We may get Prospect Island back!

[JerryInLodi]

Here's a story Dan Bacher of the Fish Sniffer e-mailed me.

Wolk Bill Will Provide Fishing Access, Habitat Restoration On North Delta
By Dan Bacher, Fish Sniffer, 4/2/2008.
Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) has introduced legislation to create a “Delta Ecological Restoration and Recreation Area” that would allow increased angling, hunting and other recreational access, something sorely needed in a state where public access to our natural resources is rapidly dwindling.

The full story can be read at:
http://www.calsport.org/index.htm

It would seem that if the bill passed, it should take place quickly since the bill does include the funds to do the work.

[Darian]

This bill is a work in progress. After reading it, I've come to the conclusion that there's not enough info in it, yet, to draw any conclusions. For example, all or part of the funding for the activity would come from the sale of something called "mitigation credits to compensate for the loss...." what mitigation credits are haven't been defined in the bill, yet.

The bill anticipates that after property is acquired by Parks & Rec., it is to be transfered to another another public agency, within 10 years from date of acquisition, who will hold the property for the intended purpose; unless the holding agency chooses not to accept it. In the event that there is no acceptance, Parks & Rec. is authorized to sell the property. :? :?

The language throughout the bill does not provide a clear mandate for agencies involved with one exception. That exception is that Parks & Rec., must transfer all property acquired to another agency. That requirement ties into the discussion in the prior paragraph. In the event that Parks & Rec., cannot find an public agency to transfer the property to, it must sell as it is not authorized to hold said property beyond the 10 year period described in the bill. :? :? Too many other potential provisions of the bill haven't been placed into content yet. As in everything, "the devil is in the details."

This one bears some watching to make sure it will, ultimately, be in the Delta and fishes best interest. :nod: :nod: