Denham's Bill May Cost Mariposa $25 Million In The Next Decade

Threatens Jobs and Merchants’ Annual $2.5m Merced River Income

Increasing numbers of groups and individuals in Mariposa and elsewhere in California oppose legislation proposed by Congressman Jeff Denham because it would, if passed, have serious adverse implications for Mariposa’s economy as well as remove protection of a portion of a Wild and Scenic River for the first time.

"The Congressman seems perfectly willing to sacrifice existing jobs and our beautiful river to enrich people who don't even live here” said Barton Brown M.D., a 30-year resident of Mariposa County and a 22-year advocate of measures to manage and protect the Merced River for future generations.

Mr. Denham, who represents Mariposa and Tuolumne counties and portions of Madera and Stanislaus counties, introduced two bills (H.R. 869 and H.R. 2578) this year on behalf of Merced Irrigation District (MID), which, if approved, would raise the maximum legal water level in Lake McClure by up to 12 feet from 867 feet. 

According to MID press releases, only 10-15,000 acre feet of water could be stored for release in dry years and there is no mention of agricultural use for that water. Instead, MID’s Project Fact Sheet states there will be enough new power generated to service an additional 1,700 homes – homes that haven’t been built and likely will not be for many years given the unsold housing inventory in Merced, a poster child for the housing downturn.

Representative Denham appears to be unaware of the potential for proportionately greater economic losses in Mariposa County. According to testimony provided by Mr. Robert V. Abbey of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), either bill would result in a loss of jobs and revenue in Mariposa and El Portal as river-based and river-related recreation during spring and early summer is reduced or eliminated.

"At a time when everyone is scrambling to keep or find a job, Denham's proposal would kill existing jobs and compromise our children's river heritage” said John P. Brady, chairman of the board of MERG.

Data provided by the BLM and Robert Ferguson, President of Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions, show river rafting contributes about $2,500,000 a year to Mariposa’s economy. That figure includes people hired directly to support the rafting companies and visitor expenditures for lodging, food services and other purchases.

BLM issues permits to 12 commercial businesses that guide over 10,000 whitewater enthusiasts down the lower Merced River each year. The section of the river that would be inundated should the legislation pass also draws hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian riders. Mr. Abbey notes, “This riverdependent tourism provides a greater level of economic and employment stability for Mariposa communities.”

“Tourism is critical to Mariposa’s economic health and much of its tourism revenues is directly related to visits to Yosemite National Park” said Lee Stetson, Mariposa County supervisor. “Given the current high visitation rates and the prospect of limitations on the numbers of tourists that can visit the Park during the height of the season, Mariposa County needs to encourage businesses to invest in developing other attractions such as those along the lower Merced River -- not oversee their destruction. To enact Denham’s bill would have a chilling effect on investments in recreationrelated industries in Mariposa and throughout the nation.” he concluded.

As Leroy Radanovich, a Mariposa County historian, wrote in his April 22, 2011 Mariposa Life column, “Raising the spillway at Exchequer Dam would result in more grief than revenue. To flood a portion of the Wild and Scenic corridor, even on the off chance that a few more dollars might accrue to MID, or Mariposa County through the contract with MID, is not worth the discussion.”

"I have to believe later in this century my grandchildren would rather raft a wild river than look at an impoundment" added John Brady.

Mariposans for the Environment and Responsible Government (MERG) was founded in 1989 to inform the public and decision makers about responsible government, land use and environmental issues in order to promote a high quality of life for present and future Mariposans. MERG’s primary consideration in all of its activities is that “The environment is our economy.”

For further information contact:

Mariposans for the Environment and Responsible Government
John Brady -- This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Zephyr Whitewater
Robert Ferguson – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Yosemite Area Audubon
LowellYoung – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Bureau of Land Management
David Christy -- This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Friends of the River
Ron Stork – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Merced River Conservation Committee
Michael Martin – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Upper Merced River Watershed Council
Connie Nielson – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it