Natural Resources Summit Held In Sonora

Sonora, Ca — Greenhouse gas emissions, forest health and water supply took center stage at the 2008 Natural Resources Summit hosted by Senator Dave Cogdill, Assemblyman Tom Berryhill and TuCare.

Cogdill spent much of the morning session speaking on water supply and upgrades that he feels must be made in California.

?The infrastructure in this state is inadequate to say the least, to provide the water that we are going to need into the future? says Cogdill. ?Hopefully this next session we´ll have more luck than we´ve had in the last couple.?

Congressman George Radanovich gave the keynote address.

?Our federal lands contain some of America´s most precious resources and it is imperative that we are responsible in maintaining them,” said Radanovich. “At the same time, we must not be afraid to utilize those resources when it is appropriate.”

A panel discussion on AB 32, the 2006 greenhouse gas legislation, was carried out by California Air Resources Board Executive Officer James Goldstene, Businesswoman Carolyn Casavan and California Forestry Foundation VP Steve Brink.

Fire and law enforcement officers instrumental in fighting this past summer´s Telegraph Fire in Mariposa County were recognized by Cogdill and Berryhill. They included Fire Chief Jim Wilson, Deputy Fire Chief Jim Middleton and Undersheriff Doug Binnewies.

There was also presentations by CAL Fire Director Ruben Grijalva, Pacific Southwest Regional Forester Randy Moore and TuCare President Mike Albrecht.

Written by BJ Hansen