Tuolumne Guardian: Winter 2024

The Tuolumne Guardian WINTER 2024

EDUCATE

Tuolumne River Trust Est. 1981

C O N T E N T S

03 FROM THE DESK OF PATRICK KOEPELE

04 CELEBRATING 100 CLEAN-UPS

05 VOLUNTEERS AT WORK

06 COMMUNITY IN NATURE

07 UNLOCK TAX SAVINGS

08 PIONEERING TOMORROW'S LANDSCAPE

09 A LIFETIME OF ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP

10 THANK YOU TO ERIC HEITZ AND CAMILLE KING

11 GIVE A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEW ADVISORS

Winter on the Tuolumne River

FROM THE DESK OF PATRICK KOEPELE Dear Friends and Supporters, As we wrap up another quarter here at the Tuolumne River Trust, I find myself reflecting on our journey this year full of gratitude. Your support and partnership have been incredible, and it’s exciting to share the strides we’ve made together.

2023 has been a pivotal year for our organization. We’ve seen our team grow in both numbers and expertise, enhancing our capacity to tackle our mission. This growth has brought new ideas and energy, strengthening our efforts to protect and restore the Tuolumne River and the Greater Yosemite Region. Your continued support has been a key factor in enabling this expansion, and I want to thank you for being a part of our community.

Looking ahead, our focus is set on nurturing the health and vibrancy of the Region. We are committed to advocating for sustainable water flows, engaging diverse communities in our mission, and pursuing strategic land protection and restoration. Our goals for the next five years include impactful reforestation and restoration projects, and extending our stewardship to neighboring watersheds.

Your support has been the heartbeat of our success. Together, we're not just protecting the Greater Yosemite Region; we're nurturing a legacy for those who will walk these paths after us.

With appreciation,

Patrick Koepele Executive Director, Tuolumne River Trust

CELEBRATING 100 CLEAN-UPS

CHRIS GUPTILL'S MISSION TO CLEAN-UP THE TUOLUMNE RIVER Modesto City School teacher,

The Impact So Far:

outdoorsman, TRT advisor, and local

Under Chris’s leadership, the initiative

environmental steward, Chris Guptill, is set

has achieved remarkable results.

to mark a significant milestone in his journey of environmental activism. His

Total Cleanups Conducted: 95

project, which started in Modesto, CA as a

Volunteers Mobilized: 5,156

personal commitment, is now going to lead

Garbage Removed: 660 tons

the 100th clean-up of the lower Tuolumne

Shopping Carts Removed: 1,410

River, scheduled to be commemorated

Tires Removed: 1,883

around World Water Day 2024.

Hypodermic Needles Removed: 2,900 Batteries Recycled/Removed: 4,000

Chris's story with the Tuolumne River

(110 Pounds)

began with TRT’s Paddle to the Sea event, where his passion for kayaking ignited a

A Milestone to Celebrate:

deeper connection with the River. Paddling

Chris's journey is a compelling story of

through downtown Modesto, he was

how one person's determination can

shocked by the extent of pollution – a

spark widespread community action. His

sight of garbage, tires, shopping carts, and

efforts demonstrate that with dedication

debris littered in and along the River. With

and community support, significant

no municipal efforts in sight to address the

environmental change is possible.

problem, Chris decided to take action into his own hands.

Chris's upcoming 100th cleanup is more than a number; it's a testament to the

In 2014, Chris founded Operation 9-2-99,

power of community engagement and

aimed at reclaiming, rehabilitating, and

grassroots activism. This event is not just

restoring the stretch of the Tuolumne River

a clean-up but a celebration of collective

in Modesto from the 9th Street Bridge to

effort and a recommitment to the health

Highway 99. His mission was to transform

of our natural waterways.

this blighted area into a space the community could proudly and safely enjoy.

Join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement around World Water Day. For updates on this event visit: www.tuolumne.org/events

Chris cleaning up the Tuolumne River.

Modesto residents enjoying a day on the Tuolumne River.

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FROM THE FOREST FRONTLINE OUR VOLUNTEERS AT WORK The Headwaters region high in the Sierra Nevada has witnessed a surge in volunteer engagement in 2023. With 49 volunteer days organized, including 14 events since July alone, our volunteers are a testament to their commitment and passion.

Diverse Projects, One Goal Our remarkable volunteers, contributing an incredible 646 hours, have been the backbone of diverse projects - from trail maintenance to riparian tree planting, each initiative reflecting our dedication to environmental stewardship.

These efforts, primarily within the Stanislaus National Forest, not only aid in ecological restoration, but also grow our community with a deeper connection between all of us and the natural world.

Join the Movement We extend an open invitation to all of you who wish to be part of this rewarding experience.

With more trail maintenance workdays on the horizon, your involvement can make a significant impact.

To stay informed and participate, please visit: www.tuolumne.org/events

AmeriCorps crew hard at work.

Volunteer planting trees.

