Names to note: the Lyons family gives back to the restoration of the river
The Lyons family donated $ 50,000 for the restoration of Ranch Dos Rios, a flood-prone area close to its farmland southwest of Modesto.
The donation reflects the family’s efforts to farm in a way that improves wildlife habitat. This included the recovery of the once endangered Aleutian Cackling Goose as well as fish and other creatures in the floodplain project.
Dos Rios covers approximately 2,400 acres where the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers meet. That’s nearly a decade after more than $ 45 million in restoration aimed at improving habitat, mitigating flood damage and recharging groundwater.
The donation went to River Partners, the nonprofit that is running the project with the help of public agencies and the Tuolumne River Trust.
Family members understand Bill Lyons Jr., former California Food and Agriculture Secretary.
“There are many opportunities for farmers in the valley to work with groups like River Partners and find common sense solutions to the many resource issues we face,†he said in a press release. . “My father and mother were considered both farmers and true conservationists and instilled in our families the value of taking care of our natural resources. “
River Partners is working with farmers and other allies to restore part of the floodplain that once stretched over much of the Central Valley.
“The Dos Rios Ranch reserve is a powerful model of how floodplain restoration can keep the valley thriving as we face the difficult challenges of intensifying droughts and floods,†said President. Julie rentner noted.
MID campaign wins award
The Modesto Irrigation District received a statewide award for its Healthy Rivers Campaign.
“Until the last drop” received the Huell Howser’s excellence in communication awards at the annual meeting of the California Association of Water Agencies. The late Howser was best known for hosting travel stories on public television.
The campaign advances MID’s argument that fish habitat projects could reduce the volume of reservoir discharges sought by the state. It includes the Tuolumne River, which the district operates, and other tributaries of the San Joaquin River.
The campaign includes print and other advertising, as well as an 83-minute film that began airing in September 2020.
And finally …
Nicolas callahan, who works at Speedee oil change and automotive service in Turlock, received the Master Automobile Technician of the Year award.
Callahan was among 48 recipients at a meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz., Of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. They were the top scorers among around 250,000 ASE certified technicians.
Names of Note recognizes individuals and organizations for their contribution to their communities. Submit articles to [email protected]