Author

Melinda Fleming, Executive Director Jeff Sargo member of the Board of Directors Tuolumne County Alliance for Resources & Environment (TuCARE) was established to enlighten and advise the public on conservation and the wise use of natural resources. TuCARE believes in the multiple-use of the many natural resources on our public lands. Multiple-use policies allow for everyone to benefit. People can enjoy a wide variety of recreational opportunities. The wood products industry can provide us with needed building materials. Livestock owners can use summer pasture to produce food for us to eat. Miners can extract minerals necessary for the production of everyday goods that we all use. Everyone who uses water or power generated by the harnessing of the Sierra snowmelt is a beneficiary. TuCARE is committed to ensuring the long-term viability of all of our natural resources through an ecosystem management approach toward the stewardship of our public lands. Man must play an active role to ensure our forests are not destroyed by wildfires and that our resources are available for all to use and enjoy. TuCARE seeks stability for our natural resource industries through wise use, thus ensuring the economic soundness of local communities. The private sector, working with the public sector, can play an important part in ensuring multiple-use policies continue to meet everyone's needs. TuCARE supports the protection of private property rights. TuCARE advocates an increased awareness in schools and communities, believing a more informed public will make better decisions regarding how natural resources are respected, utilized, and for the care they receive. This belief is borne out by TuCARE by sponsoring Tours for Kids for more than 2,200 local students each year; annually sponsoring a Natural Resources Tour for invited guests from the State, Congress, local businesses and educators, as well as agencies at the county, state, and federal levels. TuCARE prepares press releases for the local news media and meets with federal, state, and local elected representatives on issues of concern. TuCARE testifies before the State Assembly and special agency hearings in Sacramento and the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors. Additionally, TuCARE participates in the Tuolumne County Schools Forestry Institute for Teachers and presents to civic groups and organizations. We also sponsor public forums on natural resources issues and are represented at the Alliance on America Fly-in For Freedom forum held in Washington, D.C. annually.