The Forest Service has held the first of two public meetings to improve the lower Kern River.

Recreation Officer Tricia Maki believes it was crucial to ask folks what campgrounds and white water boating activities should be permitted from the Lake Isabella Dam to the mouth of the Canyon because it is the people’s land. Rangers also took ideas on how to clean up trash and graffiti along the waterway.

Those who missed Tuesday’s meeting in Bakersfield can attend one next week in Lake Isabella.

Kelli Forsch