BIO 112
BIO 112: Intro to Ecology, Summer 2015 (McDill)
A letter to the editor (of the Davis Enterprise) in opposition to
N.M. designation for Berryessa-Snow Mountain
Source: http://www.davisenterprise.com/forum/letters/water-risks-withmonument/
June 12, 2015
Regarding Craig McNamara’s glowing support of the Berryessa Snow Mountain
National Monument effort, he is correct to say that all of the cities and most
agencies have given their endorsement, and that they celebrate that Lake
Berryessa waters and the water interests in Solano County will be exempted from
it.
However, Indian Valley Reservoir is not likewise exempted and it is completely
surrounded by the designation. Yolo County gets all of its surface water irrigation
via Cache Creek from Indian Valley Reservoir and Clear Lake.
The main reason for my opposition to this monument comes from not getting an
answer to the question: “What happens to both Lake Berryessa as well as Indian
Valley Reservoir water deliveries if an executive order creates the Berryessa Snow
Mountain National Monument?”
I have been told by Bill Dodd’s aide in the Woodland office, by Yolo Flood Control
and Water Conservation District, California Farm Bureau and the mayor of
Winters that they (all) understand that the Conservation Area legislation would
exempt Lake Berryessa and Solano County from inclusion but they did not know
what would happen with a National Monument designation by executive order.
Are they even sure that Lake Berryessa will be “safe” in an executive order? With
both a Conservation Area and a National Monument, the water will be federally
controlled.
If they don’t know, who does know? Maybe all the politicians and experts
involved in creating this monument have President Obama’s ear. Or once again,
are we just going to get a National Monument imposed by executive order or
passed so we can find out what is in it?
Vicki Murphy, Brooks