Restore the Delta quickly
Re "Finding a way in Delta," editorial, March 25: The Bee is right when it connects restoring wetlands in the Delta to restoring the endangered fish that have created such havoc around determining the Delta's destiny.
I'm an appointee of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on a stakeholders advisory to the Blue Ribbon Task Force charged to find solutions in the Delta. While final word on actions to implement recommendations is yet to come, the vicinity of Prospect Island, Little Holland Tract and Liberty Island has been identified as a place where restoration of ecosystem function can proceed. Assembly Bill 2502 by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk, D-Davis, hits that target, plus gives the public hope of a new place for recreation and appreciation of nature.
While wetlands can be created to serve valuable wildlife needs on many of the Delta's "islands," where the land lies 20 or more feet below water level, the value to fisheries is limited or nonexistent. Wolk's proposal focuses on one of the few areas of the Delta where true natural wetlands functions for fish, wildlife and people can be restored now and fast, which is exactly why it's where we must work now and fast.
- Rudolph Rosen, Rancho Cordova
Director, Ducks Unlimited Western Office
How OHVs ruin Eldorado solitude
Re "Revving up to help repair Eldorado forest land," editorial, March 22: As a year-round visitor to the Eldorado National Forest for 31 years, I was pleased to read the well thought out editorial about the the U.S. Forest Service's travel management plan.
I'm part of the 93 percent of forest visitors who do not use off-highway vehicles. I'm a quiet user.
When I'm flyfishing a stream, probably no other forest visitor knows I am there. But I can hear the OHV coming for miles. I get the sight, sounds and smells of the city.
I have seen 4x4 vehicles drive straight up and over barrier rocks meant to keep them out. I have taken walks and run into dirt bikers riding where it is illegal.
Every year there are more OHVs on trails where they don't belong or off the trails entirely. I've documented the increasing damage happening that will only get worse unless the Forest Service controls these damaging vehicles now.
I hope the forest supervisor takes a very tough approach that protects the Eldorado, allowing some reasonable OHV access but barring these machines from our streams and meadows, from the wild backcountry and roadless areas, and from the hiking, biking, horse and ski trails in the forest.
- Monte Hendricks, Pollock Pines
UP seeks bailout for dumb move
The bad deal Union Pacific proposes for Placer County and state passenger rail riders is even worse than The Bee editorialized ("Time for state to get tough with Union Pacific," March 23).
What do they mean "build" a second line over Donner Summit? "Replace" is the right word. Former owner Southern Pacific removed it in the 1990s in a cost-cutting frenzy after 80 years of service. Their lack of foresight should not be a mandate for our bailout.
If double-tracked, then the Sacramento-to-Reno run gets even more clogged and polluted, and less passenger friendly.
- Willliam Wauters, Auburn
Meter mad: Bye, bye, downtown
Re "Council hikes parking fees," March 26: The city has proposed fee increases for parking meters and meter fines in downtown Sacramento. I am to pay $1.25 per hour for the privilege of shopping downtown, and if in the throes of shopping I am late in feeding the meter, I will be fined $30. Not on your sweet bippy!
My family will no longer be charged to be a customer. We will instead opt for a mall that is customer friendly.
- James Gunn, Sacramento
Alternatives to oil, please
Re "Record energy price run continues," March 15: Oil hits $110 a barrel; gas prices up – $3.50 per gallon; $13 billion of our money goes to Big Oil as subsidies or tax breaks; record profits for oil companies last year – Shell, $27.6 billion; BP, $16.2 billion; Exxon Mobil, $40.6 billion.
