HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - November 10, 1992CITY COUNCIL MEETING
November 10, 1992
STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL HOARD
v$0KELMTE RIVER HEARING
CC -184 Mr. Robert J. Johnson, Director, City of Lodi Parks and
Recreation Commission, read the following letter which was
directed to the State Water Resources Control Board
expressing the concerns of the Parks and Recreation
Commission regarding the Mokelumne River.
"The City of Lodi Parks and Recreation Department would
like to take this opportunity to express its concerns
regarding the Mokelumne River.
The City of Lodi has as its northern most boundary, the
Mokelumne River. The River provides multiple beneficial
uses to Lodi residents and to the population of northern
San Joaquin County. In addition to the groundwater
recharge for drinking water and irrigation use, which I I m
sure have been addressed in great length, we feel it is
important to point out the recreational benefits provided
by the River.
Lodi Lake Park is the crown jewel of the City of Lodi Parks
system. The 140 acre facility has been enjoyed by local
residents and visitors frac outlying communities for over
50 years. The Lake is filled and drained annually,
concurrent with the raising and lowering of the River level
as a result of the operation of Woodbridge dam.
Fifty-eight acres of the site is devoted to a nature area
in which visitors can enjoy riparian and wildlife habitat
in a passive environment. The Lake itself provides a major
swim area as well as access for fishing, boating,
waterskiing on both the Lake and River.
It is important to point out that the recreational benefits
of the area are not only to Lodi residents. We estimate
that over 30 percent of the visitors to the Lake on a
summer weekend are from areas other than Lodi. We know for
a fact that people from the Contra Costa, Stanislaus and
Sacramento County areas are frequent users of the
facility. The Park has been designated a Regional Park in
the San Joaquin County Recreation Master Plan.
The parks and Recreation Department is aware of the water
quality and flow problems in the River. During these
recent dry years, we have had to occasionally limit our
recreational activities due to bacterial problems.
We believe that increased flows of colder and better
quality water would alleviate these problems.
As you consider the fate of the Mokelumne River, we urge
you also keep in mind the numerous recreational benefits it
provides to thousands of people.
r CITY COUNCIL MEETING
November 10, 1992
Thank you for your time and consideration of the City of
Lodi Park and Recreation Department needs."
Also addreesfng the City Council regarding the matter was
Stewart C. Adams, Jr., Attorney -at -Law.
Following discussion the City Council tacitly approved the
subject letter which will be presented before the State
water Resources Control Board.
City of Lodi
Department of Parks and Recreation
125 N. -Stockton Street
Lodi, CA. '95240
November 10, 1992
State Water Resources Control Board
Division of Water Rights
Attention: Ifis s 1. Moeller
P.O. Box 2000
S t o , CA. 95812-2000
. 7 T- :T" .
Dear state vv lrer Resources control BWd,
The City of Lodi Parks and Recreation Departmentwould like to take this opportunity to express
its concerns regarding the Mokelutnne River.
The City of Lodi has as its northernmost boundary, the Mokelumne River, The River provides
multiple beneficial uses to Lodi residents and to the pgmlatim of northern San Joaquin County.
In addition tD the groundwater recharge for drinking water and irrigation use, which Pm sure
have been addressed in great length, we feel it is important to point out the m=eatiaelbenefits
provided by the River.
-Lodi Lake Park is ?he crown jewel of the City of Lodi Parks system. The 140 acre facility has
been enjoyed by local residents and visitors frun outlying communities for over 50 years. The
Lake is filled and drained annually, concurrent with the raising and lowering of the River level
as a result of the operation of Woodbridge dam. Fifty eight acres of the site is devoted to a
nature area in which visitors can enjoy riparian and wildlife habitat in a passive environment.
The Lake itself provides a major swim area as well as access for fishing, boating, waterskiing
an bath the Lake and the River.
It is important to point out that the recreational bam is of the area are not only to Lodi
residents. We estimate that over 30 percent of ft V9sitm to the Lake an a summer weekend
are faun areas other than Lodi. We know for a fact that people faun the Contra Costa,
Stanislaus and Sacramento County areas are frequent users of the faa ty, The Park has been
designated a Regional Park in the San Joaquin County lemeatim Master Plan.
The Parks And Recreation Department is aware of the water quality and flow problems in the
River, JYunng these recent dry years, we have had to occasionally limit our necneaticral
activitidue to bacberial problems.
We believe that increased flows of colder and better quality water would alleviate these
problems.
As you consider the fate of the Mokelumne River, we urge you also keep in mind the numerous
recreational benefits it provides tri thousands of people.
Thank you for your time and crosideraticnof flee City of Lodi Park and Recreation Dept. needs.
Very truly yam,
Robert I Johnson
Director
Parks and Recreation Cuds-sim