To: Lake Davis Steering Committee
From: Ivan Paulsen
Date: January 26, 2005
Re: Notes from the January 24, 2005 Lake Davis Steering Committee meeting, Portola City Hall
Present: Ivan Paulsen (California Department of Fish and Game), John Heavin (U.S. Forest Service), Judy Schaeber (USFS), Fran Roudebush (Steering Committee Chair), Jim Murphy (City of Portola), Colleen Marsh, Mike Gardner (representing Grizzly Ranch), Steve Clifton (Leonard’s Market), Julie Cunningham, (CDFG), Bill Powers (Plumas Co. Supervisor, Dist. 1), Tom Hunter, (Plumas Co), Brian Morris (Plumas Co. Counsel), Kelly Hale (Plumas Co. Health), John Ball, Teri Daost (Portola Reporter), Ralph Hinton (California Department of Water Resources)-by phone, Doug Rischbieter (CDWR) – by phone, Dr. David Spath (DHS) – by phone
Fran introduced Bill Powers, the newly elected Plumas County Supervisor for District 1. Other individuals in attendance introduced themselves.
Water Level Update: Ralph reported that the elevation of Lake Davis is 5,762.79 feet, corresponding to 42,900 acre-feet. This is approximately 1.7 feet lower than the same time last year, and we are beginning to make up the difference this year.
Parkinson/Rotenone Article: Colleen mentioned she had seen or heard additional information regarding the State looking into various chemicals which may be of concern. Rotenone was one mentioned. Colleen wondered how this might affect any possible proposal to retreat the lake with rotenone. Dr. Spath explained that no action has been taken to remove any of the chemicals at this time. He stated that DHS would have the same position as last time during the treatment, being that “the lake water could not be used for drinking until there was no evidence of any chemicals remaining in the water or sediment”.
A question was raised about the formulation and its make-up. That was the major concern in 1997. Dr. Spath stated he would like a listing of the chemicals for DHS use in determining standards, etc. PBO was the persistent chemical last time but it is not listed on the EPA Federal water standards.
Bill Powers asked if there would be any provisions made to prevent the public at large from being to close to the lake should another treatment occur. This is one area that will be investigated by DFG and USFS.
Day Use/Boat Launch Fees: John Heavin referred this item to Judy Schaeber. Judy stated that the concessionaire at Frenchman Lake, Thousand Trails, has asked for permission to charge a fee at the boat launch facilities at Frenchman. The concessionaire provides services to clean up and dispose of garbage in these areas as well as maintain the bathroom facilities. The campground fees from Frenchman do not offset their costs due to heavy day use of the lake by boaters on weekends and holidays. They are proposing a $5.00 charge for boat launching and an annual permit would be $30.00. Gold Pass senior would receive a discount on their launching/annual permits. The Steering Committee believed this was a fair fee but requested that it not be imposed at Lake Davis as the community struggles to get anglers to fish Lake Davis. No fee would be implemented at Lake Davis at this time. It may be considered if and when Lake Davis returns to its normal fishery.
Meeting with DFG Director: Ivan stated that Ryan Broddrick, Paul Stein, and Diana Jacobs would like to all make the trip up to meet with the Steering Committee. Dates available for the three of them to come to Portola are February 14 & 28 and March 1 & 4. The committee picked February 28 as the primary date and March 4 as the back-up date. Ivan will contact HQ with this information and let the committee know at the next meeting if these dates will work.
Jim M. stated that one item they would like to address is: “The role the Steering Committee sees itself playing and what is the role the Director sees the Steering Committee playing”. Fran would also like to discuss Economic Impact Study. Bill Powers asked if it might be possible to have a representative of the company which manufacturers and markets the piscicide call in for this meeting. This will be checked into.
Appointment of Steering Committee Chair: Fran stated that she had spoken with Bill Powers regarding his possible interest in chairing the Steering Committee. Bill stated that he would accept the position if the members of the committee were in agreement. By general consensus, the committee has asked that Bill act as Chair for the calendar year 2005. Bill accepted.
Vacancy on Steering Committee: Fran asked if DFG had received any letters of interest for individuals who would like to sit on the committee. DFG had only received the one letter from the Portola Rotary Club asking that John Ball act as their representative. By consensus, John Ball was asked to participate on the committee.
Project Update: Julie explained that the NOP will most likely not occur until sometime later this summer. Jim M. stated that he is concerned about the City seeking to get the water plant back on line some time in the not too distant future. He would like to see the problem at the lake with the pike taken care of prior to the water plant coming back on line.
Old Business: Colleen asked John H. about the status of the info-sign for Snow Creek. John said that nothing had been done but that USFS would look into this. Judy S. stated she would check on this.
New Business: Doug R. gave the committee a quick update on his recent inspection of the grater on the outlet at the dam. The equipment appears to be in good physical condition and is working as it should. He did observe several 3 to 5 inch brown bullheads in the stilling basin that were alive but in poor condition. There is a remote chance that a small pike could pass through the system and survive. Hopefully, continuing to draw water from the lowest most in-take (5,700 feet) will reduce the risk.
Jim M. stated that the Rotary club has appointed him to be in charge of the annual fishing derby at Lake Davis this year. It is scheduled for the free fishing weekend, June 11 (and 12). He has some new ideas for structuring the derby, possibly a combination of a tagged fish worth $20,000 and also largest fish caught would receive several thousand dollars. He also asked if DFG would be willing to provide a cap to anyone who catches and turns in a northern pike. Ivan said he would check with HQ to see how they would feel about this.
Meeting was adjourned at approximately 1430 hours.
The next Steering Committee meeting is set for Monday, February 7th, Portola City Council Chambers