By A. Jeannie Albee ? letters to the editor
The area off Highway 29 and Hartmann Road where Putah Creek crosses is being assaulted or is it just “clean recreation”?
There was a time, not so long ago when I took my children, nieces and nephews to swim and observe the native wildlife and flora in this same area. Today, it is mud and hardly any animals or plants survive the constant assaults. The assaults are from dirt bikes, quads and four-wheel drive vehicles. On any weekend you can see five or more cars and trucks parked along Hartmann Road and more bikes and quads tearing up the area, in and out of the creek and surrounding area. There is at least one every day, rain or shine The signs say “No Trespassing” and there is fencing, but this does not deter any of them.
My concern does not solely lie for the habitat, which is almost gone, but also for the safety of the riders. Most are adults but I have also seen children as young as 4 or 5 riding as well. Helmets do not protect them 100 percent.
Also, as the riders drive through the creek and the surrounding area, oil and gasoline is left in the soil and in the creek. As the creek flows so does this contamination into parts of Hidden Valley, for a start. Not to mention the trash and tires left behind. Also left behind is mud and dirt on the roadway with a little oil and gasoline, while dust and dirt fills the air in the area.
The once green, natural habitat with a beautiful creek flowing by is now a depressing partially muddy, partially dusty hole with a contaminated creek and litter. I see it as assault.
Please stop assaulting the creek and the natural habitat and respect the “No Trespassing” signs and leave some wildlife and natural creeks for our children and their children.
A. Jeannie Albee
Hidden Valley Lake
