City of San Diego continues to write the book on mismanaging water resources
BY MIKE STEVENS
LAKESIDE – Continued mismanagement of San Diego’s well-known lakes by the City of San Diego has resulted in the loss of yet another world class reservoir leaving even fewer options for anglers and other outdoor recreators.
A statement released by San Vicente Reservoir staffers on Nov.4 read, “Unfortunately, due to the extremely low water levels the San Vicente Marina Store and Boat Rentals will be closing for business on November 9. Sorry for any inconvenience this will bring. Anybody wishing to purchase city permits can do so, using cash only, through the pay stations in the park.”
The angler group Friends of the San Diego Lakes (friendsofthesandiegolakes.com) responded with the following, “OUT OF BUSINESS! This is exactly what we outlined in our letter. Recreation, businesses, fish and wildlife all suffering because of LOW WATER LEVELS. The effects of draining the lakes are far reaching. Draining the lakes is not because of the El Niño or the conditions of the dams. The dams have been bad for decades and we had plenty of water in the lakes. Why can’t water (surplus) management consider recreation and a better plan? So here we are. Millions of dollars spent on raising the dam doubling water capacity, new facilities, marina and big, beautiful launch ramp. San Vicente now on the brink of lowest water levels in years and another closed boat launch ramp. What a waste!”
San V joined El Capitan Reservoir, Lake Sutherland, Lower Otay Reservoir and of course, Lake Hodges as San Diego City Lakes that are world-class fisheries with non-operational launch ramps.