I feel strongly that several statements in the Record-Bee”s May 17 article (“Rattlesnake Island: ?archaeologically significant””) about Rattlesnake Island require a response. Although there continue to be reports that my family and I plan to “develop” the island, destroy its natural beauty and disturb possible archaeological artifacts that might be present, this could not be further from the truth.
The “development plans” for the island referred to in the article consist merely of building a small, 1,000-square-foot log cabin and bathroom facilities. My intent is ? and always has been ? to preserve the island in its natural state and not disturb any archaeology that may be there. The environmental impact report and mitigation plan that is already being prepared for the island by the county will ensure that all its resources will be conserved. A listing of the island on the National Register of Historic Places at most requires only that an environmental impact report be prepared, and that is being done even without the island being eligible for listing.
I opposed the nomination for listing on principle because there is frankly no credible evidence that the archaeology of the island is any more significant than hundreds of other unlisted, identified prehistoric Indian sites that abound throughout the entire North Coast region of California. In fact, Henry Mauldin, former Lake County historian, wrote in 1976 of Rattlesnake Island (after very extensive study), “It is very apparent that the island can be employed for residential uses without disturbing anything of historical interest.”
Rattlesnake Island was nominated for the National Register listing by John Parker, an archaeologist who is neither objective nor accurate in his supposed “scientific” claims. A longtime, self-proclaimed friend and advocate of the Elem, Dr. Parker presents himself as an “expert” on Rattlesnake Island … but he is not. His 1994 doctoral dissertation, dedicated to the Elem, was not about Rattlesnake Island or the Elem as is his claim. In fact, it was about settlement patterns of the Pomo Indians generally in the Clear Lake Basin.
The fact is, Dr. Parker”s dissertation does not even mention Rattlesnake Island, a place he now alleges to be so very important as a prehistory Indian settlement site. Dr. Parker”s presentation to the National Register was full of exaggeration and misinformation as was evident to anyone with a true knowledge of the history of this area. And although I refuted Dr. Parker”s claims point for point, unfortunately this was not sufficient since the requirements for listing a property on the National Registry are very minimal. Also, if the Elems are truly interested in preservation, why are they not attempting to preserve the historical archaeology on their Sulphur Bank Rancheria and nominate that for the National Register?
Sometimes the truth isn”t pretty, sometimes it”s not obvious, and sometimes it”s not at all popular. Whereas I continue to be painted by some as the villain with respect to Rattlesnake Island, all I continue to ask is that the facts be properly considered and presented.
Some of the critical facts are as follows: In 2000, Thomas Brown, chairperson of the Elem Indian Colony, made a written offer to buy Rattlesnake Island, less than one month after the United States Secretary of Indian Affairs sent him a letter reconfirming that gaming may take place on the tribe”s “reservation land.” Although that purchase was not completed at the time, the Elem made a new offer in 2003 (in competition with mine). The casino site consultant with Don Laughlin and the Riverside Resort and Casino in Laughlin, Nev. ? a gaming company that works with tribes to develop casinos ? has confirmed in writing that since 2000, Rattlesnake Island has been presented to him for development by Indian interests as an Indian casino site. In addition to this, the real estate broker for the Elem, Carolee Dennett, has also confirmed in writing that over the past 10 years, on behalf of the Elem, she met with “countless investors and developers” to purchase Rattlesnake Island for casino use.
Although perhaps not what some people want to hear or believe, preservation of archaeology and natural resources on Rattlesnake Island is an Elem smokescreen. The records show that what is largely at the root of this entire controversy is Elem Indian interest in building a casino in a prime location, i.e. Rattlesnake Island. Clearly a casino development, unlike our minimal proposed residential one, would very likely be destructive of any potential archaeology on the island, not to mention its adverse impact on the natural surroundings. Corroborating evidence of these matters has been with the county for over a year.
Unfortunately, the county”s Community Development Department has been influenced by the Elems” pressure tactics and attempts to politicize the issues at hand. This has impeded the permit process with unnecessary delays and demands. As an example, the CDD is requiring that the EIR study the plants, animals and even the wetlands along the shore of the island, even though the proposed cabin is more than 100 feet from the wetlands.
The CDD ignored the California Department of Fish & Game”s determination that a plant and animal study of the island is unnecessary. Clearly, there is nothing unique about the island”s plants and animals, which are found in abundance on the mainland only a few hundred yards away. Someone sleeping in a cabin at night would obviously not adversely impact the plants, animals or wetlands any more than presently do the agricultural and husbandry workers who are working on the island daily. Nor did the previous caretaker have any adverse affect when he lived there for 15 years caring for the land and the herds of sheep and goats.
This is a free country and people can think what they wish, but I believe people have the right (and responsibility) to know what”s really going on so that they can make informed decisions. I understand that there are a number of issues that Rattlesnake Island raises and that some people feel passionately about some of these issues. However, passion should not be an excuse for clouding reality. Just because someone says “the Emperor is wearing clothes” doesn”t make it so.
Rattlesnake Island is a jewel of nature and I have every intention of maintaining its majestic beauty and history. I hope that my Lake County friends and neighbors will take the time to understand what the true issues are and respond accordingly. I hope that those who value property rights and wish to defend them against “runaway government” will voice their opinion and write to Ms. Penelope Shibley at the CDD (penelopes@co.lake.ca.us).
John Nady
Emeryville
