danbacher by Dan Bacher
The California Fish and Game Commission is expected to approve the first full Central Valley salmon fishing season in 4 years at its teleconference meeting today, April 21, at 10 a.m. in Sacramento.
“The proposed 2011 salmon seasons will greatly increase fall run and late-fall salmon fishing opportunities while maintaining current winter run and spring run protection,” according to the Department of Fish and Game’s proposal.
The American River and Sacramento River recreational salmon seasons will begin on July 16 and will close at a variety of times, depending on the stretch of river. The Feather River season won’t open until August 16.
Salmon fishing on Central Valley rivers was closed in 2008 in 2009, except for a short season to target late fall run chinook on the Sacramento River. In 2010, a limited fishery for fall run chinooks was allowed on the Sacramento, American and Feather Rivers.
The closure was spurred by the record collapse of Sacramento River fall chinook populations. State and federal officials claimed that the collapse was spurred by “poor ocean conditions.” On the other hand, recreational and commercial fishing groups, Indian Tribes and environmental organizations pointed to increased water exports out of the Sacramento River to corporate agribusiness and southern California, declining water quality and dam operations as contributing factors to the dramatic decline.
While the federal government’s increased ocean abundance estimate of over 700,000 fall chinook salmon this year is encouraging, the winter and fall run chinook populations have declined in recent years.
The Commission today is also expected to approve recreational salmon fishing regulations for the Trinity and Klamath rivers and federal regulations for the ocean salmon seasons that began April 2 off the California coast from Horse Mountain to the the California/Mexico border.
The special teleconference call will take place at the Resources Building on April 21, 2011 (Thursday), 1416 Ninth Street, Room 13201 10:00 a.m. in Sacramento.
For more information, contact the Fish and Game Commission, (916) 653-4899,
http://www.fgc.ca.gov
Below are the proposed regulations for the American, Feather and Sacramento rivers:
American River, subsection 7.50(b)(5)
1. Subsection (A) from Nimbus Dam to Hazel Avenue Bridge will be open to salmon fishing from July 16 through December 31.
2. Subsection (B) from Hazel Avenue Bridge to the USGS gauging station cable crossing near Nimbus Hatchery will be open to salmon fishing from July 16 through September 14.
3. Subsection (C) from the USGS gauging station cable crossing near Nimbus Hatchery to the SMUD power line crossing the southwest boundary of Ancil Hoffman Park will be open to salmon fishing from July 16 through October 31.
4. Subsection (D) from the SMUD power line crossing at the southwest boundary of Ancil Hoffman Park to the Jibboom Street Bridge will be open to salmon fishing from July 16 through December 31.
5. Subsection (E) from the Jibboom Street Bridge to the mouth will be open to salmon fishing from July 16 through December 11.
a. The December 12 closure will protect adult winter run salmon migrating up the Sacramento River near the mouth.
Feather River, subsection 7.50(b)(68)
1. Subsection (D) from 1,000 feet below the Thermalito Afterbay Outfall to the mouth will be open to salmon fishing from August 16 through December 11.
a. The August 16 opener will protect adult spring run salmon migrating up the Feather River.
b. The December 12 closure will protect adult winter run salmon migrating up the Sacramento River near the mouth.
Sacramento River below Keswick Dam, subsection 7.50(b)(156.5)
1. Subsection (C) from the Deschutes Road Bridge to 500 feet upstream from Red Bluff Diversion Dam will be open to salmon fishing from August 1 through December 18.
a. August 1 is the historical opening day for this area.
b. The December 19 closure will protect adult winter run salmon migrating up the Sacramento River.
2. Subsection (E) from 150 feet below the Lower Red Bluff (Sycamore) Boat Ramp to the Highway 113 Bridge near Knights Landing will be open to salmon fishing from July 16 through December 18.
a. The December 19 closure will protect adult winter run salmon migrating up the Sacramento River.
