Merry Ann has a record of success advocating for good public policy decisions that safeguard water resources, protect habitat of endangered and threatened species, preserve farmland and retain designated open space.
In Northern California, Merry Ann helped lead a task force to preserve federally endangered species habitat and a state park which were threatened by plans to build a four-lane bypass highway over Montara Mountain at Devil’s Slide. Her primary assignment was testifying before San Mateo County government bodies to gain endorsements of support for a tunnel solution. She also helped build momentum for a tunnel in her biweekly newspaper column and through media outreach, bumper stickers and letters to the editor.
The result was a huge win: State-of-the-art tunnels, the longest in California and the first built there in 50 years, opened in 2013. The old Highway 1 road is now a county park, open to hikers and cyclists, and part of the California Coastal Trail. Read more.
In Central Oregon, she
A long-time activist on environmental issues, Merry Ann helped lead efforts in two states to protect natural resources by rallying public support and educating policymakers on the issues at stake.