Find us on the web at
River View News
www.kingsriverconservancy.org
Sp ring/S ummer 2 011
Moonlight over the River
Annual Dinner Set for September 21st
Board of Directors
Margaret Thorburn
Founding President
John Gray
President
Deborah Lapp
Vice President
Nancy Jones
Treasurer
Save the date for the 9th annual “Moonlight over the River”. This year
guests will dine on a gourmet buffet by Teresa Hurtado of Food for
Thought while enjoying award winning wines from Cedar View Winery. The
home of Conservancy President John Gray and wife Gail will be the setting
for an evening to remember with the beauty of the Kings River as the
backdrop.
The great sounds of the Ben Hensley Quartet will fill the air as you enjoy
the company of friends and help support Conservancy programs and
projects by shopping at the silent auction. The festivities begin at 5:30.
Tickets are $60 per person or you may sponsor an entire table for 8. Table
sponsorships are available for $500/Sapphire Table, $750/Emerald Table,
or be a Diamond Sponsor for $1,000. You may reserve tables or purchase
individual seats on-line at www.kingsriverconservancy.org or by calling the
Conservancy office at 787-9500. See you on September 21st.
Patty Parks
Secretary
Heather Mulholland
George Heaton
Victor Salazar
We begin our second decade with a series of events that will raise funds
to support planned programs and projects as we expand our educational
outreach and public access opportunities.
Kathy Winter
Hank Urbach
Heidi Isner/Advisor
Staff
Jim Van Haun
Executive Director
Wendy Sheridan
Public Outreach Director
K i ng s Ri ve r Co ns er va nc y
1 3 84 S o ut h Fr a nkw oo d A ve.
S a ng er , CA. 9 36 5 7
5 5 9- 78 7- 95 0 0
www .kin gsr ive rconse rv ancy .org
Rendezvous’ for the River 2014 reservations begin at the Annual Dinner
on September 21, 2013 at the home of John and Gail Gray. You may buy
tickets online beginning Sunday, September 22, 2013.
Rendezvous catalogues will be available on September 21 st by calling or
emailing the Conservancy or may be picked up in person at the dinner or
the Conservancy office. Don’t miss out. Space for all events is limited,
so make your reservations early. You can even do a little early holiday
shopping and give a one of a kind event to those special people in your
life. Imagine gifting someone a crush party at the award winning Cedar
View Winery, or enjoying a Blossom Brunch on the Bluffs, a Bird’s Eye
View Cocktail Party overlooking the Kings River, or a Locovore at the
Lapp River House.
These are just a few of the fabulous events planned for 2014.
Protecting and enhancing the Kings River corridor from Pine Flat Dam to Highway 99.
In Memory
Ted Martin Leaves Lasting Legacy
Edward “Ted” Martin passed away March 5, 2013 at
the age of 90. He was preceded in death by his loving
wife Darline; and his son David. He leaves behind his
daughter Kathy Miranda and her husband Robert; his
grandson Rob; his brother, Dan; and a niece.
Ted was born in Armenia in 1923. He moved to the
Central Valley with his family when he was a young
child. It was during his high school years that Ted
developed a love of the outdoors. His Dad would take
him salmon fishing in the San Joaquin River and this
led to a lifetime appreciation for nature. As an avid
outdoorsman, he traveled up and down the west coast from Mexico to Alaska ,
visiting places to fish and hunt. But, it was the region between the San Joaquin
and Kings Rivers where he felt most at home. In 1977 he and his Darline
purchased the old Sample Ranch in Academy, where he remained for the rest
of his life.
Ted will always be remembered by the Kings
River Conservancy as a fine, gentle and generous
man. Ted and his family provided major funding
for the incubator house along the river and for
purchase of millions of trout eggs that have been
and will be released to the Kings River. Ted also
funded an invasive species removal program along
the river that has been effective in removing a
host of invasive species from Pine Flat Dam to
Cobbles Weir thus far. In addition, he and his
family have provided major funding for the Frank
Jones Memorial Enforcement Fund that provides
enhanced warden patrol along the river. Ted has
placed money with the Fresno Regional
Foundation in a fund solely devoted to aiding the
rivers closest to his heart, the Kings and San
Joaquin.
“Ted has left a lasting legacy to the Kings River
Conservancy that will be appreciated for generations. He was a wonderful man
and friend. He will be greatly missed but his spirit will always be with the
Kings River,”
stated Jim Van Haun, Executive Director of the Conservancy.
