To:      Lake Davis Steering Committee 

From: Ivan Paulsen

Date:  November 29, 2004

Re:     Notes for the November 29, 2004 Lake Davis Steering Committee meeting, Portola, California

Present:   Fran Roudebush (chair), Ivan Paulsen (California Department of Fish and Game), Mike Morrison (CDFG), Colleen Marsh (Lake Davis Coalition), Jim Murphy (City of Portola), Robin Branda (City of Portola, Planner), Ralph Hinton (California Department of Water Resources) – by phone and Steve Martarano (CDFG) – by phone.

Fishing Report:  Ivan reported angling for trout has been good at the lake.  Anglers have also been catching more pike.  Total number of pike caught by anglers was 74 for 2004, as compared to 23 for 2003.  Jim M. stated that he has seen good angling reports for Lake Davis in various fishing newspapers and magazines. 

Water Levels:   Ralph H. reported that the water level at Lake Davis is 5,762.43 feet above sea level, corresponding to 41,693 acre-feet, and is approximately 1.6 feet lower this year than last.  The October storms have decreased the water level differences between 2003 vs. 2004. 

DFG Project Update:  Ivan reported the Director might be available for a visit in January.  Wednesdays and Jan. 11 are the only times he would be unable to come to Portola.  The Committee selected the dates of Jan. 17, 20 or 31 as possible dates for a visit.  Ivan will check with the Director’s office to see if one of these dates would work.   

Ivan also reported that the Department is working on a preliminary project plan and hopes to have it released by the first of March 2005.  The Department will then conduct Scoping Meetings to hear comments from the public at large regarding a proposed project.  

Ivan reported that a total of 13,130 pike have been caught by field crews this year (2004) as compared to a total of 13,598 in 2003.  Due to budget constraints, limited field activities were accomplished in September and October.  

Jim M. mentioned he would like to be sure experts in various fields, i.e. toxicology, ground water, etc., are available once a project is determined to help answer questions that arise. 

Ivan also read a note from Julie Cunningham (CDFG) to the Steering Committee.  At the December meeting, Julie would like to present a draft proposal regarding ridding Lake Davis of pike.  Also, Julie would like to present a draft proposal for the groundwater awareness/education/monitoring work DFG would like to do with DWR. 

Economic Study:  Ivan stated CDFG was considering hiring an economist to meet with state, county and city personnel, as well as local business representatives, to discuss and develop an economic study plan.  There was discussion regarding the economics issues from last time.  Jim M. also mentioned that DFG should check with both Chamber of Commerce groups in Portola to see about a business representative who could attend. 

Steering Committee Membership:  Fran mentioned that she had talked with Steve Clifton, Leonard’s Market, and he said he would be willing to be a city business representative.  The manager of the Grizzly Ridge development has also expressed an interest in being the “out of city” business representative.   The general consensus of the Committee was to accept these individuals. 

Old Business:  Colleen M. asked about the composition of the Steering Committee.   The issue of who should be on the Steering Committee had arisen at several previous meetings.  A discussion ensued regarding the make up of the committee.  Members felt it was important to reach out to as many persons in the community as possible.  The general consensus of the Committee was to advertise in the newspaper for additional individuals at large, who would be willing to sit on and work with the Steering Committee.  In addition, these individuals should be willing to disseminate information to the public at large, either through groups, organizations, or personal contacts.

New Business:  There was no new business. 

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 13, 1-3 p.m.