On October 24, join people all over the world for a day of action to take a stand for a safe climate future. Visit 350.org or our own Climate Protection Campaign to find out about actions in Sonoma County - some of the over 4000 actions expected to take place in over 170 countries.
As of Dec. 1, we have secured just over $100,000 toward our goal of $120,000 (15 month budget), including nearly $18,000 from park users like you - thank you! Thanks to these pledges, current (red) permits are valid through the end of 2009. We will reissue 2010 permits in January.
Despite recent news that State Parks will avoid closing parks, the threat to some of our favorite outdoor destinations still exists. This makes innovative approaches like LandPaths' Willow Creek Permit Program even more critical. In fact, State Parks superintendent Liz Burko recently referred to these programs as "armor against the State budget axe."
LandPaths has two primary goals at Willow Creek:
1. Keep Willow Creek accessible and stewarded in 2010 and beyond by continuing the Willow Creek permit, Trail Watch, and volunteer stewardship programs.
LandPaths want to ensure that the unparalleled hiking, biking and horseback riding available on this beautiful property is not put at risk.
2. Build the foundation for a more sustainable "community-powered park" - one that will cost less over time and that can serve as a model for other budget-strapped parks.
Though volunteer trainings and in partnership with a new Willow Creek council, we anticipate reducing the annual budget for these programs from $90,000 in 2010 to $60,000 or less in subsequent years.
To those of you who have already donated, thank you! Your support is reflective of our Willow Creek Survey results which told us that over 80% of you would be willing to donate at least $20-$40 to keep Willow Creek open and stewarded.
In order to ensure continued access and stewardship programs and to allow us to reissue permits for 2010, we need your support to raise an additional $19,000. A permit holder put it this way in response to our Willow Creek survey:
"I really, really hope that we can keep it accessible-it is such a lovely spot to be able to visit. It makes me incredibly happy to be able to go there. There is no other spot that I've found that can quite match it."
If you have ideas to share, comments or questions, please contact me.
Thank you for your support. I look forward to seeing you on the trails at Willow Creek.
Jonathan Glass Willow Creek Project Manager LandPaths
October 5, 2009, Press Democrat: The half-dozen hikers were exploring a new way to see Sonoma County, one where remote trails can lead to innkeepers, farmers, restaurateurs and others who can provide food and rest, as well as stories of the land. "You want to immerse yourself in the landscape," said Craig Anderson, the executive director of LandPaths. Read more at the Press Democrat...