Wildlife Crossing Protects Herds and Humans Alike
Why did the deer cross the road?
Because a new wildlife crossing made it safe for wildlife and drivers alike to do it without risking a deadly crash.
Highway 97 near Grass Lake‚ in Siskiyou County‚ crosses through a rich corridor for deer and elk migration. That has‚ unfortunately‚ long made it a hot spot for crashes‚ and a priority area for game advocates who wanted to protect both herds and human motorists.
Caltrans District 2 recently completed a wildlife crossing in the area‚ strategically located on a migration route with fencing to steer animals toward the bridge. The game cameras suggest it has been a quick success. (If you’d like to learn more about the project‚ see Caltrans’ page here.)
It was a treat this past Tuesday to head up to the crossing for a ribbon cutting‚ and to visit local leaders and some of the advocates who’ve been pressing for this crossing for many years. Pictured above‚ left to right‚ are retired California Department of Fish and Wildlife Warden Rennie Cleland‚ Siskiyou County Supervisors Jess Harris and Michael Kobseff‚ and Mount Shasta Mayor Casey Glaubman. Thanks for your leadership and congratulations!
Shasta College Welcomes Community to Campus
This week Team Dahle joined the Shasta College Community Day‚ which included the ribbon cutting for a newly remodeled classroom building‚ booths from countless college programs and student groups‚ and a presentation from President Frank Nigro (at right‚ in the photo above) about the history‚ local impacts and future plans for the college.
Nigro also spoke with a group of students — both recent high school graduates and students who returned to higher education later in life to advance their goals. They are‚ left to right‚ Mariah Bobadilla‚ Rigoberto “Rigo” Salazar‚ Ashley Maier‚ and Noah Gaddy. That conversation was an inspiring reminder of the range of people the college serves. Some 500‚000 students have taken classes on its campuses – or‚ these days‚ online – in its 76 years‚ and the college truly embraces the mission to accept and work for "the top 100 percent of students."
The college is the only public institution of higher education for roughly 70 miles‚ making it a foundational institution in Shasta‚ Tehama and Trinity counties. I appreciate its critical role in helping individuals build their own skills and ensuring businesses have workforces that ensure our community prosperity.
Nevada County Commends Teachers of the Year
Last week Team Dahle was pleased to recognize Katie Alling of Nevada Union High School as the 2027 Nevada County Teacher of the Year!
For 23 years‚ Katie (pictured above in red and black) has poured her energy into educating‚ mentoring and encouraging students. As an agriculture and science teacher‚ FFA advisor and career‑education leader‚ she has helped students discover their strengths‚ develop real‑world skills and see opportunities for their futures.
Great teachers do far more than teach a subject. They recognize potential in their students and help them believe in what they can become. Katie exemplifies that commitment‚ and we were proud to recognize her outstanding service to Nevada County students and families.
I also congratulate this year’s District Teachers of the Year:
• 𝗧𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗥𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘇‚ Nevada County Office of Education;
• 𝗠𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗕𝗲𝗻𝘂𝘇𝘇𝗶‚ Union Hill School District;
• 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗼‚ Penn Valley Union School District;
• 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻‚ Chicago Park School District;
• 𝗞𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴‚ Nevada Joint Union High School District;
• 𝗔𝗸𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗛𝘆𝗮𝘁𝘁‚ Clear Creek School District;
• 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗼‚ Nevada City School District;
• 𝗞𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗱‑𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘇‚ Grass Valley School District.
Not pictured is Kerry Kelley‚ Pleasant Ridge Union School District.
Congratulations to Katie and all of this year’s exceptional educators!
Swans Returning to Sacramento Valley
One of the wonders of the Sacramento Valley in the winter months is the return of the waterfowl‚ which are especially drawn to rice fields that are flooded for habitat to support the Pacific Flyway.
Among those birds are the beautiful tundra swans‚ and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife offers guided swan tours in the Marysville area from November through January. The department supplies binoculars and other gear to help get close‑up views‚ and the tours are led by naturalists who share generously from their store of bird lore. The tours are free but numbers are limited; reservations are now open here.
These tours and more activities are part of the annual California Swan Festival‚ held in mid‑November in the Yuba‑Sutter area‚ to celebrate the tundra swans’ successful journey back to their wintering grounds‚ a seasonal marvel we are blessed to enjoy in the North State.