Throughout her long and distinguished career in public service state Sen. Patricia Wiggins, who is retiring from office at the end of November, has been a staunch defender of fish, forests and the environment in general.

Even though she has only represented Lake County in the Legislature for four years, it’s clear that we are losing a true champion.

Pat has authored laws to:

• Designate a portion of voter-approved bond funds to protect and preserve salmon and steelhead habitat;

• Enable the state to leverage federal funds to purchase forestlands from private property owners in order to keep those acres wild and undeveloped;

• Authorize the state Department of Parks and Recreation to expand the use of conservation easements to protect state parklands.

Although Pat didn’t represent Lake County directly during her years as a member of the Assembly, she was the author of multiple pieces of environmental legislation, and she helped secure vital funding to develop and implement measures designed to combat the spread of sudden oak death.

And as her time in office approaches its conclusion, Pat has yet one more bill – SB 1142 – that would, if signed into law by Gov. Schwarzenegger, provide new resources to help farmers and ranchers keep their lands in agriculture – and away from commercial or residential development.

It is with great regret that we are bidding you farewell, Pat – but also with much gratitude for all that you have done to protect our natural resources here on the North Coast, and throughout California.

Victoria Brandon lives in Lower Lake.