NURTURING COMMUNITY AND NATURE In the heart of the Central Valley, guided by the steady flow of the Tuolumne River, these initiatives remind us of the power of community and the importance of nurturing our natural spaces.

The Compass Points North Local Girl Scouts and their families joined the Tuolumne River Adventure Club (TRAC) for an orienteering adventure on a beautiful day in the park. Led by our dedicated Central Valley program staff, participants delved into the art of navigating the outdoors using a compass. This activity served as a metaphor, aligning with the broader mission of the TRT: steering individuals toward discovering and forging connections with the natural world.

An Innovative Approach The Park Youth Committee, a component of the Park Equity Program, has adopted an innovative, data-driven strategy to champion for equitable access to public spaces. Through the creation of a Data Dashboard, this youth committee has empowered the community by articulating its needs and aspirations. This data tool incorporates valuable insights gathered from community surveys and park audits, aiming to construct a compelling narrative about the community's connection with its parks. The committee plans to share this narrative with elected officials and the public during its upcoming winter presentations.

Advocacy in Action The Park Youth Committee's influence goes beyond the digital realm. Their series of meetings with the Mayor of Modesto and City Council members has propelled their All Children Thrive (ACT) Modesto Park Equity Project to the forefront of local governance.

Their impactful presence at Modesto City Council meetings, where they deliver public comments, is noteworthy. They are not merely raising awareness but actively urging the Council to take concrete actions to improve park equity for all residents of Modesto.

TRAC's Orienteering Adventure

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UNLOCK TAX SAVINGS WHILE SUPPORTING THE TUOLUMNE RIVER TRUST! Are you ready to make a meaningful impact on the environment while maximizing your tax benefits? Look no further! Learn more about how you protect and restore the Tuolumne River and Greater Yosemite Region while enjoying significant tax advantages this tax season.

Discover the Benefits Preserve Nature, Preserve Your Wallet: By contributing to the Tuolumne River Trust, you play a crucial role in protecting and restoring the majestic Tuolumne River ecosystem. Plus, you get to take advantage of generous tax benefits!

Maximize Your Deductions Our tax-advantaged giving options can help you reduce your taxable income.

With a range of tax-savvy strategies, you can enjoy substantial deductions, potentially lowering your overall tax bill.

Grow Your Philanthropy Your contribution not only supports our vital conservation work but also strengthens your philanthropic impact. We'll show you how to leverage your giving to ensure your support goes even further.

Make a Lasting Difference Your support will leave a legacy for future generations, ensuring clean water, healthy ecosystems, and outdoor recreational opportunities for all.

Ways to Give: Gifts of Appreciated Stock Donate stocks or securities and potentially avoid capital gains taxes while supporting the Tuolumne River Trust.

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) Use a donor-advised fund to manage your giving, allowing you to distribute funds to causes you care about while enjoying tax advantages.

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) If you're 70½ or older, make tax-free contributions directly from your IRA to the Tuolumne River Trust.

Leave your Legacy to the Tuolumne When you include the Tuolumne River Trust to your Will or Trust you are leaving a legacy that is unmatched for generations to come.

Act Now for a Greener Future!

Contact Nicole Cibellis, Chief Advancement Officer at nicole@tuolumne.org, to learn more about tax advantages when you give to TRT, or for any questions visit our website www.tuolumne.org/donate.

PIONEERING TOMORROW'S LANDSCAPE Looking into the horizon, our dedication to securing the prosperity of the Tuolumne River watershed and the Greater Yosemite Region for future generations remains resolute. However, the looming challenges of climate change and the widespread impact of wildfires remind us that our mission extends far beyond any predefined limits. While maintaining our steadfast commitment to the Tuolumne Watershed, we have expanded our initiatives into the Stanislaus and Merced Watersheds, foreseeing a trajectory that will persist as the urgent call to safeguard our forests, lands, and rivers echoes throughout the Greater Yosemite Region.

Initiating the largest forest restoration project in California to date—the 110,000-acre SERAL Project—we will tackle a landscape that has yet to witness a catastrophic mega-fire. The potential threat, if a fire were to ignite, extends into the upper Tuolumne Watershed, including the vulnerable Clavey Watershed, placing additional strain on this delicate ecosystem. Beyond ecological concerns, such a fire poses a significant risk to the lives, homes, businesses, and livelihoods of thousands in communities from Sonora to Twain Harte to Pinecrest and beyond.

Our methodology integrates state-of-the-art technologies with age-old field knowledge, grounded in collaboration, meticulous planning, and a defined purpose. Encompassing everything from forest health to meadow restoration, our comprehensive strategy addresses the core and vitality of the Sierra Nevada.

Advocacy remains ingrained in our ethos, as we champion increased water flows to preserve the river's well-being, safeguarding its salmon, wildlife, and recreational sanctuaries. Strengthening our defense of the region, we build alliances with diverse communities, particularly those historically excluded from pivotal decisions impacting the river.

