Guest commentary: Wetlands project Lake County residents are a diverse group to be sure. There is little we seem to have in common and less upon which we are likely to agree, except for one thing. To a person, Lake County residents are justifiably proud of the beauty of the land around us. Biologists tell us of the diverse habitats and the abundant wildlife they support; geologists tell us of the complex and fascinating geological wonders under our feet; and botanists tell us how our land is able to produce such bounteous and wondrous agriculture. But we need only our eyes to confirm that which raw data and studies can only hint at – we are blessed to call this county home. For nearly 20 years, the Lake county land Trust has had as its mission to identify and preserve the most important places in the county. This motivated the protection of Rodman Ranch and Slough (now the Rodman Preserve) on the north end of Clear Lake and the preservation of the Black Forest on the slopes of Mt. Konocti. We undertook each of these projects confident that you, our fellow residents, would rally to the cause and help us forever to preserve these important Lake County icons. We were correct in our faith in your love of your home. And now we are embarking on a third equally important project – the Big Valley Wetlands Project. The aforementioned scientists helped the Land Trust identify the shoreline of Clear Lake from the south of Lakeport to Clear Lake State Park as the highest priority region in the county for protection. Some of the reasons for that designation are self-evident: it is the last (nearly unbroken) stretch of undeveloped shoreline on the lake, the wetlands of the region provide natural filtration of the Lake’s water, the tules and other shore plants provide habitat for fish, fowl and aquatic mammals. As always the Land Trust works only with willing landowners. The first of those, George Melo, has come forward. His 31 acre parcel on Clipper Lane near Kelseyville sits at about the midway point of the shoreline. The Land Trust has identified it as the keystone priority for the entire Big Valley Wetlands project and has negotiated its purchase and an option to raise the necessary funds - $225,000. The Land Trust has already acquired $45,000 towards this commitment which leaves a balance of $180,000. That is where you come in. We trust in you and your love of this county to help us raise the balance in increments of varying sizes by March of 2014. We believe in your commitment to Lake County in all its beauty and in your determination to resolve our matters locally. We are the Lake County Land Trust and, as our name implies, we trust in the land, but we have faith in you. If you are interested in helping with this project and would like to receive a detailed “Case for Support” document with pictures and documentation, call us at 994-2024 or email: [email protected]. Donors of $1,000 - $2,500 will receive permanent recognition on a plaque located at the Rodman Preserve office; $5,000 and up donors will receive plaque recognition plus listing on a donor display board at the Melo property; $10,000 and up donors receive all of the above, plus a donor plaque on a trail sign, bench, or viewing area at the Melo property. However, more importantly, donors will have the satisfaction of knowing they helped contribute to this important beginning project for the Big Valley Wetlands preservation project. Michael Friel and Roberta Lyons Lake County
Posted on: Wed, 25 Sep 2013 20:20:05 +0000
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