A Lifetime of Environmental Leadership Jerry Meral

Jerry Meral at Meral’s Pool Ramp

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

His career is a testament to his dedication to 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.