To:      Lake Davis Steering Committee 

From: Ivan Paulsen 

Date:  March 22, 2004 

Re:     Meeting notes from the March 22, 2004 Steering Committee meeting at Portola City Hall 

Present:  Ivan Paulsen (California Department of Fish and Game), Leslie Teagen (City of Portola), John Heavin (U.S. Forest Service), Angie Dillingham (USFS), Julie Cunningham (CDFG), Fran Roudebush (Lake Davis Coalition), Colleen Marsh (Lake Davis Coalition), Kelly Hale (Plumas County Environmental Health), Mike Morrison (CDFG), Vivien Finch, BY PHONE:  Ralph Hinton (CDWR), Doug Rischbieter (CDWR) 

Water Levels:  Julie reported that the reservoir elevation is 5764.73 feet (48,848 acre-feet), and that 10 cubic feet per second are being released.  There is about 10 feet of “freeboard” (distance from spill).  This is almost identical to last years elevation of 5764.95 feet.  The Grizzly Ridge snow pack is about 99 percent of normal.   

Presentation Update:  Julie reported that Dr. Tjeerdema’s presentation was attended by approximately 20 to 25 persons from the community.  It seemed to be well received.  Colleen stated that she felt the information was well presented and understood. 

Well Testing Meeting Update:  Julie reported she had met with Colleen and Fran to discuss the recent LLNL testing of several wells in the area.  Several items were agreed upon that should possibly be conducted should another chemical treatment occur at the lake.  These included: 1) long term monitoring of wells in the area; 2) daily monitoring of wells if lake is treated from the date of application on for a short period of time; and 3) the possible placement of a monitoring well below the dam.  Doug R. suggested that the seeps at the base of the dam should also be tested should the lake be retreated.  There was also discussion regarding any future 018 testing and whether or not it would provide any additional information or would it be more confusing.  This item was tabled. 

Project Update:  Ivan reported the ice on the lake appears to be very slushy and should most likely be gone by the end of the week.  They have the equipment ready to start work at the lake as soon as the ice is gone.  CalTrans will also plow out Honker Cove boat ramp to allow access to the lake. 

Alternatives Analysis Discussion:  Julie stated that work continues on putting together information for the alternatives.  Mike and Ivan are working on gathering data.  Curtis and DWR are working on preparing time tables for various lake draw downs. 

Law Enforcement:  Ivan reported that he had contacted the Regional Warden staff and Lt. Castillo has stated he would be glad to provide a training  meeting for the SO, CHP and USFS.  Jim M. was asked to contact the SO and CHP to see if they desired to participate.  Angie stated that the current USFS law enforcement personnel are familiar with DFG laws and have worked closely with Steve Ulrich in the past.  She also stated the two officers would be retiring at the end of the year and that it would be good to have training for the new personnel when they come on board.  Ivan also asked about the signing of fishing areas.  Angie and John felt that it would be better to place signs at the kiosk, as signs out in the field seem to be fair targets for those who like to remove or destroy them. 

Colleen also asked about the possibility of placing an “educational sign” at Honker above Snow Creek to inform people about the trout moving up the creek to spawn.  It is always an area where persons are illegally trying to catch fish.  She felt that educating the people might help reduce this law enforcement issue.  Angie said she would have it put on the USFS list for an item to be looked into. 

Coalition meeting date:  A Lake Davis Coalition meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, May 5th at 7:00 p.m., possibly at the Baptist Church.  The alternatives analysis will be presented.  Also, the sign needs to be slightly repaired and the date needs to be changed.  Ivan will inquire from region regarding whether we can fund $50 to A$100 to accomplish this. 

Announcements:  Julie will be giving a presentation on pike in Lake Davis to the Plumas County chapter of the Audubon Society on Wednesday, April 7th at the Portola Library.  Snacks and socializing begin at 6:00, and the presentation is at 7:00 p.m. 

Colleen brought up a question regarding whether Fran would be chairing the Steering Committee.  She had stepped down as chair during the recent political campaign to prevent any conflict of interest.  Fran is no longer involved in the campaign for county supervisor and therefore there would not be a conflict of interest.  This item was tabled until the next meeting. 

Next meeting:  April 5, 2004, 1-3 p.m., Portola City Hall Council Chambers