Letter from our readers

To the Editor:

There are many issues in our world and community to be concerned with but there is one issue locally that stands out to me above the rest, and that is the potential loss of the less than 2 percent of the water from the Eel River that is diverted into the Russian River through the Potter Valley Project. I find it inconceivable to destroy this invaluable infrastructure. Yes, the Eel River has seen its share of manmade effects but blaming the Project as the sole culprit is extremely inaccurate. Beginning in the 1800's clear cut logging and overfishing began the destruction of this beautiful and vast water shed. Massive flood events of the 1950's and 1960's left residual impacts. More currently drought, wildfires, the illegal water diversions for Cannabis and the Pike Minnow have added to its current poor state. The Project is a year round water source for both the Eel and Russian River fisheries. It is a resource, not a detriment. In addition, over 600,000 people in Mendocino, Lake, Sonoma, and Marin counties are dependent on the water.

At this time when we are facing the constant threat of wildfires, why would we want to destroy our two sources of water, Lake Pillsbury and Lake Mendocino that we might need for fire suppression? Not even discussing the issues of the other counties, the communities of Lake Pillsbury, Potter Valley, Redwood Valley, Ukiah, Hopland and beyond are all affected whether it be water for drinking, agriculture, fire suppression, recreation or tourism. In the election coming up on June 7 I haven't decided yet who I will be voting for, but this I know, I will not vote for our current congressman in the 2nd district because he is a complete advocate for the destruction of Van Arsdale and Scott dams. I am leaning toward voting for Chris Coulombe because he is being endorsed by the Mendocino County Farm Bureau. Whomever you vote for, please vote for someone who wants to help restore the fish in the Eel River, but also respects the humans of Mendocino County who are greatly dependent upon this water source.