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-with-monument/
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