Advancing the Health of the Tuolumne River through Modesto's General Plan Update
At the Tuolumne River Trust, our mission has always been centered around the preservation and enhancement of the Tuolumne River—a vital resource that serves as the lifeblood of our community. As we embrace the opportunity to connect with you, our valued supporters, we're thrilled to share our perspective on the Modesto General Plan update and our goals for this critical phase of development.
The Importance of the Modesto General Plan Update
In California, General Plans have often been described as “blueprints for future growth” or a “constitution for future development” of a community. For us, it represents a unique opportunity to shape the future of Modesto while safeguarding the health and vitality of the Tuolumne River.
The General Plan for Modesto, officially known as the "City of Modesto Urban Area General Plan," is more than just a set of policies and maps; it's a vision for how we build our city. It outlines a comprehensive strategy for growth, development, and community well-being. The updated Modesto Urban Area General Plan is set to guide the physical development of our city all the way to 2050.
“At the Tuolumne River Trust, we recognize that the Tuolumne River is a central feature of Modesto, offering drinking water, recreational opportunities, and critical habitat for fish and wildlife. Our mission and goals are closely intertwined with the health of this invaluable natural resource.”
— Peter Drekmeier, Policy Director
Our key objectives for the Modesto General Plan update:
Prioritizing the Tuolumne River
We urge the City of Modesto to treat the Tuolumne River as a central and inviting feature of our city, akin to the way rivers are celebrated in other great cities. We believe it should be recognized as an asset to our community's identity.
Collaboration with Stakeholders
We encourage close collaboration with the Irrigation Districts, Sustainable Groundwater Agencies, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders. Together, we can develop a plan to capture potential floodwater and store it in our groundwater basin. This proactive approach benefits people, farms, and the Tuolumne River ecosystem.
Sustainable Water Management
We advocate for responsible water management practices that ensure a sustainable balance between the needs of our residents, agriculture, and the preservation of the Tuolumne River's ecosystem. By protecting its health, we safeguard the well-being of our community.
Join Us in Shaping the Future.
As we embark on this journey to influence the Modesto General Plan update, we invite you to stand with us. Together, we can ensure that the Tuolumne River remains a vibrant and thriving natural asset for generations to come. Your support, commitment, and voice are invaluable in shaping the future of our beloved city.
Sign our petition to the Modesto City Council
Resources:
Other Ways to Get Involved:
Sign up for our mailing list for Central Valley updates.
Help table at events to get signatures for the petition.
Help review the draft Plan and formulate comments.
Submit written comments and speak at meetings when the time is right.