Letter to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors
February 3, 2026
Mendocino County Board of Supervisors
501 Low Gap Road, Room 1090
Ukiah, CA 95482
Strong Support for Supervisor Madeline Cline's Continued Representation on the Inland Water and Power Commission (IWPC) and Urgent Concerns Regarding the Lack of Downstream Effects Analysis in the Westside Watershed Flowing into the Russian River
Dear Chair Norvell and Members of the Board of Supervisors,
I am writing to you today as a concerned resident, property owner in Mendocino County's Western Hills, and plaintiff in the ongoing federal litigation Nui Rising Moon Trust ex rel. Kylle St. Pierre v. City of Ukiah et al. (Case No. 3:25-cv-08320-JD), to express my unwavering support for Supervisor Madeline Cline's position and continued role as Mendocino County's representative on the Inland Water and Power Commission (IWPC). In addition, I urge the Board to address a critical oversight in local planning and environmental assessments: the persistent lack of comprehensive analysis regarding downstream effects from activities in the westside watershed, particularly those impacting the Russian River. This issue is not only central to sustainable water management but also intersects with broader environmental, public safety, and economic implications for our county. Below, I explore these topics from multiple angles, providing context, examples, nuances, edge cases, and related considerations to underscore the urgency and completeness of my appeal.
Support for Supervisor Madeline Cline's Position and IWPC Representation
Supervisor Cline, at just 27 years old, brings a fresh, informed, and deeply rooted perspective to Mendocino County's water policy challenges. As a lifelong resident of Redwood Valley (District 1), she has demonstrated exceptional commitment to water sustainability, drawing from her early experiences in 4-H, her role on the Mendocino County Fish and Game Commission, and her work as a public policy consultant advocating for farmers and businesses. Her advocacy extends to critical issues like the Potter Valley Project (PVP) decommissioning, where she has organized meetings, written letters, and engaged with PG&E, state, and federal representatives to ensure accountability for environmental and economic impacts. This project, which diverts water from the Eel River to the Russian River, is vital for maintaining Lake Mendocino's storage and supporting agricultural, municipal, and ecological needs across the county.
From multiple angles:
Policy Expertise and Community Advocacy: Cline's position emphasizes balanced, sustainable water use, recognizing the PVP as "crucial for the county’s long-term water supply." She has pushed for collaborative solutions that address district-specific issues (e.g., impacts on Redwood Valley farmers and ranchers) while advocating for county-wide resilience, such as during the Board's debates on PVP resolutions in October 2025. This aligns with IWPC's mission as a joint powers authority managing water rights and flood control in the upper Russian River basin. Removing her from this role, as recently discussed, would undermine representation from District 1—the area most directly affected by PVP changes—and stifle public discourse on water security.
Nuances and Implications: Cline's youth is an asset, not a liability; it brings innovative thinking to longstanding challenges like drought emergencies (e.g., Governor Newsom's 2021 declaration for Mendocino). Her stance on PVP decommissioning prioritizes financial and environmental accountability, ensuring that reductions in Eel River imports do not exacerbate shortages in Lake Mendocino or downstream flows. Edge cases include potential conflicts with tribal interests (e.g., Round Valley Indian Tribes' role in post-decommissioning leasing), where her collaborative approach could foster equitable solutions. Broader considerations: Supporting her reinforces the Board's commitment to diverse voices, as endorsed by groups like the Mendocino Farm Bureau, which has publicly backed her IWPC role.
Related Considerations: In the context of my litigation, Cline's focus on water sustainability complements concerns about annexation-driven developments in the Western Hills, which could strain water resources. Her reappointment would signal the Board's priority on integrated resource management, potentially mitigating risks like those seen in recent curtailments (2021–2022).
I strongly urge the Board to affirm Supervisor Cline's IWPC representation and support her positions on sustainable water practices, as they are essential for Mendocino's future resilience.
Concerns Regarding the Lack of Downstream Effects Analysis in the Westside Watershed
A related and pressing issue is the inadequate assessment of downstream effects from land-use activities in the westside watershed—encompassing areas like Ukiah's Western Hills and Low Gap Road—on the Russian River. This watershed drains directly into the Russian River, influencing water quality, flood control, fisheries, and supply for downstream users. Recent projects, including the 752-acre Western Hills annexation (SCH #2021040428) and fuels reduction efforts (e.g., along Low Gap Road under BOS-23-098 amendments), have proceeded without robust downstream impact studies, risking sedimentation, altered hydrology, and ecosystem degradation.
Exploring from multiple angles:
Environmental and Hydrological Context: The westside watershed, part of the Ukiah Valley Groundwater Basin, contributes to the Russian River's flow, which supports salmonid habitats and irrigation (e.g., vineyards accounting for 63% of water use in some sub-basins). Fuels reduction and trail developments can increase erosion, leading to higher sediment loads downstream, potentially harming endangered salmonids and exacerbating flood risks during storms. Examples include the 2018 Camp Fire's aftermath, where watershed disturbances worsened water quality in downstream rivers; similar unmitigated effects here could mirror that catastrophe.
