Community

SB 1431 clarifies that DPR is allowed to acquire a conservation easement if DPR determines that it is necessary to protect a unit of the state park system from an incompatible use or to preserve and enhance the natural resource, cultural, or historic value of a state park unit.

The Wiggins bill would also enable DPR to make grants to a state or local government agency, or a nonprofit, to purchase and hold a conservation easement with funds that have been appropriated to the department for land acquisitions. Grant recipients would be required to monitor and enforce the easement and agree to restrict the use of the land in perpetuity.

“As the population of our state continues to grow, and urban growth expands into previously undeveloped areas, additional pressures are being placed on the resources of the State Parks and Recreation system,” Wiggins said.

“DPR is authorized to purchase land for the purpose of protecting parks from development and other impending threats, but this solution is not always economically feasible,” Wiggins added. “An easement is a good tool for the department to use to preserve the state park system; it costs less, and also allows the land to remain in the hands of the private land owner. Further, it defends the land from incompatible use issues, and it relieves the department from incurring maintenance costs."

SB 1431 next moves to the Assembly for consideration.

{mos_sb_discuss:2}

Allison Busch-Lovejoy and Nita Brake-Mills celebrate with the Green California Leadership Award given to Project Recycle. Nita, wearing a blue Project Recycle bag, is the Caltrans District 1 Adopt-A-Highway Program Coordinator and creator of Project Recycle. Nita also chairs the Caltrans District 1 Green Team, of which Allison is a member. Photo courtesy of Caltrans.

EUREKA – Caltrans is proud to announce receiving a Green California Leadership Award for Project Recycle, an innovative solution to divert litter from landfills and increase recycling in the Adopt-A-Highway program.

Green California Leadership Awards are given to state and local governments to acknowledge outstanding achievements in environmental sustainability.

There were 80 entries statewide, and one winner in each of eight categories. Caltrans’ Project Recycle won in the Waste Management category.

Project Recycle provides a simple yet effective answer to allow Adopt-A-Highway volunteers to collect recyclable containers.

When gathering litter, volunteers carry a litter picker in one hand and a trash bag with the other. It is difficult to carry a second bag for recyclables, and full trash bags must be left at the roadside for pick-up. Volunteers cannot take full trash bags away for sorting.

Project Recycle provides over-the-shoulder bags for Adopt-A-Highway volunteers to separate and store recyclables while gathering trash from the State Highway right of way. Project Recycle also models “closing the recycling loop” by using bags made from 100 percent certified recycled plastic bottles.

Developed in 2003 by Caltrans District 1 Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator Nita Brake-Mills, Project Recycle has proven to be very effective. In the past five years in District 1 alone, ten tons of recyclable materials have been collected from the roadside. Caltrans has now enacted Project Recycle across California.

In addition to Project Recycle, Caltrans also won a Green California Leadership Award in the Transportation category for the Statewide Stormwater Management Program. Caltrans is committed to environmental responsibility while maintaining the largest highway system in the world.

For more information on the District 1 Adopt-A-Highway Program, please contact program coordinator Nita Brake-Mills at (707) 441-5761.

{mos_sb_discuss:2}

The organization provides free peer counseling throughout Lake County and administers the Friendly Visitor Program in South County.

“Recipients of senior peer counseling, mostly home-bound, benefit from talking with people who have experienced life changes and understand their concerns,” said Lawrence Grant, board president.

Volunteer peer counselors receive training and have ongoing group supervision and support by Clinical Consultant Kim Baughan Young, Marriage Family Therapist.

The Friendly Visitor Program offers friendship, understanding and companionship on a regular basis to South County seniors having limited access to outside activities. Volunteers are trained and participate in monthly supervision meetings.

In addition to President Lawrence Grant and new directors La Faver and Turman, board members include Hope H. Brewer, vice-president; Jane McKnight, secretary; Charmaine Webb, treasurer; and Gwen Snyder.

Konocti Senior Support Inc., incorporated in 1995, is a nonprofit public service corporation dedicated to enhancing seniors’ quality of life. All services are free.

For more information, contact Gwen Snyder at 995-1417.

{mos_sb_discuss:2}