Casitas Municipal Water District Board Meeting

Ron C · Post by **Ron C** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 7:20 pm

To dispel any rumors, the Casitas Municipal Water District is having their regularly scheduled monthly Board meeting on Wednesday afternoon. At this meeting there will be discussions regarding the quagga mussel concerns. Several others and I will be attending this meeting to present the Board of Directors with some very specific information about the quagga mussel situation which, to this point, they have not heard. We are very confident that this information will help the Board of Directors better understand the situation and even more confident that they will then be able to make informed decisions regarding Lake Casitas.

What we absolutely do not need is to have an angry mob show up for this Board meeting and make a scene. This would hurt our efforts rather than help them. We are asking anyone attending this meeting to please be respectful and professional.

I will keep you informed as to what transpires.

Thanks.

Ron C

Dave Wilson · Post by **Dave Wilson** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 7:27 pm

Ron,
Thanks for posting this information! See you there.

bass1056 · Post by **bass1056** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 8:11 pm

What says there would be an angry mob? On the contrary, a call for support and combined efforts amongst a large number of fisherman would make an better statement. Is there a chance of a vote to shut the lake down?

Big Ed · Post by **Big Ed** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 8:22 pm

Ron;

Besides the spread of the mussel and bass fishermen taking a preventative course of action what is your main focus and intention of attending the meeting?

I work for a large water district here in the San Gabriel Valley and the board of directors usually pain stakingly hear the comments and arguments from the public with a grain of salt.

Do you have a game plan? I would also agree a show of support by other concerned individuals would fair well on your behalf.

Thanks for supporting our passion so well!

Thanks; Big Ed!

Ron C · Post by **Ron C** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 9:41 pm

Big Ed wrote:Do you have a game plan?

Yes.

smpboy · Post by **smpboy** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 10:42 pm

good they need to know the facts from educated people, dfg, and biologists before the board memebers who dont have a clue about the mussles go making any more rational decisions.

Ron T. · Post by **Ron T.** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 4:36 pm

I agree with Ron C. Stay out away from the meeting guys. Ron , John and Mike will probably only have a limited amount of time to say what needs to be said . If guys are their taking up space and valuable time that will not help any body . I feel the same as alot of you about the possible closer but when a croud of unhappy people get together bad mouthing and unplesant things will usually fallow. That kind of thing will only force the board to close the doors everybody . Mike Gusti is our biggest defence , let him have the time he deserves . Do not be disruptive ! If you must be their keep your mouths shut unless asked upon .

Dave Wilson · Post by **Dave Wilson** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 5:59 pm

I totally agree that an angry mob will do no good! A nice group of people showing up at the meeting may be beneficial. Sailors, party bargers and family boating are all potentially affected as well as Bass addicts. Lots of local businesses have tons to lose, so I'm hoping we'll see an awesome presentation giving plans of stopping this Eurasian mussel before it stops outside boating. Go get 'em DFandG, and TD's.

Bulldawg Dave · Post by **Bulldawg Dave** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 6:22 pm

My friend Ron C is correct. When I lived back in So Cal and we had the issues with The La County Supervisors wanting to close Castaic, They tried to have meetings, but what happened was the " Meetings" turned into a bitch fest.
We bassfishermen can get very testy when it comes to closing the waters. I know you all have great passion about the great fishing waters in So cal, as I did when I was there.
Have a show of support in numbers if you must, but please, please be quiet, stay calm and just let Ron and company present what they have.
Good Luck guys

Dave Wilson · Post by **Dave Wilson** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 7:41 pm

I think we're in good hands guys- let's be respectful and polite and let the T.D.'s and D F G do their thing. Time is very limited. Even I, the talkaholic, will be quiet unless Ranger Rob makes me talk.

oakview · Post by **oakview** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 8:33 pm

Well, I don't really know what the hell is gong on with the lake...

I haven't been really impressed with past ideas...so I'm going to go...I'm not going to speak

...but at least I want the average Joe represented...

If its like anything else they have done(the night tournament brilliant idea, not) I want to make sure I'm there...at worse case hear it with my own ears...

I would reccomend anyone that fishes Casitas to show up and see what happens...I'm not saying have a roit...but a good showing of fisherman can make a difference...

