Hi openwater swimmers,

I'm passing along some information that might be of interest to those
of us who use Lake Berryessa in ways that don't involve motorized
boats.

Roberta

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Date: Sun, 2 Mar 2008 09:28:20 -0800 (PST)
From: Andrew Fulks <yolohiker@...>
Subject: Big Island- comments needed
To: yolohikers@googlegroups.com
Reply-To: Yolohikers-owner@googlegroups.com
Sender: Yolohikers@googlegroups.com
Mailing-List: list Yolohikers@googlegroups.com;
contact Yolohikers-owner@googlegroups.com

Dear Yolohikers,

Many of you have been on, or know about the hike on the Big Island at
Lake Berryessa.
http://www.yolohiker.org/trails/berryessa/island/index.html
To get to the Island, you need to paddle out from the Oak Shores
public day use area. This is fun, but has been a bit of a hazard in
the past, as motor boats haven't observed the speed limit and can
cause hazardous wakes. This isn't the only issue, but since this
area gets the most non-motorized use and also frequents people
swimming out to the Island, the Bureau of Reclamation is proposing
creating a non-motorized area between the Island and the day use
picnic area. This is the only non-motorized area planned as part of
the Lake Berryessa Visitor's Services Plan, and represents only 1% of
the lake area.

Unfortunately, the motor boat lobby won't accept ANY change to the
area, despite the fact that they have free reign over the entire rest
of the lake. Shouldn't there be some parity? Alas, we canoeists and
kayakers can't even have 1%, apparently.

We need emails of support for the BOR's plan to create a
non-motorized area between the day use area and Big Island. I've
provided a short (that's all that's needed) sample email and email
addresses, below. For those going on the March 8th hike to Zim Zim
Falls, we'll drive right by the area in question. If you haven't
visited Oak Shores, it's a fabulous picnic area on the lake, and
great for families. This rule change will make it even better, more
quiet and safer.

------Sample email------------

Dear Lake Berryessa Managers,

I'm writing to support the creation of a non-motorized zone between
Oak Shores and Big Island. This closure will create a wonderful area
for canoeing and kayaking, and further enhance recreation on Big
Island and within the waters between the island and the shore.

email to:

Janet Rogers (Lake Berryessa Park Manager) <JLROGERS@...>,

cc Pete Lucero <PLUCERO@...>


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