California Deer Summer 2014 | Page 18

otes eld N Fi As I write this, it is 106 degrees in Placer County and we just celebrated Independence Day, the 4th of July. Let’s make every day Independence Day and honor America and the outdoor lifestyle and freedoms we enjoy by recognizing the sacrifices of the many patriotic Americans who have given so much for our great country. Let’s also protect our way of life for all those who follow us. I am proud that at our banquets we honor our veterans and active military with the Wings of Freedom statue. This statue is sponsored by Andy and Margo Wood of Chico and was initially the idea of Rodney Torres. You all may recognize Andy Wood’s name as our Past President and longtime Board of Directors member, and Rodney Torres is our Field Director in the central and southern part of the state. Thank you Margo and gentlemen for this important tribute to our service men and women. The primary mission of CDA is to improve our California deer herds and other wildlife through habitat improvement and research projects. Our Project Committee will have met by the time you receive this magazine and they are debating the funding of 24 project proposals. My hat is off to both the Project Committee and the Support Committee members for taking on this important task and to Larry Smith for chairing this important work. I have often said of t