3. Subsection (F) from Highway 113 Bridge near Knights Landing to the Carquinez Bridge will be open to salmon fishing from July 16 through
December 11.
a. The December 12 closure will protect adult winter run salmon migrating from the ocean.
danbacher Here is the latest update from Sacred Site Protection & Rights of Indigenous Tribes (SSP&RIT):
Photos from today have been posted at:
http://protectglencove.org/photos/day-seven/
*** ANNOUNCEMENT: Saturday, April 23:
Earth Day Celebration & Interfaith Gathering
Tribal members at the ongoing Spiritual Encampment and Vigil at the sacred
burial site at Glen Cove will hold an Indigenous Peoples Earth Day and
Interfaith Gathering this Saturday, April 23, 2011 from 1pm to 5pm. We are
inviting the general public to come to Glen Cove for this gathering that
will bring together people from many faiths, cultures and religions in
support of the struggle to protect Glen Cove from desecration and
destruction.’Bring friends, family, co-workers and food to share. Also,
we’re asking that you bring reusable utensils, cups and plates.
In addition to the gathering on Saturday, please come to Glen Cove
whenever you can be there to help protect the site. We need people there
all the time to keep the encampment going strong!
*** DAY 7 UPDATE
The spiritual encampment is holding strong. Many California Native
brothers and sisters joined us last night from the Central Valley with
their songs and medicine, and have vowed to remain. Many prayers and good
words were spoken today.
In the evening, a presentation and discussion was held, focused around the
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Representatives from the International Indian Treaty Council explained the
value of taking a rights-based approach to protecting sacred lands and
asserting indigenous sovereignty.
Healing arts practitioners: There is a request from some of the Elders for
massage. They are making sacrifices by standing with us day and night to
guide us, despite difficult health conditions – it is our responsibility
to care for them well. Please visit the encampment if you can offer
assistance.
Also, just a reminder, we are in continual need of FIREWOOD for the sacred
fire. Thank you.
Photos from today have been posted at:
http://protectglencove.org/photos/day-seven/
For more information and updates:
http://protectglencove.org/
danbacher Sacred Site Protection & Rights of Indigenous Tribes (SSP&RIT)
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Contact: * Corrina Gould 510-575-8408 * Morning Star Gali (510) 827 6719
Norman “Wounded Knee” Deocampo 707-373-7195 * Mark Anquoe (415) 680-0110
Day 6: Spiritual Vigil and Gathering to Protect Glen Cove Sacred Site Continues
Ceremonial Tipi Erected at Site
State Senator Noreen Evans Tours Sacred Site; Promises to Encourage Resolution of Dispute
Vallejo, California – As the spiritual gathering and vigil being held by local tribal members and supporters at the sacred burial site at Glen Cove in Vallejo entered its sixth day, State Senator Noreen Evans and her staff toured the site and met with leaders of the spiritual vigil. Senator Evans pledged to work with all parties to achieve a just resolution of the ongoing dispute.
Also today, a ceremonial traditional tipi was erected by tribal members next to the sacred fire. The tipi is part of the ongoing spiritual gathering being conducted to protect the burials and ulturally significant site from desecration by the development and bulldozing planned by the Greater Vallejo Recreation District.
Over 60 people were at Glen Cove this afternoon, participating in the spiritual gathering and singing traditional and ceremonial songs. Hundreds more have pledged to respond if necessary to stop desecration of the site.
Last night, 200 people came to the site to defend the spiritual gathering and protect the sacred site after GVRD threatened to call in the police to remove people from the site tonight. An agreement mediated by the United States Department of Justice resulted in GVRD dropping their plans to attempt to remove the tribal members and supporters from the site.
Glen Cove is located near the intersection of South Regatta and Whitesides Drive in Vallejo. For more information and directions: http://www.protectglencove.org
# # #
danbacher The Native Americans are highlighting the fact that public statements by the Greater Vallejo Recreation District in the last few days have been very misleading, with GVRD representatives claiming they want to protect the burial site but failing to mention their plans to dig into a hill that likely contains human remains with bulldozers.
Photo of occupation courtesy of Sacred Site Protection & Rights of Indigenous Tribes (SSP&RIT).
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by Dan Bacher
Native Americans occupying a burial ground facing development by the Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD) reached a temporary agreement last night with GVRD that allows the spiritual gathering at Glen Cove to continue for the next 24 hours without threat of arrest. More than 150 people responded to the call for support.
“GVRD’s plans to desecrate the sacred burial site have not been called off and we ask all our supporters to please remain on alert,” emphasized Morning Star Gali from the Sacred Site Protection & Rights of Indigenous Tribes (SSP&RIT). “We continue to invite all who will join us in prayer to stand with us at Glen Cove as we continue to work on all levels to protect the ancestors from further desecration.”
