Keepers of the Kern Inc

Keepers of the Kern will actively pursue necessary changes to take place to reduce the capacity, increase management programs, reduce the amount of abuse which is taking place. We will continue to work with the managing agency to find solutions to the problems increased capacity has brought about. We are looking forward to the coming year in hopes it brings an increase in volunteers, sponsors, grants and donations in order for us to keep a stable financial situation. It is our intent to grow our out reach programs to media and organizations outside our geographical area to increase the scope of sharing information about the problems and accomplishments which take place.

We will actively move forward with 'brainstorming' meetings with the U.S. Forest Service, our community and elected officials to make the changes which are necessary to bring the health and safety back to our public lands. Our plan is to have a team of volunteers make personal contact with the visiting public and to be more active in education. Our volunteer base needs to be increased, even though we have had a very satisfactory increase over the last few months, it are volunteers that make this all happen. An increase in social media information sharing is taking place to increase awareness of what is taking place. Visibility and setting an example is a major impact on how visitors act and react to situations, which in turn bring about changes in attitudes and actions. Keepers will reach out to sponsors and donors to bring about a more workable budget in order to make it possible to allow our directions and projects to increase.

The capabilities for Keepers to be able to reach our goals and increase our accomplishments are in the hands of our volunteers, community, sponsors, donors and the agency that manages the land. We will push forward with solution solving programs, increase our volunteer base, add to the information which goes out to the public and support the ideas and suggestions received from all involved. Keepers has a voice in what is happening and we will continue to have that voice and use what we have learned in 8 years to make a difference.

Our accomplishments are many...First and foremost, we have been able to accomplish a successful 8 years in bringing about changes, reducing abuse and negligence. We have been able to maintain a workable, useful relationship with the managing agency by holding regular monthly meetings to finalize plans, make new ones, work on solutions and hold them responsible for doing what is mandated in the Wild and Scenic River Act. We were instrumental in having many areas on the upper Kern changed to Day Use or No Camping areas in order to afford more protection for the river corridor. The Adopt A Campground project is one of our major accomplishments and has been successful for 7 years. The additional sanitary facilities it provides has and will continue to make a very large impact on the reduction of camping debris and human waste being left on the river, land and campgrounds. Keepers were awarded one of three National Wild and Scenic River Steward award. We are humbled by this recognition and proud to have been able to make a difference big enough to receive it. What's next...We will push on and use our voice, knowledge, and experience to make sure the Kern River receives the protection it is worthy of.