Episode 35: Protests at Whiskeytown – The Fight for Public Land

This week we analyze the March 1 protests at Whiskeytown Lake and across the country in response to federal budget cuts. We discuss the economic and environmental impact of these reductions, the risks of privatizing public lands, and what this means for the North State. Plus, we revisit President Kennedy’s 1963 speech on conservation and federal investment.

Transcript:

Welcome to the North State Breakdown with Benjamin Nowain.

Today, I'd like to discuss the March 1 protest that took place in Whiskeytown, as well as around the country, a response to the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, reductions to federal funding.

Whiskeytown Lake has long been a crucial asset to the North State, both in terms of recreation and economic impact.

Established as part of the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, the lake was developed under the Kennedy administration as part of the broader Central Valley project. John F. Kennedy himself visited the site in 1963 to commemorate the region's growing infrastructure and economic potential. During his dedication speech at Whiskeytown on September 28, 1963, President Kennedy spoke of the significance of conservation and federal investment in public lands.

President John F Kennedy

Kennedy's remarks were about making long-term investments in natural resources, ensuring that future generations could enjoy and benefit from them. His visit to Whiskeytown was part of a broader conservation tour, emphasizing the role of federal projects in economic and environmental sustainability. Less than two months later, Kennedy was assassinated. And in his honor, Shasta County residents established the Kennedy Memorial at Whiskeytown Dam. The memorial remains a testament to his vision for preserving public lands for the benefit of all Americans.

Surrounding natural landmarks include Mount Lassen, Mount Shasta, and Shasta Lake. They all play a major role in bolstering local tourism. These destinations attract visitors year-round for activities such as hiking, boating, skiing, and sightseeing.

The accessibility of these public lands from Redding has positioned the city as a gateway to Northern California's natural beauty, driving economic benefits through tourism-related businesses. In a September 2024 Borough Supervisor meeting, Supervisor Kevin Crye emphasized the importance of tourism to the local economy, even suggesting that Shasta County should invest general fund dollars to promote economic growth.

District one Supervisor Kevin Crye

This statement proves local leadership's recognition of tourism's value, yet now, with doge-driven federal budget reductions, the very resources that support that economic model are at risk. The cuts have hit federal agencies across California, including those in Redding, Yreka, Mount Shasta and Weaverville.

With the closures expected to save $660 million nationwide, the North State alone is losing millions in federal funding as a result of lease terminations and agency shutdowns. On March 1st, thousands gathered at national parks across the U.S., including at Whiskeytown Lake, to protest these cuts.

According to The New York Times, similar demonstrations took place at Yellowstone, Yosemite, and other major national parks, with protesters highlighting the risks to environmental preservation and local economies.

Attendees at the Whiskeytown protest carried signs emphasizing the importance of federal funding for trail maintenance, ranger services, and wildfire prevention efforts. Protesters also warned of a broader trend towards privatization of public lands. If local governments lack the resources to maintain these spaces, the fear is that private entities may step in, potentially restricting public access or commercializing previously free recreational areas.

The financial savings touted by DOGE, while significant, could come at the expense of long-term economic sustainability for the region. It could be argued that the savings in government funding will have an adverse effect on local tourism.

As Kennedy noted during his Whiskeytown dedication speech:

President John F Kennedy

This sentiment still holds true today. Public lands are a shared resource, and any decision to reduce their funding or privatize them has consequences that stretch far beyond the North State.

And that's The Breakdown.