DFG News Release

for the California Natural Resources Agency

Blue Ribbon Task Force Named For MLPA North Coast Study Region

Panel's First Meeting Nov. 18 and 19 in Eureka

Sacramento, Calif. — Secretary for Natural Resources Mike Chrisman today announced Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) membership for the Marine Life Protection (MLPA) Initiative's North Coast Study Region. Former Assemblywoman Virginia Strom-Martin (D-1), current Humboldt County Supervisor Jimmy Smith and Lawyer/Mediator and Chumash Maritime Association Co-Founder Roberta Cordero were named to the panel. Cindy Gustafson, general manager for the Tahoe City Public Utility District was named to serve as task force chair. These four new members join four others (below) who have previous MLPA Task Force experience.

“We have continually stressed that local participation and involvement is key,” said Chrisman. “This diverse and knowledgeable group, that includes local public leaders, will ensure that all interests are heard as the MLPA planning process moves to the north coast,” said Chrisman.

The eight-member BRTF will develop alternative marine protected area proposals along California's MLPA North Coast Study Region through scientific analysis and expanded public input. They are expected to make recommendations to the Fish and Game Commission late next year. The panel will work closely with scientists, fishermen, elected officials, conservationists, stakeholders and the public during this process. The task force will also work to develop information and recommendations for coordinating management of marine protected areas with federal agencies, and provide direction for the expenditure of MLPA Initiative funds.

The BRTF will hold its first meeting Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 9:30 a.m. and Thursday, Nov. 19 at 8:30 a.m. at the Red Lion Hotel, 1929 Fourth Street in Eureka.

The MLPA North Coast Study Region BRTF includes:

• William W. Anderson*, President, Westrec Marina Management, Inc.
• Meg Caldwell*, Director and Senior Lecturer on Law, Stanford Law School's Environment and Natural Resources Law and Policy Program
• Roberta R. Cordero, Lawyer/Mediator, Co-Founder Chumash Maritime Association
• Cindy Gustafson, District General Manager, Tahoe City Public Utility District
• Catherine Reheis-Boyd*, Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff, Western States Petroleum Association
• Gregory F. Schem*, President and Chief Executive Officer, Harbor Real Estate Group
• Jimmy Smith, Chair, Humboldt County Board of Supervisors
• Virginia Strom-Martin, Advocate, Los Angeles Unified School District and Sonoma coast resident

* Members who have previous MLPA Blue Ribbon Task Force service.

For more information about the task force members, MLPA meetings, or the MLPA Initiative, visit the MLPA Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa.