Environmental Defense Calls On Gov. Davis To Aquire Watersheds

Environmental Defense today called on Governor Davis to acquire more than 120,000 acres of watershed lands owned by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) in California as part of the state’s financial response to the energy shortage.

“If the state fails to acquire these ecological jewels, they could be lost to development threats, including logging, resort building, and commercial uses as the utilities seek to maximize revenues and cut their debt,” said Nancy Ryan, an Environmental Defense economist. “Since 1997 PG&E has sold off several large, pristine properties to timber and resort-development companies, and has increased logging and other extractive activities on many of its lands. California’s natural heritage cannot afford any more of these losses.”

PG&E’s lands are prime watershed properties in the basins of nearly every major river draining the Sierra Nevada and the southern Cascades. These properties, acquired decades ago by PG&E, include scenic open space near rapidly growing urban areas, old growth forests, wetlands, wildlife habitat, salmon and steelhead fisheries, culturally significant sites, river and lake shores, and drinking water sources. Millions of Californians use these areas annually for hiking, fishing and boating.

The lands include old-growth forestlands in the Eel and Russian watersheds, providing critical habitat for endangered species such as the spotted owl, and at risk species ranging from the wolverine to the bank swallow and willow flycatcher.

“Last week the Governor reached agreement with Southern California Edison to establish 99-year conservation easements on its 20,000 acres of utility lands. As the Governor negotiates with PG&E to purchase the utility’s transmission system, he must reach agreement to protect its lands for all Californians,” said Ryan.