The Environment

By Wendy A. Roberts

Even after many decades of over-extraction, our county's timber and farm lands, watersheds, scenic coastline and ocean eco-system remain our greatest assets. County government plays a stewardship role by enacting policies that champion environmental protection and prohibit abusive practices.

Water sources and watershed issues vary greatly in different parts of the county. There are 7 watersheds in Mendocino County and I am committed to thoroughly studying each situation that arises before acting on any locally critical situation. County government has an important role to play by adopting policies that support agriculture and resource management while mitigating negative environmental impacts. We must also ensure that local situations are fully understood by the state officials who are responsible for revising water policy that impacts the county's residents and its economy.

Coast residents are rightly and fiercely protective of the ocean and ocean resources. The threat of off shore drilling is ever-present, along with other potential insults to the ocean environment. I will work with the other supervisors to ensure that the county and its residents continue to speak out against such threats and that this effort is coordinated with adjacent counties to amplify our message through a regional effort that addresses a global issue.

Over the past year, implementation of the State's 1999 Marine Life Protection Act has been a forum for airing inherent tensions between the goal of restoring and protecting the ocean's fragile eco-system and that of preserving recreational opportunities and jobs that depend on harvesting ocean resources. In September 2010, stakeholders in Mendocino and Humboldt Counties reached agreement on a single proposed array of Marine Life Protection Areas and passed their findings to the Department of Fish and Game. After review by F&G, the document will be reviewed by the Fish and Game Commission. Continued vigilance will be needed to ensure that these political appointees leave intact the work of our local citizens.