MEET OUR NEWEST BOARD MEMBER
Victor E. Salazar
An attorney and retired Fresno County Clerk,
Victor Salazar has been a resident of the County
of Fresno for over 50 years. He graduated from
Reedley High School and Fresno State University,
attended graduate school at Washington State
University in Pullman, Washington, and received
a law degree from San Joaquin College of
Law. Victor Salazar is involved in various
community organizations and strives to
contribute to the preservation of the Kings River
for the enjoyment of generations to come.
WELCOME HEIDI ISNER
Heidi Ann Isner earned her
Associates of Science Degree in
Forestry and Recreation from
Reedley College and her
Bachelor of Science Degree in
Natural Resources from Oregon
State University. Heidi worked
seven field seasons as a Wildlife
Biological Technician in both
Sequoia/Kings Canyon National
Parks and Sierra National Forest,
for
the U.S. Forest Service
California Spotted Owl
Demography Crew. In 2007 Heidi assumed work at Sierra Dairy Laboratory
where she specialized in water quality testing. In 2008 Heidi was recruited as a
seasonal aid to Kings River Conservation District and brought back in 2010 as a
permanent employee; where she has actively worked as a part of the Kings
River Fisheries Management Program. Heidi’s scope of work has included:
Interpretive Pack Guide in Yosemite National Park, Cave Guide in Seneca West
Virginia, wildlife management, surveys, hydrology, field data collection,
scientific reporting and fish population monitoring. In addition, Heidi has
worked with mentally disabled children and has been a certified personal
trainer and yoga instructor for over 10 years. Heidi and her husband Andrew
recently moved to Wonder Valley Ranchos and are expecting their first child.
Heidi joins the Conservancy board in the roll of KRCD Advisor.
CONSERVANCY PROJECTS UPDATE
North Riverside Park
The dedication of North Riverside Park took place this past Spring. All project
features are complete, including a 1.5 mile trail system, parking area,
restroom facility, picnic tables & native tree and shrub plantings. Come out to
the base of Pine Flat Dam and take a walk on the North Riverside Trail.
Thorburn Access Park
The Conservancy’s first park project, Thorburn Access Park is open 7 days a
week and is enjoyed by many. Spend an afternoon enjoying a picnic lunch by
the river.
Incubator House
The Kings River Incubator House was also dedicated last Spring and to date has
released nearly a million fry into the river at strategic locations. The facility
will operate again late this Fall as the temperatures lower.
Invasive Species Removal
Through the firm of Rusmore Consulting, nearly all invasive species have been
removed from Pine Flat Dam to Cobbles Weir, a distance of 7 miles. More will
be removed during the Fall season.
Frank Jones Memorial Enforcement Fund
Utilized by the State Department of Fish & Game, the Frank Jones Memorial
Enforcement Fund helps to fund much needed extra patrols on the Kings River. 100% of
all tax deductible donations are forwarded to the California Department of Fish and
Game.
How can you support the project?
Join us on Saturday, December 7th for the Annual Frank Jones Memorial Warden Patrol
Fund BBQ. We will gather by the river at Thorburn Access Park located on Rio Vista at
Highway 180. Enjoy some great food and help us support this very important and
ongoing project. The BBQ lunch is free! Donations and a raffle raise money for the
project.
You may call our office for more details, go on-line to www.kingsriverconservancy.org
and make a donation, or simply mail your donation to our office at
1384 S. Frankwood Ave., Sanger, California 93657.
Make checks payable to:
Kings River Conservancy
Memo: FJME Fund
We will do the rest!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
GOODBYE and GOOD LUCK TO LOUIE LONG
Louie received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from California State
University, Fresno and a Master of Science
degree in Biology from California State
University, Fresno. He began his career in
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
where he spent three seasons as a Black Bear
Technician. He then worked one season as a
Biological Technician for the US Geological
Survey researching tree mortality in Sierran
mixed conifer forests. In 2006 he began his
career with the Kings River Conservation
District as an Environmental Aide studying the
habits of rainbow trout in the tailwater fishery
below Pine Flat Dam. His resources
management experience includes statistical
analysis, report writing, permitting, study design, fish population monitoring,
macroinvertebrate studies, aquatic habitat enhancement, riparian zone enhancement,
and nesting bird surveys.
Louie has acted as KRCD Advisor to the Conservancy for the past 6 years. He leaves
this role to begin his next adventure as Natural Resources instructor at Reedley
College. We know Louie will continue his involvement with the Conservancy, just in
new ways. All our good wishes go with him.
Tough Water Year
As most of you know, this is one of the worst water years in the Kings River
Watershed ever recorded. Kings River Water Association is working very hard on the
temperature management plan for this fall. Fish will be stressed and so we are asking
you to refrain from fishing the lower river in the catch and release section until after
November 1st. The river will probably be at minimum flow (100cfs) by September 1st.