The occupation of the ancient burial site at Glen Cove in Vallejo by Native Americans and supporters entered its sixth day on Tuesday, April 18, 2011 as dozens remain at the site to guard it against desecration by bulldozers.
“We did remove some of the tents we had set up as the CVRD requested, due to complaints they received about us not having camping permits,” said Gali. “However, we didn’t move our sacred fire as they requested. There is supposed to be an agreement drafted today on a cultural and religious permit to stay.”
Gali also noted that she met with traditional Patwin Tribe elders yesterday and received their blessing for the occupation.
“Don’t believe the media lies that we are ‘unaffiliated;’ desecration for recreation is a reaccuring theme with Indigenous Peoples’ sacred places and burial sites!” said Gali.
Vallejo police lieutenant Joel Salinas told the Vallejo Times Herald on Monday that “our position is to not arrest anyone unless there’s a court injunction or it’s a matter of public safety. Even if we arrested anyone, it would be a cite and release case.”
On Friday morning, over 100 people participated in a spiritual ceremony, followed by a march on Vallejo City Hall and the GVRD. An amazing amount of media coverage was generated from the occupation by Sacred Site Protection & Rights of Indigenous Tribes (SSP&RIT) and their allies.
On Sunday, Native Americans and their supporters conducted a cleanup of the beach at Glen Cove, and also painted over Nazi graffiti that the City had allowed to remain on the old Mansion at the site. Dozens of local residents visited the occupation over the weekend and expressed their support for protecting the burial site.
Many expressed outrage that the City was wasting money fighting the Native Americans over this site when other City parks are dilapidated due to several budget problems. Supporters brought food and supplies.
The Native Americans are highlighting the fact that public statements by the Greater Vallejo Recreation District in the last few days is very misleading, with GVRD representatives claiming they want to protect the burial site but failing to mention their plans to dig into a hill that likely contains human remains with bulldozers.
The U.S. Department of Justice met with the Native American leadership on Saturday to lay the groundwork for a possible mediation meeting with Greater Vallejo Recreation District on Monday or Tuesday.
The history and cultural value of the site has never been disputed. Native Americans continue to hold ceremonies at Sogorea Te just as they have for thousands of years. The Glen Cove Shell Mound spans fifteen acres along the Carquinez Strait.
It is the final resting place of many Indigenous People dating back more than 3,500 years, and has served as a traditional meeting place for dozens of California Indian tribes. The site continues to be spiritually important to California tribes.
The Glen Cove site is acknowledged by GVRD and the City to have many burials and to be an important cultural site, yet they are attempting to build a toilet and parking lot on this sacred site and to grade a hill that likely contains human remains and important cultural artifacts. SSP&RIT have asked GVRD to reconsider their plans to grade the hill and build toilets and a parking lot at the site.
Before the occupation began, SSP&RIT filled an administrative civil rights complaint on April 13, 2011 with the State of California against the Greater Vallejo Recreation District and the City of Vallejo.
The group filed the complaint under California Government Code § 11135 alleging that the City and GVRD are discriminating on the basis of race in threatening to destroy and desecrate significant parts of the Glen Cove Shellmound and burial site, for harming Native Americans’ religious and spiritual well-being, and effectively excluding Native Americans from their right to full participation in the decision-making regarding this project.
Native Americans are a class of people protected from unlawful discrimination in state-funded activities and programs. Intentional discrimination against minority populations is prohibited under Cal. Gov. Code § 11135(a). As recipients of state funding, GVRD and the City are subject to this law and cannot violate the civil rights of Native Americans.
“Everyone has the right to a final resting place. Our ancestors deserve to have a resting place on their original land without the threat of being removed for the sake of a park,” said Corrina Gould, Ohlone resident of the Bay Area. “Other countries realize the significance of ancestors and honor the ancient cemeteries by not disturbing them. Who does it ultimately serve to complete this project? Let our ancestors rest.”
Native American activists are requesting people to call the City of Vallejo and GVRD to protest their plans to desecrate Glen Cove: City of Vallejo: 707-648-4377, GVRD: 707-648-4600.
