Published: April 14, 2008
Threats to the Recreational Use of Folsom Lake!
By Diann H. Rogers, Government Affairs Manager
This Wednesday evening, April 16th, from 7pm to 9pm there will be a public meeting at the Lakeview Elementary School, 3371 Brittany Way, El Dorado Hills, 95762 - to hear public comment on the general plan to manage the use of Folsom Lake. We urge you to attend this meeting.
The Government Affairs Committee for the Folsom Chamber of Commerce would like to let you know about the contents of the General Plan under consideration for the management of Folsom Lake Recreation Area (FLRA). Our chamber and other chambers, city and county officials, community leaders, and, those who use and enjoy Folsom Lake have some very strong concerns about the California Parks Departments plans to significantly reduce the usage of the lake.
The proposal fails to provide for growth in our region, and much of the original plan (1979) was actually never implemented. The 1979 is a well thought out and thorough response to the needs of the community -- 70% of those who use the lake come from our region. In 2002, the Department of Parks and Recreation adopted a State Parks System Plan dedicated: "to providing adequate access to parks to meet the needs of the state's growing population", and pledges to "strengthen its traditional bond with governmental partners, cooperating associations, and foundations, user groups, and environmental organizations." You, our elected representatives and we are part of the aforementioned coalition. It is important that those interested in the continued recreational use of Folsom Lake are aware of the problems with this plan.
Some specifics concerns:
Current Capacity & Issues of Concern
The majority of recreational facilities planned in 1979 have not been built and as a result, there is a severe shortage of facilities and visitor capacity.
There is a five to nine year waiting list for boats slips.
During peak season, the largest recreational facilities at Folsom Lake; Granite Bay, Beals Point and Browns Ravine, reach capacity at midday on the weekends.
Inadequate parking facilities create traffic backs-ups along entrance roads, major access routes & local streets.
There are only 176 family campsites at Folsom Lake. During the peak season, full capacity is often reached on weekends at all three locations. The average number of campsites at California's fifteen largest reservoirs is 533 at an average of 7.8 locations.
1979 General Plan - what has and has not been done
New parking spaces were to have more than doubled from 3,125 spaces to 6,520 spaces -- only 1,830 spaces have been added.
Campsites (auto, bicycle and boat) were to have more than doubled from 160 to 370 -- only 176 campsites exist.
A new 200-slip marina was to be added at Westshore and 100 additional slips at Brown's Ravine -- there is still only one marina and, only 132 were added.
A hiking/equestrian trail was to be completed around Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma - still no trail.
Other facilities such as picnic areas, docks, equestrian and bicycle staging areas and trail camps, showers, RV stations and boat rentals were also planned-- never completed.
2008 General Plan (State Park's Preferred Alternative-Alt. 2)
Over the next 20 years, State Park's Preferred Alternative provides for less visitor capacity than originally planned in 1979.
Parking spaces may increase by only 700 spaces -- 1,645 spaces less than what was determined as necessary.
Campsites may increase by 50 to100 but the net increase will be 74-124 less than originally planned.
The second 200 slip marina planned for Westshore is eliminated even though the current plan states that it would be more cost effective and provide for low water access.
Slips may increase at Browns Ravine by 260-290 for a total of 945-975 -- equal the total slips for two marinas originally planned. But the 175 dry storage boat spaces at Browns Ravine are eliminated for a net gain of only 85-115 boat slips and/or spaces.
The original boat capacity formula is 1 boat per 16 surface acres. The 2008 Alternative reduces capacity on the middle North & South Forks by 50% and the upper North & South Forks by an average of 80%.
Expanding the 5 mph restriction in that area will eliminate approximately a mile of prime water skiing area between Rattlesnake Bar and Mormon Ravine.
FLRA will be divided into four management zones (Recreation, Conservation, Preservation and Administration) that will dictate management and use. Only 20% of the 8,458 acres of land surrounding the lakes will be designated as Recreation. Conservations zones (74%) will allow only passive recreational activities and, in most cases, trails will be the only improvement.
The "Preferred Alternative" eliminates facilities planned in 1979 at Westshore/Mooney Cove, New York Creek and Observation Point including a marina launch ramp, (2) swim beaches, (2) snack bars, 550 parking spaces, 80 campsites, (3) docks, visitor center, lake view restaurant, viewing deck, (3) restrooms, an excursion ferry and a RV sanitation station. No alternative locations or facilities are planned.
Pedestrian, equestrian and bicycle access from the private property that borders the lake will be prohibited forcing neighboring property owners to drive to the limited and over capacity public access points.
Gas engines, including trolling motors, on Lake Natoma will be eliminated. A planned boat dock and a lakeshore riding/hiking trail will be eliminated at the Folsom Powerhouse.
Fire will be the primary tool to manage vegetation. There appears to be little thought given to the risk to adjacent private property and impacts on the area's air quality.
This Wednesday evening, April 16th, from 7pm to 9pm there will be a public meeting at the Lakeview Elementary School, 3371 Brittany Way, El Dorado Hills, 95762 -- we urge you to attend the meeting if possible. There is a three-page document that further outlines the issues and we would be happy to email it to any one. Please contact me at DiannRogers@FolsomChamber.com for further information or questions.
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