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Senator Lois Wolk applauds State’s acquisition of Prospect Island

Posted by: Maven on February 17, 2010 at 7:58 am

From Dan Bacher at IndyBay.org:

“Senator Lois Wolk (D-Davis) today applauded the Obama administration’s decision to transfer ownership and management of Prospect Island, the site of the largest fish kill in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta’s history, to the state of California. She urged the state to provide “maximum public access to the island’s recreational resources.”

“Over the years, state and federal agencies have waged numerous, unsuccessful efforts to maintain the levees that protect Prospect Island from flooding,” according to a statement from Wolk’s office. “As a result, the island has largely remained under water.”

In November 2007, the island’s management came under major public scrutiny after an attempt by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to drain the 1,253-acre island for levee repairs resulted in a massive fish kill. Tens of thousands of striped bass, Sacramento blackfish, Sacramento splittail, largemouth bass and other species perished in the unprecedented ecological disaster.

“This is good news,” said Wolk. “With the acquisition of Prospect Island, which is part of the Delta’s unique landscape, the state can improve its management to ensure that boaters, fishermen and other tourists can enjoy the island for generations to come. The Delta is world-renowned for its unique recreational opportunities. It is important that anglers, hunters, and other members of the community be included in discussions on recreational access to the island.” … “

Read more of Dan Bacher’s commentary at IndyBay.org by clicking here.

February 17, 2010 · Filed Under Delta Issues

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