Assemblymember Olsen's Natural Resources Summit Update

SONORA – Highlighting the importance of healthy forest management, increased water supply and reduced fire risk to local residents and the region’s economy, Assemblymember Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, today hosted resource experts and concerned local residents at the 2011 Natural Resources Summit, held at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora.

“Our 2011 Natural Resources Summit provided a great opportunity for local residents to hear firsthand from some of the state’s top resources experts and policymakers,” said Olsen. “It is my hope that attendees will come away with a better understanding of the many challenges we face in our efforts to meet California’s statewide water needs. It is important that we work together as elected officials, policy experts and community members to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for our state while preserving historic water rights.”


The Natural Resources Summit is a two-day annual event to help examine ways to responsibly manage California’s precious natural resources.
This year’s Summit was co-sponsored by the Tuolumne County Alliance for Resource and Environment (TuCARE), a nonprofit educational organization focused on ensuring the long-term viability of our natural resources. On the first day of the summit, TuCARE conducted a forestry tour for conference participants, highlighting some of the region’s majestic forest land and providing a firsthand look at the challenges facing the regions’ environment.

The second day featured presentations from state and naturally-recognized experts on water policy, including:

Ø Barry Hill, USDA Forest Service Region 5 Hydrologist
Ø Randy Fiorini, Member of the Delta Stewardship Council and former president of the Association of California Water Agencies.
Ø Doug Demko, representing FISHBIO, a group of research scientists, engineers and technicians that specialize in helping to preserve fish and wildlife populations throughout the world.

"TuCARE appreciates Kristin Olsen's leadership and foresight in recognizing the important tie between managing our forests and insuring a continued supply of water for our families, our communities, and our farmers,” said Chris Conrad, president of TuCARE. “She is proving herself to be the type of legislator that can be trusted to protect historic water rights and keep California's agricultural industry productive and healthy."
                      
Assemblymember Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, represents the 25th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the communities of Angels Camp, Chowchilla, Hughson, Mammoth Lakes, Mariposa, Modesto, Oakdale, Oakhurst, Riverbank, Sonora, and Waterford.