HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - April 4, 1990 (54)February 27, 1990
San Joaquin County Planning Commission
Stockton, California
Dear Sirs=
My conclusion, after reviewing Division 15: Natural Resources Regu-
lations (proposed), is that such regulations violate our American
heritage of private ownership, and there is neither need nor basis
for such public involvement in the Mokelumne River area of our county.
The assumption that a "Review Authority" should be allowed to super -
cede the private owner on his land relative to tree removal, replant-
ing (including security bonding), land grading, irrigating and even
fencing requirements is reprehensible,
Even the assumptions relative to natural habitat and endangered species
should be re-evaluated in a common sense manner as it applies to the
privately owned lands along the Mokelumne River.
For the benefit of the Planning Commission and staff, I believe I can
express this attitude with authority inasmuch as my position as the
former manager of the Northern San Joaquin County Mosquito Abatement
District uniquely places me in a position to present the following:
1. The Mokelumne River is a classic example of a meandering
stream which overflowed extensive areas during flood periods prior
to the construction of upstream dams, making these lands inaccessible
and unusable.
2. With the construction of Pardee and Camanche dams, the maxi-
mum controlled release flows were limited to 5,000 c.f.s., thereby
creating extensive usable private riverbottom lands by removal of the
jungle growth over hundreds of acres extending from Lockeford to Thorn-
ton.
3. Because these jungle areas were the source of a horrendous
mosquito population which prevented the human population from living
and farming adjacent to the rives, our Mosquito District was formed
in 1945 and for more than 20 years carried on a cooperative land
reclamation program utilizing heavy equipment rented to the private
landowner on a cost basis, along with the taxed program.
4, Although our future concerns for natural habitat and en-
dangered species deserve consideration, I cannot over -emphasize that
since planning seeks to improve our quality of life, the most important
of all "endangered species" is the Mokelumne riverbottom mosquito
(Aedes vexans) which hopefully is no longer a concern along the
Mokelumne River.
Consequently, I can only conclude that the private landowners along
the Mokelumne assumed a voluntary cooperative action of major propor-
tion in the past, and certainly do not need a costly and unnecessary
review authority on their lands in the future.
- 1 -
In our tomorrow, let's police our criminals, not our taxes -supporting
citizens.
Re tfu
.ily.submitted,
7't h
Robert H. Peters
3290 E. woodbridge Road
Acampo, CA 95220
cc.- Supervisor Barber
Loci City Council
I.J.Co.Mosquito Abatement District
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CITY COUNCIL
JOHN R. (Randy) SNIDER. Mayor
DAVID M HINCHMAN
Mayor Pro Tempore
EVELYN M.OLSON
JAMES W. PINKERTON. It.
FRED M. REID
CITY OF LODI
CITY HALL, 221 WEST PINE STREET
CALL BOX 3006
LODI. CALIFORNI ". 95241-1910
(209) 334-5634
ttttCOP1tR 1209) 333-6795
April 9, 1990
Steve Scott
Chairman
Lodi Parks and Recreation Commission
511 Virginia
Lodi, C�A195242
Dear Mr. Scott:
THOMAS A. PETERSON
City Manager
ALICE M.REIMCIIE
City Clerk
BOB MCNATT
City Attorney
Please be advised that the attached letter frau Robert H Peters
expressing his concern regarding Division 15 of the proposed natural
Resources Regulations was presented to the City Council at its regular
meeting of April 4, 1990. Mr, Peters indicated that he ,feels such
regulations violate the American heritage of private ownership and that
there is neither need nor basis for such public involvement in the
Mokelumne River area.
The City Council asked that this letter be referred to the Parks and
Recreation Commission for eview and comment.
Very truly yours,
A"'&
lice M. Rei e
City Clerk
AMR/imp
cc: Mr. Robert Peters
Mr. Ron Williamson, Parks and Recreation Director