat the heat, the volunteers tallied up 195 hours of volunteer work at their weekly Trail Work and Happy Hour every Wednesday evening. They had their first annual Golden Lopper Awards this past Spring celebrating all volunteers with a total of more than 1,200 hours of trail work time for 2010.

Volunteers are welcome in any capacity including people with chainsaws, loppers, handsaws, pickaxes and McClouds.

The most important job is getting the cut debris off of the trail, so anyone can help, with or without tools.

Volunteers will meet on Oct. 22 at the Highland Springs dam parking area, on foot or on horseback. Everyone brings and hauls in their own tools. Wear appropriate clothing and bring work gloves.

Contact Highland Springs Trails Volunteers on Facebook, Kim Riley at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-245-7468 or Karen Sullivan, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-349-1559.

With the release of the 2011 America’s Great Outdoors Progress Report, 15 federal agencies outlined their combined conservation and recreation successes, including gains in youth employment, new trail designations, the creation of urban campgrounds, and historic investments in large landscapes such as the Everglades.

In addition to social, cultural and historic value, America’s outdoors provide vital jobs and economic benefits to communities across the country.

For example, National Parks see more than 280 million visitors, generating $12 billion in visitor spending and supporting nearly 250,000 jobs.

The Outdoor Industry Association estimates recreation activities including hiking, camping, and fishing contribute $730 billion to the U.S. economy, support more than 6 million jobs, and generate $289 billion annually in retail sales and services.

“The quality and accessibility of our outdoor spaces have a significant impact on the economic and physical health of American communities,” said Nancy Sutley, chair of the Council on Environmental Quality. “Actions under the America’s Great Outdoors initiative are reinvigorating a national discussion about the value of conservation, resulting in smart, innovative strategies and investments that respond to the priorities of American communities.”

“Easy access to quality outdoor recreation areas is something that all Americans should enjoy – whether they are young or old, live in rural or urban areas, and no matter how take advantage of the natural world,” said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. “Under the banner of America’s Great Outdoors, President Obama has made it clear that conservation is a priority for this administration. We will continue to invest in land and water projects that have the backing of communities who depend on the job-creating power of the outdoor economy.”

“AGO is not only protecting our environment, it's creating jobs,” said Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. “We're working with farmers and ranchers to conserve working agricultural lands; we're restoring our forests in ways that create jobs in recreation and forest products; and we're creating employment opportunities for young adults, veterans and others on our National Forests.”

"Through this initiative, we're reconnecting Americans with the great outdoors and helping to put local residents to work cleaning up the areas that they cherish," EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said. "In preserving their environment, Americans are creating healthier, more vibrant communities today and ensuring lasting prosperity for future generations."

President Obama launched AGO in April 2010 to foster a 21st century approach to conservation that is designed by and accomplished in partnership with the American people.

In February, the Council on Environmental Quality, U.S. Department of Interior (DOI), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented an AGO report to the President outlining a conservation action plan using input received from more than 100,000 public comments and 51 public listening sessions across the country.

The Progress Report describes how agencies are working together and with private sector, nonprofit and community partners to leverage resources and deliver on-the-ground results for Americans.

For example:

• USDA announced $100 million in landowner agreements with farmers and ranchers to restore wetlands and permanently conserve nearly 24,000 acres of agricultural land in the Northern Everglades.

• EPA awarded nearly $30 million in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grants, including funds to groom Chicago’s to 24 beaches on a daily basis and build a protective barrier to make swimming areas cleaner. These actions should result in fewer swimming bans and advisories due to contamination.

• DOI worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to designate 41 National Recreation Trails stretching across 17 states, adding 650 miles to the national trails system.

• USDA improved access for hunting by enrolling eight additional states and one tribe in the “Open Fields” Voluntary Public Access Program, which works with states to provide landowners with incentives to expand lands available for hunting.

• Federal agencies and partners worked together to provide more than 50,000 young people with paid work and service learning opportunities on public lands and waters over the past two years.

• DOI and USACE worked together to designate three new National Water Trails including the Lake Michigan National Water Trail in Illinois and Indiana, the Quinebaug River Water Trail in Connecticut, and the Susquehanna River Water Trail in Pennsylvania.

• Led by EPA, USDA, DOI and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, 11 agencies came together to form the Federal Urban Waters Partnership, leveraging Federal funds to revitalize urban waters and surrounding communities through pilot projects in seven initial cities.

• USDA worked with other federal agencies to launch new landscape-scale projects in Saginaw Bay, Michigan; Monterey Bay, California; and the Lake Champlain area in New York and Vermont, investing $3.5 million to underwrite conservation activities on working lands based on extensive stakeholder input.

In the year ahead, agencies will collaborate on new initiatives including:

• Landscape-scale conservation in the longleaf pine ecosystem, the grasslands of the northern Great Plains, the Crown of the Continent in the northern Rockies, the southwest deserts, and the northern forests of New England and New York.

• Pilot projects that bring together agency resources to increase access to urban parks and waterways.

• Public-private partnerships that will deliver on-the-ground conservation and restoration outcomes across America’s military installations, national forests, national wildlife refuges, state lands, and working private lands.

Additionally, the Department of the Interior will soon release a 50-state report outlining 100 locally-supported outdoor initiatives that promise to reconnect Americans to the natural world as part of AGO.

The projects identified in the forthcoming report will represent what states believe are among the best investments in the nation to support a healthy, active population, and create travel, tourism and outdoor recreation jobs across the country.