Inspired by the success of Dos Rios Ranch, slated to become the next California state park, we are embarking on evaluating strategic opportunities for land protection and restoration. Our presence in the Central Valley expands, enriching parks, ensuring river access, and fostering a new generation of environmental leaders through targeted literacy programs for youth and multigenerational families. Whether through political advocacy, restoration projects, wildlife protection, community organizing, educational initiatives, park creation, or forest fire prevention, our commitment remains steadfast.

The Greater Yosemite Region relies on our unwavering support, and together we can ensure it is capable of resilience in the face of an uncertain future.

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A LIFETIME OF ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP Jerry's journey as an environmental trailblazer began in 1968, at the age of 24. He and Dick Sunderland became the first people to navigate the Class V whitewater section of the Tuolumne River, known as Cherry Creek. His daring descent, equipped with a primitive life jacket and a rock climbing helmet, marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to environmental advocacy.

“Meral’s Pool,” a popular starting point for rafting enthusiasts on the Tuolumne River, is named after him. It is called that because he was washed out of his canoe there on a very high water early river trip on the Tuolumne.

Jerry Meral at Meral’s Pool Ramp

Jerry's passion for the environment culminated in initiating the creation of TRT in his living room in 1981. With his help as a Jerry Brown administration official, the Trust spearheaded a successful campaign to prevent further dam construction on the Tuolumne River, preserving its natural beauty and whitewater runs.

At 79, Jerry continues to inspire with his active lifestyle, recently completing his fifth rafting trip down Cherry Creek with

Jerry rafting Cherry Creek

His career is a testament to his dedication to

Trust Board Member Marty Mcdonnell’s rafting company, setting a record as the oldest person to take on this challenge.

environmental conservation. Jerry has co-founded influential organizations like Friends of the River, Protect the American River Canyon, and American Rivers, and he has served in key leadership roles that have significantly contributed to the funding and conservation of California's natural resources.

Jerry's influence extends to mentoring others in environmental stewardship, inspiring a generation of conservationists. His blend of creativity, kindness, and dedication makes him not just a leader but a valued mentor and friend in the environmental community.

Jerry in 1975 on the Tuolumne River

THANK YOU TO ERIC HEITZ AND CAMILLE KING Celebrating Their Journey with the Tuolumne River Trust

Eric Heitz: Visionary Leader & River Enthusiast Eric Heitz's passion for rivers began as an Echo Rafting guide, a journey that led him to meet his wife and foster a lifelong dedication to environmental stewardship. As a leader of the Energy Foundation, he brought expertise to the Tuolumne River Trust Board since 1996, serving as Board Chair from 2001-2009. His tenure was marked by significant progress in environmental conservation, deeply influenced by his personal connection to the Tuolumne River.

Camille King with her children on the Tuolumne

Eric Heitz and Patrick Koepele

Camille King: A Supportive Pillar and Long-Time Friend Camille King joined the Tuolumne River Trust Board in 2013, bringing her financial expertise and strategic acumen as a former CFO and Enrolled Agent. Known for her generosity, Camille has been integral to our finance and audit committees, event planning, and community engagement, infusing her work with warmth and dedication.

Their Lasting Legacy Eric and Camille's contributions to the Trust go beyond measurable achievements; they have inspired others and left a path for future conservation efforts. As they move on to new chapters, their dedication and leadership leave an enduring impact on the Tuolumne River and its ecosystems.

Our Sincere Gratitude Thank you, Eric and Camille, for your commitment and passion. Your legacy continues to guide and inspire all of us.

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GIVE A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEW ADVISORS The Tuolumne River Trust Board welcomes Shanyn, Bernard, and Chuck, whose combined expertise in technical and community realms enhances the organization's commitment to environmental stewardship and community development. Their distinct perspectives will be invaluable in guiding the Trust’s mission to protect the Tuolumne River Watershed and educate future environmental stewards.

Shanyn Avila: Shanyn Avila has significantly impacted Stanislaus County through her work with the Center for Human Services, focusing on youth and family support. Her dedication to community service and organizing is complemented by her son Connie’s involvement on the Park Equity Team as a high schooler. Her work emphasizes the importance of local, accessible community initiatives.

Bernard Chen: Bernard Chen brings fantastic insight and an entrepreneurial spirit to the Trust as a tech executive and entrepreneur. An advid outdoorsman, Bernard enjoys backpacking or overlanding in the Sierra Nevada, kayak fishing off the Pacific coast, or chasing pelagics in the open ocean.

Chuck Piercey: Chuck, with 20 years in Silicon Valley, has led product management at startups and major firms.

His work spans forest sustainability in Costa Rica to launching 15+ technology products. He’s also an avid outdoorsman and has backpacked the entire upper course of the Tuolumne River from its headwaters to the Hetch Hetchy reservoir.

Tuolumne River Trust P.O. Box 3727 Sonora, CA 95370

GIVING IS GREAT!

Take advantage of tax savings by supporting and protecting the Greater Yosemite Region

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