1 year ago
14
ALPINE, Calif. -- East County residents are still searching for answers after the Loveland Reservoir was drained and then closed to public access. They haven’t been told when or if they’ll be able to use the area for recreation again.
“Their contract was to provide public access again. It’s right in their mission statement, public participation, and they are not adhering to their part of the bargain,” Elisa Peskin said.
People living in the Alpine area continue to be concerned about the ongoing closure of the reservoir.
“This is the only opportunity to do hiking. I know that we can’t fish because the fish all died when the lake was drained, but at least we could take advantage of the other opportunities here,” said Karen Wood, who also pointed out it’s the only parking lot available along Japatul Road.
While recreation cut off since early this year, the dismay for residents really hit in November 2022 when the reservoir was drained to dead pool level, killing off the fish.
The Sweetwater Authority agreed to attend an Alpine planning meeting back in March and said the drastic action was taken during drought conditions to provide drinking water and other water needs to South Bay communities.