The report is a result of 50 meetings with governors and stakeholders held by Secretary Salazar and other senior Interior officials to solicit ideas on how to best implement AGO in their states.

To read the Progress Report or for more information about the America’s Great Outdoors initiative, visit www.americasgreatoutdoors.gov, www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/ago or see below.

2011 America's Great Outdoors Progress Report

It was the first time in its 34-year history that such a request had been required.

The response was immediate and gratifying, according to president Edward Bublitz.

A crisis had been brought about because Mendocino College, which had for years helped to support the organization, said – because of budget cuts – they would no longer be able to do so.

This included chairs for the 65-plus members of the symphony, which had traditionally been borrowed from the college.

These were chairs designed especially for musicians to use during the long hours of rehearsals and performances.

Without them, the orchestra would be unable to play in their fall season opener, taking place on Nov. 20, at Lakeport's Soper-Reese Community Theatre.

Bublitz said that the total cost of $14,000, was oversubscribed in less than a month.

Two major contributions from anonymous donors started the fund , and many members then agreed to underwrite the cost of a single chair – estimated at $200 – while others teamed up with friends to sponsor half a chair, or even a quarter chair.

Those who could afford only $20 or $25 sent their checks, usually accompanied by notes expressing their support for continuing fine music in Lake County.

Andi Skelton, symphony concertmaster and first chair violin – working with Conductor John Parkinson – tracked down a supplier who agreed to send the entire shipment before the November concert deadline.

CLPA and Soper-Reese members will unpack the chairs and see that they are delivered to the theater.

Bublitz said his board of directors was thrilled by the community response.

“Everyone stepped up the plate, and that includes members of the orchestra itself, many of whom underwrote the very chairs they will be sitting on,” he said.

The second performance of the fall schedule will take place with the always-popular Christmas Celebration on Dec. 18.

Under its new arrangement with the Soper-Reese, season tickets are now available.

Those in the premium loge section are $27, with general seating for CLPA members of $22.

Tickets can be obtained online at www.soperreesetheatre.com, or at the box office at 275 S. Main St. in Lakeport any Thursday or Friday from noon to 5 p.m., or call 707-263-0577 for telephonic purchases.

“During this time of the year we see an increase in car versus deer collisions,” said California Highway Patrol Captain Harry Linschoten. “The safe operation of your vehicle requires your undivided attention. Drive defensively and don’t allow in car distractions stand in the way of your safety.”

Drivers should be extra vigilant this time of year and follow these tips for driving in deer country:

• Be particularly attentive between sunset and midnight, during the hours shortly before and after sunrise, and in foggy conditions. Most deer-vehicle collisions occur during those times.

• Drive carefully in areas known to have high deer populations. Places where roads divide agricultural fields or streams from forestland are particularly dangerous.

• If you see a deer, slow down. Others are probably nearby.

• Use high-beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams can reflect off their eyes and warn you of their presence.

• If a deer is in your lane, brake firmly but stay in the lane. The most serious crashes occur when drivers swerve.

• Don't rely on deer whistles, deer fences, or reflectors to deter deer.

• Always wear seat belts when driving.

• If your car strikes a deer, don't touch the animal. If the deer is blocking the highway, call 911.

“We live in a beautiful part of the country with abundant wildlife, remember to use extra caution when driving so you will arrive safely to where you are going,” said Charlie Fielder, Caltrans District 1 Director.

Driving tips used with permission from the National Park Service.

“I have been in contact with the PUC and will be working with them to solve this problem. I am considering introducing legislation if further authority is needed” Chesbro said.

Citing a recent expose by the Eureka Times Standard newspaper on this issue, Chesbro said, “Abusing rate payer dollars to waste massive amounts of energy and create a huge carbon footprint is theft from those who are truly in need and we must put a stop to it.”

The PUC requires California’s four primary power companies to offer a subsidized energy rate program for the state’s poorest families. Eligibility criteria include income not to exceed $31,000 for a household of two.

According to the Times Standard, 35,000 Humboldt County PG&E customers pay a monthly fee to finance the state mandated program.

The PUC is currently working on addressing the problem of abuse, and PG&E has proposed specific CARE program changes in relation to high usage customers.

Chesbro plans to work with the commission to ensure that the program abuses are halted.

SACRAMENTO – California’s Ag Vision, a collaborative effort to plan for the future of agriculture, enjoyed two big wins last week when Gov. Jerry Brown signed a pair of bills to improve food security and support for working families.

One of Ag Vision’s top priorities is to improve access to safe and healthy food for all Californians.

With that in mind, agriculture, public health and food bank groups joined hands to support the bills, both of which were authored by Assembly member Felipe Fuentes of Southern California’s San Fernando Valley.

AB 6 eliminates the use of finger imaging for CalFresh (formerly the food stamp program), which the USDA estimates will increase participation in California by seven percent.

The result will be millions of additional federal dollars flowing into our state for food purchases while stimulating the state’s economy.

AB 152 will make more healthy food available to low-income Californians and create a state infrastructure for the purchase and distribution of healthy food to low-income communities.

The law creates a tax credit for California growers to help defray the costs of donating healthy agricultural products to California food banks. AB 152 will leverage millions of pounds of food for those in need.

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture, a founding partner in Ag Vision, has committed to doubling California farm contributions to food banks within the next five years.