Tribes and Enviros March on local Power Agency

Friends of the River, International Rivers Newtwork, and the Hoopa Tribe will be celebrating the International Day of Action Against Dams on Monday, March 15 with a spirited outreach event. Friends of the River, the Hoopa Tribe, and a host of green groups have been working hard to have the Trinity River Restoration Plan implemented. In the way of this federally approved plan is a lawsuit filed by Westlands Water District and Northern CA Power Agency (NCPA) (Sacramento Municipal Utility District withdrew from the litigation last year after pressure from FOR and our allies!). Several NCPA customers, like the city of Palo Alto, have passed resolutions opposing NCPA’s involvement and withdrew supporting tax dollars.

If enacted, the plan ensures that at least 48% of the Trinity’s water stays in the Trinity watershed. In years past, up to 90% of the Trinity has been pumped through diversion tunnels into the Sacramento river. Sounds crazy, but its true.This has had a devasting effect on the Trinity's fish and the Hoopa's culture.

So, this year we will hold our event in Roseville. The city buys NCPA power and could pass a resolution opposing NCPA’s suit and withdraw financial support. In addition, NCPA is headquartered in Roseville. This day-long event will begin at Cresthaven Park in Roseville, orientation starts at 10 am. The day will feature a morning of handing out leaflets in downtown Roseville, lunch at the park, and some colorful outreach at NCPA headquarters, just blocks away. Giant Salmon puppets, will accompany the Hoopa who will be clad in traditional Hoopa garb. Even a giant Lorax will be there to support the Hoopa struggle! To find Cresthaven park, check out the map at NCPA’s website: http://www.ncpa.com/contact.html

I know it’s a Monday so if you can make the time to participate, it would be very appreciated. If you want more info email me at craig [at] friendsoftheriver.org or call 916-442-3155 x205