Glen Cove is located near the intersection of South Regatta and Whitesides Drive in Vallejo. For more information and directions:http://www.protectglencove.org.
Contact: Morning Star Gali (510) 827 6719, Mark Anquoe (415) 680 0110, Corrina Gould (510) 575-8408, or Norman “Wounded Knee” Deocampo (707) 373-7195.
danbacher Sacred Site Protection & Rights of Indigenous
***URGENT***
Steve Presley of GVRD threatens spiritual encampment of removal tonight after agreements to meet tomorrow!***Support Needed!
Contact: Morning Star Gali (510) 827 6719 * Mark Anquoe (415) 680 0110
Corrina Gould 510-575-8408 * Norman “Wounded Knee” Deocampo 707-373-7195
***URGENT***
Steve Presley of GVRD threatens spiritual encampment of removal tonight after agreements to meet tomorrow!***
* Native Americans Continue Spiritual Ceremonies and Occupation of Burial Site
· * Dozens of local residents visit and express support for protecting the sacred land
· * GVRD’s Public Relations Fails to Mention Plans to Bulldoze Hill That Likely Contains Human Remains
· * Participants Conduct Glen Cove Beach Cleanup & Remove Graffiti on Abandoned Mansion
Vallejo, California – The occupation of the ancient burial site at Glen Cove in Vallejo by Native Americans and supporters entered its fifth day on Monday, April 18, 2011 as dozens remain at the site to guard it against desecration by bulldozers.
On Sunday, Native Americans and their supporters conducted a cleanup of the beach at Glen Cove, and also painted over Nazi graffiti that the City had allowed to remain on the old Mansion at the site. Dozens of local residents visited the occupation over the weekend and expressed their support for protecting the burial site. Many expressed outrage that the City was wasting money fighting the Native Americans over this site when other City parks are dilapidated due to budget problems. Supporters brought food and supplies.
The Native Americans are highlighting the fact that public statements by the Greater Vallejo Recreation District in the last few days is very misleading, with GVRD representatives claiming they want to protect the burial site but failing to mention their plans to dig into a hill that likely contains human remains with bulldozers.
The U.S. Department of Justice met with the Native American leadership on Saturday to lay the groundwork for a possible mediation meeting with Greater Vallejo Recreation District on Monday or Tuesday.
The history and cultural value of the site has never been disputed. Native Americans continue to hold ceremonies at Sogorea Te just as they have for thousands of years. The Glen Cove Shell Mound spans fifteen acres along the Carquinez Strait. It is the final resting place of many Indigenous People dating back more than 3,500 years, and has served as a traditional meeting place for dozens of California Indian tribes. The site continues to be spiritually important to California tribes. The Glen Cove site is acknowledged by GVRD and the City to have many burials and to be an important cultural site, yet they are attempting to build a toilet and parking lot on this sacred site and to grade a hill that likely contains human remains and important cultural artifacts. SSP&RIT have asked GVRD to reconsider their plans to grade the hill and build toilets and a parking lot at the site.
Glen Cove is located near the intersection of South Regatta and Whitesides Drive in Vallejo. For more information and directions:
danbacher For Immediate Release: April 15, 2011
Contact: Mark Anquoe (415) 680 0110 * Morning Star Gali (510) 827 6719 * Norman “Wounded Knee” Deocampo 707-373-7195 * Corrina Gould 510-575-8408
Breaking News Update! 150 Native Americans & Supporters Occupy Sacred Land at Glen Cove in Vallejo
Vallejo, California (April 15, 2011) – 150 Native Americans and supporters have successfully occupied the ancient burial site at Glen Cove, Vallejo, preventing the Greater Vallejo Recreation District from beginning work that would desecrate the sacred site. Beginning with an early morning spiritual ceremony, protesters vowed to block bulldozers and prevent any work that would desecrate the site from taking place. The occupation will continue until there is an agreement to protect the burial site. Dozens of people will camp at the site tonight.
At 11:30 am today the protesters held a peaceful rally and ceremony at Vallejo City Hall and then marched to the offices of the Greater Vallejo Recreation District.
Last night the United States Department of Justice sent a senior conciliation specialist to Glen Cove to meet with Native American leaders. The Native Americans asked the DOJ to help facilitate a meeting with the GVRD to try to reach an agreement to protect the sacred burial site. It is possible a meeting between the sides, mediated by the US Department of Justice, may occur Monday.
