In this Issue:
Hikes, Award, Press,
Lawsuit, Websites

No word yet on the release of the Bureau of Reclamation's Record of Decision on redeveloping Lake Berryessa, but March 2006 has been mentioned as the probable time of release.

SCHEDULED HIKES

Hike to Zim Zim Falls with the Land Trust on the new 12,575 acres of public land on the Napa Ranch north of Lake Berryessa March 12.

We've updated the list of scheduled hikes in Napa County's Lake District. There are hikes coming up on April 8, two on April 9, April 22 and April 23.

http://www.berryessatrails.org/hikes.htm

AWARD

BT&C Director Herb Howe received the Citizen Award from the Bureau of Reclamation for "outstanding contributions to the Lake Berryessa community and for his efforts to keep the lands and waters of Lake Berryessa clean" - in short, for ridding the lake of Styrofoam!

Check out links to Herb's Styrofoam Chronicles to see photos of Herb's kayak loaded with styrofoam.

www.berryessatrails.org

PRESS

No welcome for nature-lovers
at Lake Berryessa

Cartoon reprinted by permission of the
St. Helena Star and Joan Martens

The St. Helena Star published a two part series on the Lake.
Who owns Lake Berryessa? - February 9, 2006
Future of Lake Berryessa: dreams, visions and fears - February 23, 2006
By Bonnie Durrance

Ms. Durrance attended a meeting where those who occupy private vacation sites on public land at this jet ski-power boat Lake, objected vociferously to any idea that others might want to enjoy the Lake in a different way:

"When Carol Kunze, representing Berryessa Trails and Conservation, commented that visitors might like to come to Lake Berryessa to go kayaking and enjoy the wildlife, the same audience erupted in deafening boos."

The Napa Valley Register recently published their opinion on Lake Berryessa.
The title says it all - Berryessa: Put it back in public hands Sunday, February 5, 2006.
Some excerpts:

The trailers, as many as 1,300, should be removed because they limit -- rather than enhance -- public use of this taxpayer resource.

The political history of Lake Berryessa is riddled with missed opportunities. With the end of the concession contracts, the Bureau of Reclamation, Napa County and those who want to take advantage of Lake Berryessa's beauty have a chance for a fresh start at a gorgeous freshwater lake.

http://www.berryessatrails.org/lake.htm

LEGAL

Trailer owners at Lake Berryessa ordered to remove trailers and clean up their sites,
no court ruling yet on the payment of damages and costs

Private trailers in the Pleasure Cove resort were scheduled to be removed in December 2005. Two trailer owners sued the government in an attempt to keep their private trailers on public land.

On Feb. 8, the court issued an order for the plaintiffs to remove all their property, clean up the site, and "refrain from committing any waste upon the United States' property."

The government has also asked for damages and legal costs. The court has not yet ruled on these issues.

Court Documents

1. Order Granting Motion to Dismiss and Order to File Opposition to Government's Motion for Partial Summary Judgment on Counterclaims, Feb. 1, 2006

2. Order to Remove Trailers and Clean Up Sites, Feb. 8, 2006

http://www.berryessatrails.org/lake.htm

WEBSITES

Lake Berryessa Alternatives

This website provides infor- mation and links for other lakes and rivers where vacation sites are available on private land.

Bureau of Reclamation

The Bureau of Reclamation has a new website for those who want to enjoy Lake Berryessa. With information on parks, places to hike, paddle, etc., information for educators, a page on environmental improvements and facility upgrades and my favorite, the Junior Ranger Activity Book