Nuances in Planning Oversights: CEQA documents for annexations and fuels projects (e.g., ISMND for Lookout Peak Trails) often downplay downstream hydrology, focusing on upstream benefits like fire safety while ignoring cumulative impacts from reduced Eel River diversions. Nuances: Climate change amplifies these risks, with predictions of warmer rivers and lower flows shifting habitats downstream. Edge cases involve annexed areas like Redwood Valley County Water District (RVCWD), where expanded water use could strain Russian River supplies without updated indices reflecting diminished PVP imports.
Implications and Economic Considerations: Downstream effects could impact fisheries (e.g., NOAA's SHaRP plan for Russian River tributaries), agriculture, and tourism, with potential costs from habitat restoration or water shortages. Broader ties: This aligns with IWPC's role in managing diversions; without analysis, projects violate principles in the Russian River Water Forum and state water board resolutions. Related edge cases: In drought years, unaddressed sedimentation could compound curtailments, affecting users from Ukiah to Sonoma County.
Recommendations and Call to Action: Mandate integrated downstream assessments in future CEQA reviews, incorporating hydrologic modeling and stakeholder input (e.g., via IWPC). This would enhance resilience, as seen in successful plans like the Russian River Parkway Project, which considered aesthetics and hazards but could expand to hydrology.
In conclusion, supporting Supervisor Cline's IWPC role and addressing downstream watershed effects are interconnected steps toward sustainable governance. I request this letter be entered into the public record and discussed at your next meeting. Please contact me for further dialogue.
Respectfully submitted,
Removing Supervisor Madeline Cline from the Inland Water and Power Commission would be an injustice to the residence of her district as well as all others who are extremely concerned about water in Mendocino County. At a time when we are all looking for informed, engaged and community centered leadership, to even think about taking out the strongest advocate for us is outrageous. Why would you even consider such a move? Do you have in mind someone more qualified then she? I doubt it. If you do, who would that person be? Certainly no one on the BOS. Who works harder ? No one. Recently, she was the only Supervisor that listed water as the priority in our county when no one else did. Her continued presence on the commission is not only appropriate, it is necessary.
Beyond water concerns, Supervisor Cline has continued to demonstrate a deep commitment to addressing every issue that arises in our county.
She has approached her role with integrity, transparency, and an unwavering focus on serving the people she represents. Time and time again , she has looked out for our best interests and has earned the trust and respect of our community.
I respectfully ask the Board of Supervisors to reconsider any action that would remove Madeline cline from this role and to allow her to continue the important work she has been doing on behalf of Mendocino county as a whole.
Thank you for your time and consideration, Shari McASey
Letter to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors
February 3, 2026
Mendocino County Board of Supervisors
501 Low Gap Road, Room 1090
Ukiah, CA 95482
Strong Support for Supervisor Madeline Cline's Continued Representation on the Inland Water and Power Commission (IWPC) and Urgent Concerns Regarding the Lack of Downstream Effects Analysis in the Westside Watershed Flowing into the Russian River
Dear Chair Norvell and Members of the Board of Supervisors,
I am writing to you today as a concerned resident, property owner in Mendocino County's Western Hills, and plaintiff in the ongoing federal litigation Nui Rising Moon Trust ex rel. Kylle St. Pierre v. City of Ukiah et al. (Case No. 3:25-cv-08320-JD), to express my unwavering support for Supervisor Madeline Cline's position and continued role as Mendocino County's representative on the Inland Water and Power Commission (IWPC). In addition, I urge the Board to address a critical oversight in local planning and environmental assessments: the persistent lack of comprehensive analysis regarding downstream effects from activities in the westside watershed, particularly those impacting the Russian River. This issue is not only central to sustainable water management but also intersects with broader environmental, public safety, and economic implications for our county. Below, I explore these topics from multiple angles, providing context, examples, nuances, edge cases, and related considerations to underscore the urgency and completeness of my appeal.
Support for Supervisor Madeline Cline's Position and IWPC Representation
Supervisor Cline, at just 27 years old, brings a fresh, informed, and deeply rooted perspective to Mendocino County's water policy challenges. As a lifelong resident of Redwood Valley (District 1), she has demonstrated exceptional commitment to water sustainability, drawing from her early experiences in 4-H, her role on the Mendocino County Fish and Game Commission, and her work as a public policy consultant advocating for farmers and businesses. Her advocacy extends to critical issues like the Potter Valley Project (PVP) decommissioning, where she has organized meetings, written letters, and engaged with PG&E, state, and federal representatives to ensure accountability for environmental and economic impacts. This project, which diverts water from the Eel River to the Russian River, is vital for maintaining Lake Mendocino's storage and supporting agricultural, municipal, and ecological needs across the county.
From multiple angles:
Policy Expertise and Community Advocacy: Cline's position emphasizes balanced, sustainable water use, recognizing the PVP as "crucial for the county’s long-term water supply." She has pushed for collaborative solutions that address district-specific issues (e.g., impacts on Redwood Valley farmers and ranchers) while advocating for county-wide resilience, such as during the Board's debates on PVP resolutions in October 2025. This aligns with IWPC's mission as a joint powers authority managing water rights and flood control in the upper Russian River basin. Removing her from this role, as recently discussed, would undermine representation from District 1—the area most directly affected by PVP changes—and stifle public discourse on water security.
