David Brower

In his final years of life, David Brower spoke of the need for Global CPR (conservation, preservation and restoration). What a shame Dave is not around to witness a few major river and stream restoration projects that are upon us.

Last week, stretches of the San Joaquin River that had been dry for more than 60 years began to flow once again. The eventual goal is to reintroduce salmon to the river in 2012. Our hats are off to all the organizations that fought so hard to make this dream a reality.

Earthjustice has been hard at work on restoration projects as well.

This week, the Savage Rapids Dam will finally be removed, allowing a stretch of the Rogue River to flow freely for the first time since 1921. Earthjustice attorney Mike Sherwood was part of the legal team that made this day happen, and he plans on being there when salmon again swim freely through this section of the river.

In Hawai'i, Earthjustice attorney Isaac Moriwake has worked for five years to restore flow to four streams on Maui known as Na Wai Eha, or "The Four Waters." For nearly a century, these legendary streams have been dewatered by diversions of two sugar plantations, one of which recently reformed as a "water company" seeking to sell the water.

At a rally this weekend, activists showed support for the preliminary recommendation of the state Water Commission that would restore 34.5 million gallons of the 70 million gallons a day currently diverted from Na Wai Eha.

Dave—if you are up there watching—know that at least a little restoration of our planet has begun.