The State Attorney General’s office has also become involved after the organization SSP&RIT filed an administrative civil rights complaint against the City and GVRD on Wednesday.
Native American activists and supporters have begun the occupation of Glen Cove as an escalation of their struggle that has been going on for over a decade, since the Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD) first proposed plans for a “fully featured public park” including construction of a paved parking lot, paved hiking trails, 1000 pound picnic tables and a public restroom on top of the 3500 year old burial site.
On Wednesday, April 13th, Sacred Site Protection and Rights of Indigenous Tribes (SSP&RIT), a Vallejo-based community organization, filed an administrative civil rights complaint to the State of California alleging that the City and GVRD are discriminating on the basis of race in threatening to destroy and desecrate significant parts of the Glen Cove Shellmound and burial site, for harming Native Americans’ religious and spiritual well-being, and effectively excluding Native Americans from their right to full participation in decision-making regarding the site.
The history and cultural value of the site has never been disputed. Human remains have been consistently unearthed as the area around the site has been developed. Native Americans continue to hold ceremonies at Sogorea Te just as they have for thousands of years. The Glen Cove Shell Mound spans fifteen acres along the Carquinez Strait. It is the final resting place of many Indigenous People dating back more than 3,500 years, and has served as a traditional meeting place for dozens of California Indian tribes.
The site continues to be spiritually important to California tribes. The Glen Cove site is acknowledged by GVRD and the City to have many burials and to be an important cultural site, yet they are moving forward as early as Friday with plans to build a toilet and parking lot on this sacred site and to grade a hill that likely contains human remains and important cultural artifacts.
SSP&RIT have asked GVRD to reconsider their plans to grade the hill and build toilets and a parking lot at the site.
Glen Cove is located near the intersection of South Regatta and Whitesides Drive in Vallejo.
For more information and directions: http://www.protectglencove.org
# # #
danbacher “Unfortunately, this unfair program, known as catch shares, has already begun consolidating the fishing industry on every coast,” said Wenonah Hauter, Executive Director of Food & Water Watch. “It is shocking that, while the thousands lost their jobs in the worst recession in decades and the nation debated spending priorities, our government wasted millions to hand our fisheries over to mostly larger-scale, often corporate, industrialized fishing operations.”
Photo of Dr. Jane Lubchenco of NOAA defending her position on the catch shares program at a meeting with fishermen, environmentalists and tribal members at the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors Chambers in Ukiah in December 2010. Photo by Dan Bacher.
by Dan Bacher
Washington, DC – In a big victory for commercial and recreational fishermen, the U.S. Congress on April 14 voted to defund the “catch shares” program, a controversial and wasteful fisheries management fiasco.
Wenonah Hauter, Executive Director of Food & Water Watch, said the program has been “blocking access to fish for thousands of smaller scale fishermen, destroying their livelihoods and our coastal and fishing communities.”
The widely-contested “catch shares” program on the East and West Coasts, a pet project of Dr. Jane Lubchenco, under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator, serves to privatize public trust resources by concentrating ocean fisheries in a few corporate hands.
This amendment, offered by Representative Walter Jones of North Carolina, is part of the FY2011 budget that President Barack Obama signed into law on April 15.
“Unfortunately, this unfair program, known as catch shares, has already begun consolidating the fishing industry on every coast,” said Hauter. “It is shocking that, while the thousands lost their jobs in the worst recession in decades and the nation debated spending priorities, our government wasted millions to hand our fisheries over to mostly larger-scale, often corporate, industrialized fishing operations.”
“It is an outrage that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – the federal agency tasked with conserving and managing our living marine resources – requested a whopping additional $36 million to fund programs that would further industrialize our seafood and put even more fishermen out of business,” said Hauter.
She added, “It is our hope that Congress will continue along this sensible path and commit to defunding catch shares in the future and not only in this budget. Our government should listen to the thousands of fishermen who are struggling to make ends meet or have already lost their jobs under this biased program and render it obsolete.”
Carolyn A. Kirk, Mayor of Gloucester, MA, also applauded the passage of the Jones amendment.
