Historically speaking, the first known water issue in the Lake County area occurred several thousand years ago when a massive landslide forever altered the flow and design of our lake. This cataclysmic event transformed “Kabatin” (today known as Clearlake) into it”s current magnificent formation. The landslide cut off the springs of Blue Lakes from feeding into our lake and created a huge marsh or “wetland” on the north shore. Almost a century ago, this marsh known as Rodman”s Slough was transformed by man from wetlands into rich grazing and agricultural land by way of a levee system that was built during the era of W.W. I.. Our old-timers recall the famous Blue Lakes Green Beans. These tasty beans were one of the agricultural products grown in the rich bottom lands we exploited when this ancient marsh was drained. At the time, the levee was thought to be a good idea but our current lake conditions have proven otherwise. The loss of our wetlands at the slough are now known to have major effects on the clarity and oxygen content of the lake, as well as fish and diverse wildlife populations. “Old School” or traditional Pomo Indians believed that the slough area was the heart, soul, and life blood of the lake. Apparently, they were right.
The good news is that the County of Lake is currently working to restore the Rodman Slough area back to wetlands. This north shore project is officially known as “The Middle Creek Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Project.” It is also affectionately referred to by some locals as “McMarsh.” The restoration project will recreate the natural filtration system originally created by “Mother Nature” thousands of years ago. The majority of other previously existing wetlands around the lake have slowly disappeared over the last century, and so the restoration of the Rodman Slough wetland area is a critical first step to help clarify the grand lake that we all admire. This outstanding project will also add to wildlife populations and make the bass frisky!
Our county government should be applauded; better yet, a standing ovation is in order for their long time support of the Rodman Slough restoration project. Gerry Shaul, director of Public Works, has been charged with the daunting task of sitting in for “Mother Nature” at the slough. Mr. Shaul assigned this important project to his Water Resources Division. Bob Lossius, Assistant Director of Public Works and Pam Francis, Deputy Director of Water Resources have teamed up to see this admirable effort through. Let”s not forget Tom Smythe who has been patiently laying the ground work for this project for the last 12 years. Mr. Smythe, we hope you get to see the results of all your hard work before you retire! The bad news is that the complexity of the project and federal intervention may yet require another 5-10 years for total completion of this long awaited wetland restoration.
Some of the Rodman Slough area belongs to the Robinson Rancheria Tribe of the Pomo Nation. The infamous Bloody Island is located in the slough area and although not considered to be Pomo land, it is also a factor in the restoration scenario. In 1850, the year California became a state, Bloody Island was the scene of an act of Native American extermination by the U.S. Army. The remains of several victims of this horrific and unfortunate event are located in the immediate area of the former island. Estimates range from 60 to over 100 Native Americans were killed in this attack, including women and children. Currently, some local tribal members wish to insure that proper respect and protection of these remains are observed. Clayton Duncan, a well known and outspoken local Pomo has formed the Lucy Moore Foundation with the ultimate goal of purchasing Bloody Island. Mr. Duncan has proposed creating a healing arts center on the former island. Mr. Duncan is a descendant of Lucy Moore who was a little girl, one of the lucky few that survived the slaughter of Bloody Island by hiding underwater, breathing thru a tule reed. We hope you are successful in your endeavor, Clayton Duncan. A rather odd fact is that presently Bloody Island is not an island at all because the old levee drained off the water previously surrounding the island. An island again soon?
Much of the slough lands belong to local ranchers, home owners and the county. Of equal concern however is the ever deteriorating condition of the old levee system. Federal legislation dealing with this project is now slooowly working it”s way through the U.S. Congress. The County of Lake has been diligent in it”s efforts to work with state and federal officials on this important issue, so as to make sure that the rights of the Pomo Nation and other displaced residents are respected. The county has proposed that land acquired from the Robinson Rancheria Tribe for this restoration project will be replaced elsewhere in the area. If suitable land cannot be located, an additional modern levee system may be needed to protect some of the effected tribal lands. So far, around 16 “willing” non-native ranchers and home owners are projected to be compensated by the county for their property losses too, including moving expenses. The Upper Lake Tribe of the Pomo Nation has added to the mix by recently proposing another casino that will skirt part of the afore-mentioned wetlands project area. If approved, this new casino may also need modern levee protection. Federal funding will likely be made available for the Middle Creek Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Project once details are ironed out to the satisfaction of all parties. (Don”t hold your breath folks.)
The Rodman Slough area, once restored, will not only provide additional wildlife habitat and improve the overall water quality of the lake, it will also eliminate the iminent danger of sudden north shore flooding should the old levee system fail. Many of us recall the rainy winter of 1997, which caused a breach in the levee system. This event caused floods to occur around areas of the north shore where several homes were damaged.
The 1997 flood incident exemplifies the need to resolve the issue now before the levee situation results in a serious disaster. At the very least, the flood damage reduction portion of this project surely requires a “fast track” mode in the U.S. Congress. Constituents of Lake County… make your voices heard loud and clear in the halls of Congress on this very important issue!
Editor”s Note: Kevin Engle is a resident of Lower Lake.
