Lake Merced Update -- August 2002
To: Friends of Lake Merced
Please put this date in your calendar:
Tuesday, August 13, 6:00 P.M.
Park Aid Station at Stanyan and Frederick Streets
The level of Lake Merced continues its inexorable decline, down another 4" this month. At the current rate, Lake Merced will be below 16' for the first time since the drought of the mid-ninety's by the first of October.
We have repeatedly asked the San Francisco PUC to stem this decline using imported Hetch-Hetchy water, stabilizing the lake level until long-term, sustainable solutions can be implemented. The Sierra Club has supported this recommendation.
Instead, the PUC proposes a $300,000 study to evaluate the environmental impact of adding as much as nine feet of water to Lake Merced, using imported Hetch Hetchy water, during the next twelve months. (A copy of this proposal, with supporting budget and schedule, is available on our web site. Check at 'Plans'.)
We know the impact. The impact on habitat would be devastating, as established shoreline is inundated. The impact on water quality would be equally severe, as dying plant life decomposes in the water.
We don't need to spend $300,000 to figure that out.
We do need a habitat maintenance plan that recognizes the need to prepare for a slow, long-term increase in lake level as the supporting aquifer is restored.
Lisa Wayne of the Recreation and Park Department has organized a meeting to review the PUC proposal. I hope that you can attend this meeting:
Tuesday, August 13, 6:00 P.M.
Park Aid Station at Stanyan and Frederick Streets
See you there. Or if you can't make it, send an e-mail to Pat Martel asking for a redirection of this effort.
Thanks.
John
