READER’S EDITORIAL: PUBLIC CRIES FOUL OVER DENIAL OF RIGHTS TO ENJOY NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE FACILITY

By Carolyn McGavock

April 11, 2023 (Alpine) -- The closure of the Loveland Fishing Access in Alpine has the public at odds with the Sweetwater Authority. Recently, SWA drained Loveland Reservoir to deadpool, killing the fish population and the fishing program which was established jointly with the national forest service. Hiking and bird watching along the shoreline are also enjoyed there. When the reservoir was empty, Sweetwater claimed the resulting erosion had created a hazard. Since then, rain has refilled the reservoir and covered the erosion leaving the public area as safe for hiking and bird watching as it had been during the 25-year history of the recreational program. However, SWA’s public relations officer, Gwyneth Shoecraft, recently reported, “At this point we do not know the timeframe for restoring access.”

Some advocates suspect that the lake is closed to hide the fact that the fish population was killed and the publicly purchased fishing pier is in pieces. Advocates fear that SWA plans to exclude them permanently and are appealing to public officials in the forest service for representation.

In addition to violating the agreement for the fishing program, should SWA be permitted to obstruct hiking and bird watching?  To share your opinion, please contact:

Descanso District Ranger Robert Heiar robert.heiar@usda.gov

Forest Supervisor Scott Tangenberg scott.tangenberg@usda.gov

Congressman Darrell Issa https://issa.house.gov/contact

Side note:

Poor management practices resulted in the destruction of this pier (photo, right), which was paid for with a federal grant. It once gave easier access to young children and older visitors. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/loveland-reservoir-trail, 2017

Photo, right:  dead fish at lake bottom when drained to deadpool in November 2022.

The opinions in this reader’s editorial reflect the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine.  To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.