Yuba Water Vice Chairman Randy Fletcher Set to Step Down After Eight Years of Service by Yuba Water Agency Dec 6, 2022 Member Submitted News The Yuba Water Agency Board of Directors recognized Vice Chairman Randy Fletcher at its Dec. 6 meeting for eight years of dedicated service to the agency. Fletcher, who has served on Yuba Water’s board since 2015 through his role as a Yuba County District 5 Supervisor, chose not to run for reelection, so his term will come to an end at the first meeting in January. “Randy’s countless contributions to Yuba Water have earned the respect and appreciation of his fellow board members, agency staff and many throughout California,” said Yuba Water Board Chairman Gary Bradford. “His selfless work ethic always led him to place the people of Yuba County first and foremost.” During his time on the agency’s board, Fletcher was instrumental in the development of Yuba Water’s Watershed Resilience and Forest Health Program, which reduces the risk of catastrophic wildfire in Yuba County’s foothill communities through strategic partnerships and landscape-scale forest restoration projects. Notably, Fletcher encouraged Yuba Water to partner with the non-profit Blue Forest Conservation to pilot the first-ever Forest Resilience Bond, a unique financial instrument that has accelerated the pace and scale of forest restoration work in the Yuba River watershed. That initial project ultimately grew into the nationally recognized, nine-member North Yuba Forest Partnership, which is working to implement forest restoration across 275,000 acres in the Yuba River watershed. Additionally, Fletcher led the effort to expand the distribution of free tow chain covers by the Yuba Watershed Protection and Fire Safe Council to reduce the likelihood of tow chains dragging and sparking a wildfire. “Serving on this board has been an incredibly rewarding experience and I’m just so proud of this team and the work we’ve done,” Fletcher said. “As you look ahead, remember that teamwork is everything.” During his tenure on the agency’s board, Fletcher also successfully served as chairman in 2020 and as vice chairman in 2019 and 2022, respectively. He also chaired Yuba Water’s Project Operations and Development Committee from 2019-2022, where his leadership guided the evaluation and distribution of millions of dollars in community impact grants and loans. “Randy has consistently taken a level-headed approach to his leadership and work on the agency’s board,” said Yuba Water General Manager Willie Whittlesey. “I’m grateful for all of his contributions over the years and wish him the very best.” Fletcher’s seat will be filled by incoming 5th District supervisor-elect Jon Messick. Learn more at yubawater.org.