Please pass this on to others you know who fish the river and help us protect this
resource. This is not an official regulation, but a suggestion.
If you witness violations of the Fish and Wildlife code, please call CALTIP to report.
1-888-334-2258
Thanks for your help.
Hank Urbach
Chair, Public Advisory Group
Kings River Fisheries Management Program
THANK YOU to our Partners & Donors
Bonnier Corporation
Carmelita/Gerawan Farming
Cedar View Winery
Don & Sally Clark Foundation
Charles & Debbie Doerksen
For the Birds: Garden Gifts
Franklin Street Investors/Jim Ishimura
Fresno County Parks and Recreation
Fresno Fly Fishers for Conservation
Fresno Regional Foundation
The Gary W. Gray Trust UTD
Green Leaf Farms Inc.
James & Coke Hallowell
Kings River Conservation District
Kings River Fisheries Management Program
Kings River Water Association
Nancy Jones
Walter Jones
KVPR/FM89 Valley Public Radio
Deborah & Greg Lapp
Gerald & Marguerite McMenamin
Dale & Pam Melville
Jimmie Morales/Sierra Fly Fisher
Alexander C. Moir TTEE
Mulholland Citrus
Patty Parks
Henry Perea
Reedley Veterinary Hospital
Running Luck Ranch
Victor & Olga Salazar
State Department of Boating and Waterways
State of California Natural Resources Agency
State Wildlife Conservation Board
Sunnyside Bicycles
Ted Martin Family Trust
Thorburn Family
Dr. R. Phillip & Kathy Winter
The Conservancy has many
partners and donors who support
us throughout the year. Our
Thanks go to all these individuals
and businesses. Their support
continues to help us grow while
we work to protect and enhance
the Lower Kings River.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE
CONSERVANCY EVENTS and ACTIVITIES
SANGER NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
SPONSORED BY
This event will be held at Sanger City Park, from
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The goal of this event will be to
heighten crime awareness, raise public safety and drug
prevention awareness, strengthen neighborhood spirit,
increase public safety-community partnerships and send
a message that our community is organized and willing to
fight back. The police and fire departments and other
public safety agencies, along with local non-profits, will be
offering home security and safety booths, crime
prevention, water safety and various other information
booths aimed at helping the community better protect its
citizens. Check it out on
and
September 21
Moonlight
over the River
Annual Dinner
September 22
Rendezvous’
for the River
event booklets
available.
October 19
December 7
Hike and
River
Clean-up
Frank P. Jones
Memorial Warden
Patrol Fund
BBQ and
Fundraiser
Contact us about
sponsoring an event
or events in 2014.
Spring Fling River Ride
Summer Floats
Rendezvous’ Event
Educational Outreach
DONATIONS HELP US GROW.
THANK YOU!
Become a supporter of the
Conservancy today. Donations may
be made through our website, by
mailing a check to our office, or by
calling 559-787-9500.
NEED A SPEAKER FOR YOUR GROUP?
Interested in a speaker, presentation, or would just like
more information about the Conservancy? Simply email
info@kingsriverconservancy.org or call our Public
Outreach Director, Wendy Sheridan, at 559-787-9500 for
more details or to schedule a program.
The Kings River Conservancy is a 501 (C) 3 public
benefit The Kings River Conservancy is a 501 c 3
public benefit corporation and all donations are tax
deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Tax ID #20-1412823
Check out the latest and most up to
date Conservancy happenings at
www.kingsriverconservancy.org
THE KINGS RIVER CONSERVANCY HAS GONE TO THE BIRDS
AND WE ARE PROUD OF IT!
We are pleased and excited to announce a new partner,
FOR THE BIRDS: GARDEN GIFTS
in Kingsburg.
Beginning July 15th you can shop for yourself or someone else, get a 10%
discount, and raise money for the Conservancy at the same time. Take the
coupon below in to For the Birds by September 30 th and receive your discount
while you support Conservancy efforts.
Shop, Save, & Give to
THE KINGS RIVER CONSERVANCY
Beginning July 15 through September 30, 2013, when you make in store
purchases at
FOR THE BIRDS
Show or mention this flyer.
We’ll give you a 10% discount on your purchases and then donate that amount to the
You’ll save 10% while supporting the work of this organization:
The Kings River Conservancy
FOR THE BIRDS: GARDEN GIFTS
Just Inside the Village Mall
1332 Draper Street
Kingsburg, CA 93631
Open: Mon. — Sat.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Unique & Handcrafted
Yard Art, Garden Gifts, & More
Gift Certificates Available
Check out FOR THE BIRDS at http://4thebirdsgardengifts.wordpress.com.