People have been going nuts about Nancy Pelosi’s mouse protection provision in the recently passed stimulus package. At first, I thought this was just another example of government waste and local politicians using the systems to aggrandize themselves within the local political arena. Then I saw a talk by Cheryl Davis of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.

The SFPUC administers the water supply that feeds San Francisco and neighboring areas. The task of bringing water from the Hetch Hetchy reservoir to the Bay Area is no small feat. Much of the transit lines are undergoing seismic retrofits to better secure the San Francisco water supply. A water interruption due to an earthquake could cost up to 28.7 Billion dollars, not to mention the panic that would overtake the city. The Hetch Hechy water, which comes mostly from the Sierra snow pack, makes its way via tubes that traverse both private and public lands. After the water arrives to the bay area, it is stored in the reservoirs West of the 280 Freeway until it makes its way to the city. These reservoirs and open spaces contain not only precious watersheds, but also many endangered species including the much-maligned Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse.

I agree that protecting a mouse does not provide “stimulus”, but by recognizing that everything in the environment is connected and by protecting the weak species, we may be protecting ourselves. It is possible that once we go down the road of runaway budgets there is no turning back, but it is certain that once a species is gone, there is no getting it back.

Big Basin is California’s first State Park, and Little Basin has ambitions to become one. We visited recently to see this former HP property that is now being protected by POST and the Sempervirens Fund.

For Episode 7, we visit with Kathleen Ward of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) to learn how they are protecting the natural lands of the Bay Area Peninsula. Join us on a tour of three of their many beautiful protected properties. Feel inspired? Click here to donate!

Part 1: POST and Pillar Point Bluff
What exactly is a land trust? Kathleen explains how this non-profit organization works with the local communities to protect natural ecosystems and preserve natural beauty. Our first stop is at Pillar Point Bluff. We learn that while it may look neat, Pampas Grass actually steals natural resources from native plants. It might not be the best thing to use for your walking stick next time you go hiking.

Part 2: Cowell Ranch State Beach
Next we stop by this gem of a beach to enjoy the sun, sand, water and large metal objects. Hi-Five!

Part 3: Whaler’s Cove and Pigeon Point Lighthouse
An important area for Portuguese Whalers in the 1800s, POST saved this scenic property from private commercial use with a $200 million fundraiser in the 1990s.

Last weekend, we went up the 101 to Humboldt Redwood State Park and checked out the Avenue of the Giants. After we had researched their website, we picked a campground and planned hikes and a trip to nearby Arcata and Eureka. This review gives a rundown of our campground pick and recommendations.