Nuances and Implications: Cline's youth is an asset, not a liability; it brings innovative thinking to longstanding challenges like drought emergencies (e.g., Governor Newsom's 2021 declaration for Mendocino). Her stance on PVP decommissioning prioritizes financial and environmental accountability, ensuring that reductions in Eel River imports do not exacerbate shortages in Lake Mendocino or downstream flows. Edge cases include potential conflicts with tribal interests (e.g., Round Valley Indian Tribes' role in post-decommissioning leasing), where her collaborative approach could foster equitable solutions. Broader considerations: Supporting her reinforces the Board's commitment to diverse voices, as endorsed by groups like the Mendocino Farm Bureau, which has publicly backed her IWPC role.
Related Considerations: In the context of my litigation, Cline's focus on water sustainability complements concerns about annexation-driven developments in the Western Hills, which could strain water resources. Her reappointment would signal the Board's priority on integrated resource management, potentially mitigating risks like those seen in recent curtailments (2021–2022).
I strongly urge the Board to affirm Supervisor Cline's IWPC representation and support her positions on sustainable water practices, as they are essential for Mendocino's future resilience.
Concerns Regarding the Lack of Downstream Effects Analysis in the Westside Watershed
A related and pressing issue is the inadequate assessment of downstream effects from land-use activities in the westside watershed—encompassing areas like Ukiah's Western Hills and Low Gap Road—on the Russian River. This watershed drains directly into the Russian River, influencing water quality, flood control, fisheries, and supply for downstream users. Recent projects, including the 752-acre Western Hills annexation (SCH #2021040428) and fuels reduction efforts (e.g., along Low Gap Road under BOS-23-098 amendments), have proceeded without robust downstream impact studies, risking sedimentation, altered hydrology, and ecosystem degradation.
Exploring from multiple angles:
Environmental and Hydrological Context: The westside watershed, part of the Ukiah Valley Groundwater Basin, contributes to the Russian River's flow, which supports salmonid habitats and irrigation (e.g., vineyards accounting for 63% of water use in some sub-basins). Fuels reduction and trail developments can increase erosion, leading to higher sediment loads downstream, potentially harming endangered salmonids and exacerbating flood risks during storms. Examples include the 2018 Camp Fire's aftermath, where watershed disturbances worsened water quality in downstream rivers; similar unmitigated effects here could mirror that catastrophe.
Nuances in Planning Oversights: CEQA documents for annexations and fuels projects (e.g., ISMND for Lookout Peak Trails) often downplay downstream hydrology, focusing on upstream benefits like fire safety while ignoring cumulative impacts from reduced Eel River diversions. Nuances: Climate change amplifies these risks, with predictions of warmer rivers and lower flows shifting habitats downstream. Edge cases involve annexed areas like Redwood Valley County Water District (RVCWD), where expanded water use could strain Russian River supplies without updated indices reflecting diminished PVP imports.
Implications and Economic Considerations: Downstream effects could impact fisheries (e.g., NOAA's SHaRP plan for Russian River tributaries), agriculture, and tourism, with potential costs from habitat restoration or water shortages. Broader ties: This aligns with IWPC's role in managing diversions; without analysis, projects violate principles in the Russian River Water Forum and state water board resolutions. Related edge cases: In drought years, unaddressed sedimentation could compound curtailments, affecting users from Ukiah to Sonoma County.
Recommendations and Call to Action: Mandate integrated downstream assessments in future CEQA reviews, incorporating hydrologic modeling and stakeholder input (e.g., via IWPC). This would enhance resilience, as seen in successful plans like the Russian River Parkway Project, which considered aesthetics and hazards but could expand to hydrology.
In conclusion, supporting Supervisor Cline's IWPC role and addressing downstream watershed effects are interconnected steps toward sustainable governance. I request this letter be entered into the public record and discussed at your next meeting. Please contact me for further dialogue.
Respectfully submitted,
Kylle St. Pierre
Removing Supervisor Madeline Cline from the Inland Water and Power Commission would be an injustice to the residence of her district as well as all others who are extremely concerned about water in Mendocino County. At a time when we are all looking for informed, engaged and community centered leadership, to even think about taking out the strongest advocate for us is outrageous. Why would you even consider such a move? Do you have in mind someone more qualified then she? I doubt it. If you do, who would that person be? Certainly no one on the BOS. Who works harder ? No one. Recently, she was the only Supervisor that listed water as the priority in our county when no one else did. Her continued presence on the commission is not only appropriate, it is necessary.
Beyond water concerns, Supervisor Cline has continued to demonstrate a deep commitment to addressing every issue that arises in our county.
She has approached her role with integrity, transparency, and an unwavering focus on serving the people she represents. Time and time again , she has looked out for our best interests and has earned the trust and respect of our community.
I respectfully ask the Board of Supervisors to reconsider any action that would remove Madeline cline from this role and to allow her to continue the important work she has been doing on behalf of Mendocino county as a whole.
Thank you for your time and consideration, Shari McASey