Save the Moke....
OK,... I'm gonna play Devils Advocate here and give everyone a chance to sell the proposal/request.
Read the info provided on the linked website and found:
EBMUD "....in process of tapping into water from the American River that would provide up to 180,000 acre feet of water in 3 out of 10 years."
1. That agreement is probably old news to anyone in this area but highlights the point that if EBMUD doesn't build a higher/replacement dam on the Moke, they might just increase their demand for water from the American River. EBMUD already has water diversion/transfer capability out of Lake Natoma.
2. Replacement of an existing dam with a higher dam increases storage capacity/availability of water for EBMUD without eliminating river miles required of an entirely new dam in a new area.
3. Not sure that the economic value lost from kayakers and fisherman specific to the described area (above Pardee) Reservoir is in excess of the benefit received by expanding capacity of the existing reservoir.... (Seems like there're a bunch of alternatives, nearby )
4. The Moke already has more dams on it than the Bear and Pardee (....including a number of smaller, power generation dams owned by PG&E). What are we saving, only to jeopardizing another body of water
I'm not overly happy with the prospect of more or higher dams. However, statewide demand for more water requires us to consider each and every proposal objectively and recognize where it's going to be necessary. Let's face it, if the function(s) of an existing dam can be expanded or are not easily replaceable, there doesn't appear to be much reason (other than emotion) to oppose it.
Sooo,.... There're many pro's/cons unlisted here. Let's take the opportunity to discuss "save the Moke" (maybe at the expense of the American River) or not.
"America is a country which produces citizens who will cross the ocean to fight for democracy but won't cross the street to vote."
Author unknown
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