“As much as anything, a budget document is also a policy statement,” said Kirk. “The clear message in the passage of the Jones Amendment is that the US House of Representatives, US Senate, and President have registered their disagreement with catch shares as a national policy.”
Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC), stated, “This is a shot in the arm for fishermen and a shot across the bow of the National Marine Fisheries Service. The last thing our government should be doing in these economic times is spending millions of taxpayer dollars to expand programs that will put even more Americans out of work. NMFS would be wise to take heed of the opposition of fishermen, the public and the Congress to their catch shares agenda; we’re not going away.”
Supporters of the amendment include the Recreational Fishing Alliance, American Sportfishing Association, National Marine Manufacturers Association, Saving Seafood, Southern Shrimp Alliance, Commercial Fishermen of America, Southeast Fisheries Association, North Carolina Fisheries Association, Garden State Seafood Association, Florida Keys Fishermen’s Association, Long Island (NY) Fishermen’s Association. and Food & Water Watch.
Jones’s amendment received bipartisan support from Massachusetts Democratic Representative Barney Frank, New Jersey Democratic Representative Frank Pallone, Massachusetts Republican Senator Scott Brown, and New York Democratic Senator Charles Schumer.
The catch shares program presents a threat not only to commercial fishermen, but the recreational fishing industry, according to Pallone.
“I have expressed considerable concern over the impact that catch shares may have on the recreational sector,” said Pallone, a strong opponent of GOP and Obama administration plans to expand offshore oil drilling on both coasts. “I believe our priority should be improving the science and management of fisheries and that promoting another management tool until those issues have been fixed will only continue to hurt our coastal communities.”
“Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) activists had spent the third week of February visiting the offices of federal legislators claiming erroneously to represent the interests of U.S. fishing communities while promoting their ‘Catch Share’ manifesto with Members of Congress in an effort to limit overall public access to coastal fisheries,” said Jim Donofrio, executive director of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA).
Jane Lubchenco claims the catch shares program is designed to “better manage” fisheries (http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20091210_catchshare.html).
“From Florida to Alaska, catch share programs help fishing communities provide good jobs while rebuilding and sustaining healthy fisheries and ocean ecosystems,” said Dr. Lubchenco. “Although this is a national policy, our emphasis is on local consideration and design of catch shares that take into consideration commercial and recreational fishing interests.”
Both West and East Coast fishermen strongly disagree. On October 28, 2010, the Crab Boat Owner’s Association, Port Orford Ocean Resource Team and Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations filed a lawsuit against the Department of Commerce to halt the catch shares plan on the West Coast (http://calitics.com/diary/12780/lawsuit-filed-against-privatization-of-public-trust-fisheries.) They claimed that the program will “consolidate much of the fishing fleet, privatize public fish resources, deny many fishing ports access to fish in adjacent waters and cause massive job losses.”
“We had no option left us,” said Larry Collins, a San Francisco fisherman and President of the Crab Boat Owners Association, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. “If we didn’t act to stop this travesty, ownership of the resource will consolidate into the hands of a few operators in a few ports along the coast, leaving many coastal fishing communities, including our own Fisherman’s Wharf, with no access to our own local fish.”
The “catch shares” program is just one of several federal and state campaigns designed to privatize the ocean public trust resources. In California, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Initiative, funded privately by the shadowy Resources Legacy Fund Foundation, imposed a network of so-called “marine protected areas” along the California Coast (http://www.fishsniffer.com/content/1016-marine-protected-areas-%96-paper-reserves.html).
Unfortunately, these marine protected areas created under the MLPA Initiative fail to protect the ocean from water pollution, oil spills and drilling, military testing, corporate aquaculture, habitat destruction and other human impacts on the ocean other than fishing and gathering. The panels that oversaw the implementation of the MLPA process included a big oil lobbyist, real estate executive, marina developer and other corporate operatives with numerous conflicts of interest.
I am very glad that Food & Water Watch, a great consumer advocacy group, is working closely with fishermen on both the East and West Coasts to stop the privatization of the public trust through the “catch shares” program being pushed by NOAA and Environmental Defense.
