Prop 17: A Pathway to a Life on Rivers.
by Ann Cassidy
In the early ‘70’s I had energy and time on my hands. With the dawning of the environmental movement across America, I decided to get politically involved. Through the Sierra Club I learned about saving a river I had never heard of. Having enjoyed fishing and playing in creeks as a kid and backpacking in the Sierras this seemed like a worthy cause. I soon found myself appointed Marin County chairman for Prop 17 to Save the Stanislaus.
As county chairman, I, of course, had to see the Stanislaus! For my first river trip I joined a FOR fundraiser down the Stan run by OARS. I was immediately hooked by the scenery, the inner peace channeled by flowing water, and the contagious high spirits of my fellow river adventurers and our river guides.
Prop 17 was narrowly defeated, perhaps the result of ballot language deliberately meant to confuse the voters. One had to vote “No” to save the river from being buried beneath the reservoir rising behind the now even taller New Melones dam. Prop 17 began and ended my political career, but launched me on a continuing journey with rivers. Next came the Tuolumne River and then the Grand Canyon – first as an OARS passenger and then a trainee boatman. I guided on rivers for 20 years mostly in the Grand Canyon and the Southwest, made many lifetime friends, and learned so much about the values that free-flowing rivers offer to the environment and people.
Every trip was a remarkable adventure with its unique twists and highlights. Today, while not on rivers, I reflect on the everyday life lessons and inspirations from the Stanislaus and other rivers. Who can forget the wonder of wandering in the maze of branches under the giant fig tree at Duck Bar, soaking in the gurgle of Rose Creek, or belly crawling under stalactites? I realize that natural landscapes and ecosystem functions all around the world must be treasured and advocated for, even if one hasn’t had the chance to experience them. I owe this awareness to the Stanislaus and my impulsive decision to join FOR and support Prop 17. I am very proud to have been a charter member of FOR and to have been able to support it for all these years.