California Wolf Center saved from fire!

Oct. 30, 2003

There is very good news from the California Wolf Center. It has been saved from the massive fires. However, our happiness is greatly tempered by the fact that many nearby residents lost their homes, and perhaps their life work, their animals, and even some, their lives. There is info below as to how you can help.

. . . Ralph Maughan

This report below is from Nancy Weiss, Defenders of Wildlife.

There is remarkable news to report -- all of the wolves at the
California Wolf Center and the Center itself are alive, well and
untouched by the fire.

Many of you may know that 300 or more homes in the immediate vicinity
were destroyed, including whole communities of homes directly across
the road from the Center.  As you read from Pat Valentino's
description, the flames were actually right at the Center, and
firefighters continue to try to hold off the fire from the historic
Julian downtown, just several miles north of the Center.  In the
immediate vicinity of the Center, there are still smoldering areas
and the changing wind direction means that vigilance remains high.

The Center will still have repair work to conduct related to
outbuildings or other facilities.  Staff and volunteers will be
heading back in over the next several weeks to do restorative work,
and replace destroyed supplies.

The road breaks that have been installed at the Center (as you read
in Pat's description) undoubtedly contributed to the wolves'
survival, as did the undaunted efforts of staff who stayed as long as
they could and, especially, of the volunteer firefighter who assisted
them.

At this  time, I do not have information regarding whether the Center
needs additional assistance or donations of supplies, funds, etc.  As
I learn further details, I will send out advisories of the situation
and their needs.

This is a cause for great celebration; yet, at the same time, many
people in the area have lost their homes, their animals and, in some
instances, their lives. We remain concerned and feel deep grief for
these losses, as well.

Thank you for all your supportive emails, inquiries and offers of
assistance,

Nancy Weiss
Defenders of Wildlife
 

-more-

Folks:

The California Wolf Center is reporting that they are in need of
assistance in the form of able-bodied volunteers and funds for
supplies.  If you live in the area, your physical assistance would be
of service.  If you do not live in the area or if you are not able to
help physically, donations of funds would be welcome.

Please contact wolf center staffperson Beth Friedman, who will
coordinate these efforts.  You can reach her by email or by
cellphone. 

Email  =  bfriedman3@cox.net
Cellphone = (619) 985-6439

Anyone who wants to help can reach Beth on her cellphone this evening
and until around noon tomorrow (Friday), but after that she will be
at the Center for the weekend and there is no phone access at all
there.

Please do not simply try to go to the Center without first contacting
Beth.  At this point the roads are all closed, and access has been
restricted.  You will not be able to get in without prior
arrangements.  And, Beth will be working out a schedule of when
various people will be there, so she can work with you on what meets
everyone's needs.

Beth is on her way now to purchase supplies that are needed
immediately for the Center and Bill Hurd, the volunteer firefighter
who lives nearby and stayed behind to help ward off the fire at the
Center.  Most of the supplies needed are such things as food, water,
masks and work gloves, since the Center was extremely fortunate in
losing almost nothing.  The masks and gloves are for staff and
volunteers who will be there over the next few weeks cleaning up, and
the food and water is for staff, volunteers and for Bill Hurd, who
also needs food for his own pets.  The Center is extremely grateful
for Bill's assistance in saving the wolves and wish to make sure his
post-fire needs are being tended to in return.

Thank you all again for your support and offers of assistance.

regards,
Nancy Weiss
Western Director, Species Conservation
Defenders of Wildlife

nweiss@defenders.org

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If folks want to help, please so to the website http://www.californiawolfcenter.org/join.htm

  Copyright © 2003 Ralph Maughan