For more information, go to: http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org.
danbacher | Sacred Site Protection & Rights of Indigenous Tribes (SSP&RIT)For Immediate Release:
As Bulldozers May Arrive Any Day at Ancient Burial Site, Vallejo, California (April 14, 2011) – Faced with the imminent arrival of bulldozers at the Native American sacred burial site at Glen Cove, Vallejo, members of the local Native American community will hold a religious ceremony to commence an occupation of Sogorea Te, otherwise known as Glen Cove, in the City of Vallejo beginning at 8 am on Friday, April 15, 2011. Native Americans and their supporters have vowed to physically block bulldozers or any other work that would desecrate the burial site. Native American activists consider this to be the last stand in a struggle that has been going on for over a decade, since the Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD) first proposed plans for a “fully featured public park” including construction of a paved parking lot, paved hiking trails, 1000 pound picnic tables and a public restroom on top of the 3500 year old burial site. On Wednesday, April 13th, Sacred Site Protection and Rights of Indigenous Tribes (SSP&RIT), a Vallejo-based community organization, filed an administrative civil rights complaint to the State of California alleging that the City and GVRD are discriminating on the basis of race in threatening to destroy and desecrate significant parts of the Glen Cove Shellmound and burial site, for harming Native Americans’ religious and spiritual well-being, and effectively excluding Native Americans from their right to full participation in decision-making regarding the site. The history and cultural value of the site has never been disputed. Human remains have been consistently unearthed as the area around the site has been developed. Native Americans continue to hold ceremonies at Sogorea Te just as they have for thousands of years. The Glen Cove Shell Mound spans fifteen acres along the Carquinez Strait. It is the final resting place of many Indigenous People dating back more than 3,500 years, and has served as a traditional meeting place for dozens of California Indian tribes. The site continues to be spiritually important to California tribes. The Glen Cove site is acknowledged by GVRD and the City to have many burials and to be an important cultural site, yet they are moving forward as early as Friday with plans to build a toilet and parking lot on this sacred site and to grade a hill that likely contains human remains and important cultural artifacts. SSP&RIT have asked GVRD to reconsider their plans to grade the hill and build toilets and a parking lot at the site. Glen Cove is located near the intersection of South Regatta and Whitesides Drive in Vallejo. For more information and directions: www.protectglencove.org Contact: |
danbacher by Dan Bacher
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) on April 13 approved the 2011 recreational and commercial salmon seasons for ocean waters of the West Coast.
The recommendation will be forwarded to the National Marine Fisheries Service for approval by May 1, 2011.
The recreational salmon fishing season in California from Horse Mountain in Humboldt County to the California/Mexico border began on April 2. However, the PFMC in the Wednesday meeting chose the closing dates for the season.
“We are pleased to see that Sacramento River fall Chinook salmon have rebounded nicely for California and Oregon fisheries and we will continue to enjoy good salmon opportunities off the Washington coast this summer,” said Council Chairman Mark Cedergreen.
Greatly improved abundance of Sacramento River fall Chinook will fuel the first substantial ocean salmon fisheries off California and Oregon since 2007, according to Cedargreen. Fisheries south of Cape Falcon are supported by Sacramento River fall Chinook. In 2008 and 2009, poor Sacramento returns led to the largest ocean salmon fishery closure on record.
“The abundance forecast of Sacramento River fall Chinook in 2011 is 730,000, far above the number needed for optimum spawning this fall (122,000‐180,000 fish),” stated Cedargreen. “The Klamath River fall Chinook forecast for 2011 is near normal. The Oregon Coast natural coho forecast in 2011 is about 250,000, well above the 15 year average.”
Recreational salmon fishing in the Klamath Management Zone of California from the Oregon border to Horse Mountain in Humboldt County (Eureka, Trinidad, Crescent City) will run from May 14 through September 5.
Recreational fishing from Horse Mountain to Pigeon Point (Shelter Cove, Fort Bragg, Bodega Bay, San Francisco, Half Moon Bay) opened on April 2 and will run through October 30.
Recreational fishing from Pigeon Point to the Mexican border (Santa Cruz, Monterey, Moss Landing, Morro Bay, Avila Beach) opened on April 2 and will run through September 18.
The minimum size for chinooks will be 24 inches coastwide. Coho (silver) salmon may not be taken.
The commercial fishing seasons have been expanded from the very restricted salmon season last year. For example, in California from Point Arena to Point Sur (Monterey), the season will be open May 1‐31; June 25‐July 5; July 9‐27 (Saturday to Wednesday); July 29‐August 29; and during the entire month of September.
