By Victoria Brandon
This summer”s severe blue-green algae bloom ? which has hindered the normal enjoyment of Clear Lake and caused dire economic hardship to many resort owners and others dependent on summer tourists ? demonstrates yet another reason to applaud the county”s upcoming purchase of most of the top of Mount Konocti.
Not only will this transaction preserve our signature mountain in its pristine condition forever, it will also provide a recreational resource of inestimable value, thus adding badly needed balance to Lake County”s attraction for visitors. Use of the lake tends to be highly seasonal, and even in the best years the lake alone cannot support a thriving recreational industry any more than a single leg can support a stool.
The future welfare of our community requires the development of additional magnets of a sort that don”t lose their power when the summer is over such as the proposed Konocti parkland, along with parallel conservation initiatives such as the Ridgeline Trail and Berryessa-Snow Mountain National Conservation Area. The recent explosion of first-class restaurants, proudly serving local food and our coming of age as a premier wine-growing region, will also help offer the resources needed for a sustained and sustainable prosperity.
Please take a moment to call your supervisor to express your appreciation for the courage, vision, and public spirit shown by their unswerving support for a transaction that will bring so many benefits to us all. For more information about Mount Konocti and the purchase visit www.preservekonocti.org. And don”t forget to attend the next master plan workshop, which will be held at the courthouse (255 N. Forbes in Lakeport) at 6 p.m. on Aug. 26, to share your own perspective on the future management of the mountain.
Victoria Brandon
Chair, Sierra Club Lake Group
