Tour showcases collaboration, elevates rural water agency challenges

American River Forest Health Legislative Tour participants got firsthand looks at the importance of proactive forest management and watershed restoration during Monday’s event. Courtesy photo

The Mountain Counties Water Resources Association joined Placer County Water Agency, The Nature Conservancy and the Sierra Nevada Conservancy to sponsor the American River Forest Health Legislative Tour on Oct. 13, bringing members of the California Legislature and Capitol staff into the Sierra Nevada headwaters.

Co-hosted by Assemblymembers Diane Papan and Joe Patterson, the tour highlighted how proactive forest management and watershed restoration protect California’s water supply while showcasing the power of local-state collaboration in addressing wildfire resilience and long-term water reliability.