From Point Sur to the Mexico border, the Chinook season will be open as above, plus June 1‐24 but closed in September. There will also be a season from Point Reyes to Point San Pedro, open Monday to Friday October 3‐14.
While there is reason for optimism with the projected increase in Sacramento fall run chinook salmon numbers this sesaon, endangered winter run and spring chinook chinook salmon populations continue to decline, due to massive water exports out of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and decreasing water quality.
The Sacramento winter chinook population plummeted to only 1,596 fish, including 1,555 adults and 41 jacks, in 2010. The winter run population, through a number of measures including changing of the operation of the Red Bluff Diversion Dam and the maintenance of cold water curtains on Shasta and Whiskeytown dams, steadily rose from only 200 adult fish in 1991 to 16,764 fish in 2006. The population has declined ever since.
The Central Valley spring chinook salmon population, after years of rising abundance due to the removal of dams and other habitat improvements on Butte Creek and other Sacramento River tributaries, has declined over the past few years also.
A total of 4,612 fish, including 1,661 hatchery fish and 2,951 natural spawners, returned to the system in 2010. In contrast, an estimated 21,319 natural spawners and 4,052 adult hatchery fish came back in 2005.
The PMFC press release is available at: www.pcouncil.org/2011/04/13778/final2011salmon. For more information about the PFMC, go to: http://www.pcouncil.org.
danbacher Press Advisory: For Immediate Release April 12, 2010
Sacred Sites Protection and Rights of Indigenous Tribes
Contact: Wounded Knee (707) 373-7195; Corrina Gould (510) 575-8408; Bradley Angel (415) 722-5270
As bulldozers may be arriving any day at the Glen Cove burial and shell mound site, Native Americans to file civil rights complaint with the state of California against Greater Vallejo Recreation District and city of Vallejo
Complaint alleges GRVD & city are violating civil rights of Native Americans by moving forward with plans that would desecrate Glen Cove ancient burial site
Press conference Wednesday, April 13, 2011, 12 noon in front of Vallejo City Hall, 555 Santa ClaraStreet
Vallejo, CA – Faced with the possible imminent arrival of bulldozers at the Glen Cove ancient burial site, Native Americans will file an administrative civil rights complaint on April 13, 2011 with the State of California against the Greater Vallejo Recreation District and the City of Vallejo. A press conference will be held in front of Vallejo City Hall, 555 Santa Clara Street, on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at noon.
Sacred Site Protection and Rights of Indigenous Tribes (SSP&RIT) is filing the complaint under California Government Code § 11135 alleging that the City and GVRD are discriminating on the basis of race in threatening to destroy and desecrate significant parts of the Glen Cove Shellmound and burial site, for harming Native Americans’ religious and spiritual well-being, and effectively excluding Native Americans from their right to full participation in the decision-making regarding this project.
The Glen Cove Shell Mound is a well-documented and culturally significant site located in Vallejo, California, and spans an area of fifteen acres along the Carquinez Strait. It is the final resting place of many Indigenous People dating back more than 3,500 years, and has served as a traditional meeting place for dozens of California Indian tribes. The site continues to be spiritually important to California tribes.
The Glen Cove site is acknowledged by GVRD and the City to have many burials and to be an important cultural site, yet they are moving forward as early as this week with plans to build a toilet and parking lot on this sacred site and to grade a hill that likely contains human remains and important cultural artifacts. Native Americans and their supporters have vowed to protest any effort that could desecrate the sacred burial site.
Native Americans are a class of people protected from unlawful discrimination in state-funded activities and programs. Intentional discrimination against minority populations is prohibited under Cal. Gov. Code § 11135(a). As recipients of state funding, GVRD and the City are subject to this law and cannot violate the civil rights of Native Americans.
In addition, SSP&RIT will announce more details about plans to protect Glen Cove from desecration.
“Everyone has the right to a final resting place. Our ancestors deserve to have a resting place on their original land without the threat of being removed for the sake of a park,” said Corrina Gould, Ohlone resident of the Bay Area. “Other countries realize the significance of ancestors and honor the ancient cemeteries by not disturbing them. Who does it ultimately serve to complete this project? Let our ancestors rest.”
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