We must consider local bald eagles in Delta Tunnel project discussions | Opinion

Protecting Delta eagles

“We sent a photographer to find bald eagles near Folsom. How you can see them too,” (sacbee.com, April 13)

I live in the Sacramento River Delta, a quarter of a mile from Scribner Bend. For the last two years, on my way home, I’ve been spotting bald eagles. I recently spotted one nesting in a tree on the riverbank across the street from Scribner Bend Vineyards.

We must consider these birds in our discussion of the Delta Tunnel project. These birds are protected, and I’d hate to see them disturbed.

Molly Alderete

Courtland

Thinning is unproven, controversial

“California thins its forests, then burns the wood. Is there a better idea? | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, July 13)

Forest thinning is a controversial and unproven method for preventing wildfires and reducing the risk to people and property, especially in forest areas that are far from communities.

Many experts contend that thinning can degrade forest ecosystems and lead to various negative environmental consequences. Furthermore, it may increase the risk of wildfires by allowing more sunlight to reach the forest floor and by removing natural windbreaks.

Rather than focusing on thinning, many believe that resources would be better spent on proven strategies, such as home hardening, which protects properties, and enhancing community preparedness, which saves lives.

Is there a better idea? Absolutely: Don’t create the wood piles in the first place.

Jennifer Normoyle

Hillsborough

Dangerous plan

“California thins its forests, then burns the wood. Is there a better idea? | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, July 13)

Converting trees to energy and fuels uses dirty processes that emit carbon dioxide and toxic air pollution. Adding ineffective “carbon capture” does not help and risks potentially deadly blowouts from CO2 pipelines and underground storage.

Logging forests can intensify wildfires, increasing threats to communities.

Investing in proven home hardening retrofits and vegetation trimming are effective steps to keep people safe.

Shaye Wolf

Oakland

Thanks, Democrats

“California wins $22 million for a new lane on Highway 65 in Placer County,” (sacbee.com, July 11)

Rep. Kevin Kiley is taking a victory lap for his role in securing federal funding for our community. In a recent self-congratulatory newsletter, he credits both the Department of Transportation and the current Transportation Secretary for the financing. should remind him that the BUILD grant program, through which this funding was secured, was initially established by the Obama administration in the 2009 Recovery Act and reauthorized in the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The congressman is an opportunist. He’ll take the credit, but he won’t thank the Democratic administrations for having done the work.

Barbara Smith

Auburn

Flood risk in Sacramento

“Modernized procedures at California’s Oroville Dam could improve flood safety, report finds,” (sacbee.com, March 15)

Sacramento is one of the most flood-prone urban areas in the U.S. The “One Big Beautiful Bill” has cancelled $126 million of flood protection projects in California. Where does that leave Sacramento and our levy projects?

The city and county are deciding whether or not to add thousands of additional homes in Natomas on over 8,000 acres. Natomas, however, is in a 100-year flood zone: Roads are already inadequate for current traffic, and huge new developments situated next to a river with cancelled flood protection projects are a disaster in the making.

The city and county should emphasize infill projects.

Edith Thacher

Sacramento