Did you know there is an organization that would like nothing better than to destroy Scott Dam and turn Lake Pillsbury into a meadow?
It”s true. It calls itself “Friends of the Eel River” (FOER), but its real goal is to stop water flowing into PG&E”s hydroelectric plant in Potter Valley and on into Lake Mendocino from one fork (of five) of the Eel.
Since Lake Pillsbury supplies a reliable flow of water to that fork, they want it gone. They are willing to make all kinds of outrageous and misleading claims to achieve their goal.
“Why should I care?” You ask? Good question. For one thing, it would put something like $24.5 million of assessed property value at risk of removal from the tax roles.
After all, who wants to buy a lot in the woods next to a non-existent lake?
It would destroy one of Lake County”s prime back country recreation areas. Lastly, another Lake County landmark would disappear. Would you like to learn more?
This spring Lake County residents have an opportunity to find out the real story. The Mendocino Farm Bureau is sponsoring two tours; a one-day tour on April 20 covering Lake Pillsbury, the diversion and the power plant, to give you an idea what would be lost and how little water is really involved, and a two-day tour on April 28 and 29 of the vast Eel River watershed ? the other four forks. Knowledgeable tour leaders will provide lots of information and answer your questions. There is no charge for either tour.
For details or to reserve a place on the tours, contact Devon Jones at mendofb@pacific.net or call 462-6664.
Hal Voege
Redwood Valley
