In this Issue:
Goldman Env. Prize Ceremony
Cleanup Day at the Lake
Triathlons at Lake Berryessa
McLaughlin Reserve Events
Hikes in the Lake District
Legal Developments

WAITING ON THE ROD

Still no sign of the Record of Decision on
redeveloping Lake Berryessa.

WHAT WE'VE BEEN DOING WHILE WAITING FOR THE ROD

Attending the Goldman Evironmental Prize
Award Ceremony

BT&C was invited to attend the award ceremony for the Goldman Environmental Prize on April 24 in San Francisco.

The Goldman Environmental Prize annually awards US$125,000 to environmental heroes from each of the world's six inhabited continental regions, often areas where such activism means putting one's life at risk. What is striking is the common story of how economic vitality in a region is destroyed when the environment is stripped of its resources for short-term profits, leaving local residents with long-term environmental and economic devastation.

A meeting with the Bureau of Reclamation in early April to talk about piers and other objects washed up on Lake Berryessa's shores led to a clean-up day on April 25. Volunteers and BOR staff went out on boats and in trucks to clean-up sites that BT&C had previously located and mapped.

TRIATHLONS ARE BACK AT LAKE BERRYESSA MAY 6 & 7

Envirosports is back at Lake Berryessa for two triathlon events this month. This organization helps people indulge their passion for athletic challenges in stunningly beautiful areas. Lake Berryessa is a popular site for an event that combines running, biking and swimming. Local residents show up to watch and help staff aid stations and hand out drinks and T-shirts to participants. The May 7 event is sold out, but there are still a few spots open for May 6 which is a half-iron triathlon. If you have to ask what that is you probably aren't ready for it.

MCLAUGHLIN RESERVE EVENTS

The 7,000 acre McLaughlin Reserve, half of which is in Napa County, is part of the UC Davis Natural Reserve System.

Volunteer Day on April 30 - We're heading up there to pull weeds and remove old fences this Sunday, April 30 from 1 pm to 5 pm. Helping out is a nice intoduction to this reserve. If you feel so inclined contact Cathy or Paul (707.995.9005 or mclaughlin@ucdavis.edu)

Art and Nature on May 6 - An afternoon wilderness experience of Art and Nature at UC Davis' Donald and Sylvia McLaughlin Natural Reserve in the Berryessa hinterlands. Highlights include exhibits, literary readings, and a guided nature and culture walk to view pieces of art in the landscape.

MAY HIKES IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

May 7 - make the big climb to Blue Ridge in the Knoxville Wildlife Area. From a beautiful valley climb right up to Blue Ridge for spectacular views.

Contact Cathy or Paul (707.995.9005 or mclaughlin@ucdavis.edu)

MAY 7 - Guided walk on Quail Ridge Reserve in the hills above the southeast shore of Lake Berryessa.

"Early May is delightful on the Reserve, with spring flowers and burgeoning growth of other native plants visible all around. The walk includes a talk about human history of the area." Call Frank ((530.758.1387).

LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS

District Court orders U.S. Marsalls to Remove Trailers at Lake Berryessa at Owners' Expense

The privately-owned 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. The court issued an order for the plaintiffs to remove their trailer and to and clean up the site.

Having failed to do so, the court has now authorized the U.S. Marshalls to carry out that order by removing the trailers and cleaning up the site, with all expense to be borne by the trailer owners.

April 27, 2006 Court Order