To: Lake Davis Steering Committee
From: Ivan Paulsen
Date: April 26, 2004
Re: Notes from the April 26, 2004 Lake Davis Steering Committee meeting, Portola City Hall.
A Note on the Notes: These notes summarize the discussion, decisions made, and action items of the Lake Davis Steering Committee meeting. They are intended for interested parties, particularly those who could not attend the meeting. They are not intended to be a transcript, analysis of the meeting, or to indicate agreement or disagreement with any of the items summarized, except where expressly stated. :-)
Present: Jim Murphy (City of Portola), Jerry Dollard, Julie Cunningham (California Department of Fish and Game), Vivien Finch, Ivan Paulsen (CDFG), Colleen Marsh, BY PHONE: Doug Rischbieter (California Department of Water Resources), Ralph Hinton (CDWR) and Dr. David Spath (Depart. Health Services)
Snow Survey/Water Level Update: Ralph Hinton reported that as of midnight, April 24, the water level was 5,766.18 ‘ (5,766.39’ in 2003) and 52,876 ac. ft. (53,530 ac. ft. in 2003). No snow survey data was available for the last time period, end of March 2004.
Project update/Board of Supervisor’s Update: Jim M. reported that he and Ivan had attended the Supervisor’s meeting last Tuesday. Main topic of interest was the water releases and water levels of Lake Davis. Ivan reported that he was unaware of DFG asking DWR to lower lake but rather the DWR is working with DFG to prevent uncontrolled spills of the lake with a potential for flushing of pike over the spill way. The releases were based on there being approximately 140% of normal snow pack on the water shed at the end of December and estimating normal precipitation for the remainder of the winter, DWR predicted the lake would fill and spill if water was not released. Unfortunately, below normal precipitation occurred between the first of January and the middle of April. Jim reported County counsel had contacted the City counsel regarding potential law suit against the state for releases of water from Lake Davis.
Ivan reported to the Supervisors that DFG had captured approximately 60 adult pike in trap nets this spring and the purse seine contract had to be cancelled to reduce expenditures by the Department. The Portola crew is continuing to work on alternatives analysis.
Discussion about Coalition meeting: The Coalition meeting is scheduled for Monday evening, May 24, 2004 at 7:00 PM at the Portola Station Baptist Church. There was discussion about the meeting format. It had been proposed to have a short general meeting with an “Open House” format to follow to allow people to discus issues on a “one-on-one” basis. Members of the committee felt it important that as many people as possible heard a fairly detailed description of what is happening regarding alternatives analysis. Ivan proposed doing a more in-depth presentation on the analysis at the general meeting and then having the Open House available for people to ask more specific questions. This compromise was agreed upon by the committee and will be developed for the Coalition Meeting.
There was also discussion regarding the Steering Committees position regarding potential use of a piscicide which contained Proposition 65 chemicals. Dr. Spath explained that Proposition 65 chemicals are not precluded from use but it does provide an avenue for citizens to challenge or question their use in a drinking water supply. The SC did not take any official stance on the potential use of piscicides containing Proposition 65 chemicals, although it was recognized that if the lake is to be rid of pike, there may be a requirement to use piscicides of this nature.
Alternatives analysis and EIR progress update: Julie reported that DFG is continuing to gather information and develop a write-up of findings.
Law Enforcement Plan for Lake Davis: Ivan reported that Warden Bob Orange has coordinated with the Plumas County SO for a training meeting on Wednesday, May 12. Approximately 6 deputies will participate. They will be involved in assisting to capture pike and electrofishing for pike. Warden Orange will provide a briefing regarding Fish and Game Regulations and Ivan will discuss why we don’t want pike in California.
Discussion of Steering Committee Chair: Tabled until next meeting.
Other Business: Ivan reported that he has sent an email to the Yukon Department of Environment regarding the newspaper article about the total loss of northern pike from Watson Lake, Yukon. He asked what might have caused this loss of pike. He will report to the Steering Committee when he receives feedback.
Jim M. asked about DFG’s involvement in the upcoming Railroad Days in Portola this August. Ivan reported that due to budget constraints, DFG has cancelled all provisions of trout for these type derbies throughout the state. Mike Morrison has volunteered to provide equipment and time to assist if the Railroad Days committee can find or purchase some trout for this event.
The Lake Davis Rotary Club Fishing Derby is scheduled for June 12 & 13, 2004. It will run from 5:30 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, June 12 and 5:30 AM to 11:30 AM on Sunday June 13, 2004. Prize money will be awarded for longest trout. For more information, please call 530-836-6811.
Next SC Meeting: Monday, May 10, 2004, 1 to 3 PM, Portola City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting is open to the public.