See you there...
D.

scottsweet · Post by **scottsweet** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:03 pm

Guys,

I have to say that Ron, John, Mike and myself have been working very hard over the last few days to deliver a very educational and thorough presentation at tomorrow's meeting. I have personally presented to the Board and understand how they think and have shared this information with Ron, Mike and John.

We have a good strategy and plan to ensure they fully understand the data and what reality is as it relates to the current status of the quagga mussel, how they are transported and proper prevention. We are confident and hopeful we will accomplish our goal.

What is critical is that YOU the angler follow our lead.

All the tournament directors will be briefed at the next Lake Casitas Fishing Advisory Board meeting scheduled for this coming Monday. They will then deliver the message to all of you tournament anglers so you fully understand the threat and prevention. I cannot stress the importance of following their lead and direction. If we do not do our fair share of prevention, we will be the ones who lose. Quite simply, they will close the lakes!

We will be launching a very aggresive marketing/education campaign in the near future of how you can be "Clean and Dry" to minimize the spread of the mussel, protect our lakes and reducing the risk of losing our "priviledge" to fish the local lakes.

Please stay tuned and be responsible.

Thanks in advance!

smpboy · Post by **smpboy** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:38 pm

can they legally shut the lake down doesnt all mwd water have to be navigate able to boaters and open to recreation

CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE 10 WATER

SEC. 4. No individual, partnership, or corporation, claiming or
possessing the frontage or tidal lands of a harbor, bay, inlet,
estuary, or other navigable water in this State, shall be permitted
to exclude the right of way to such water whenever it is required for
any public purpose, nor to destroy or obstruct the free navigation
of such water; and the Legislature shall enact such laws as will give
the most liberal construction to this provision, so that access to
the navigable waters of this State shall be always attainable for the
people thereof.

palmdale-shane · Post by **palmdale-shane** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 5:30 am

I agree with you. We don't need a bunch of Ace Carters showing up.

-Shane

John Barron · Post by **John Barron** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 5:47 am

smpboy:
What trumps Article 4 is a threat to impede or stop the water flow. No different than if a creek or river runs through your property you can not build a dam to impede the flow of water in any way. That's how the board sees the quagga mussel issue. If they can't deliver water as agreed their legal problems are way bigger than navigable waters.

Let me ask you about Article 4 why isn't Mathews open? It's navigable water and a MWD reservoir. There are several resevoirs not open to the public that are navigable and they could add this one to the list if we are not careful. My point being they can shut it down if they decide that this is too much of a threat to disrupt their ability to deliver the water and there are those out there that want it shut down.

Mike Giusti is a highly qualified Boilogist and expert on this subject. I've known Mike for a long time and trust him, please do not do anything to disrupt that presentation.
Thank you
John Barron

DougH · Post by **DougH** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 6:01 am

He is right boys, don't go, and let the small group of educated representatives do this. And if you do go, PLEASE act responsibly!

I work in government and I see Board meetings monthly. Board members need education in order to cast a proper vote. A mob will definately sway them the other way, as we will be the ones who appear to be ignorant.

This is a very real and very dangerous subject that is very complex, and the Board members need to be able to concentrate on what our representatives tell them, and not be distracted by mob like antics. We need to "huddle up" as a team across the board on this one boys, because this threat is one that could very well kill the sport we all live for.

oakview · Post by **oakview** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 6:22 am

I'm still confused on why I shouldn't go, I'm going to watch and learn...get a better understanding of the whole subject at hand...and plus its a public forum...

I hope some of you show up...again not to have a roit...but to get the info first hand...

The meeting starts at 4:30 this afternoon, its the big building on the left past shell gas.

Anyway, see some of you there...
D.

bass1056 · Post by **bass1056** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 7:17 am

Anyone who can go to the meeting should attend! I am not sure why everyone thinks there is going to be an angry mob! Give some credit. We are all behind what you are all trying to do and that is the point of going. Most of us who want to attend are not there to keep our business open or make money on the lake. I am sure TD's are viewed different than the guy who just likes to go up there and fish. The more support we can give and show toward our "chosen" representatives the better.

My dealings with public councils have always included a show of support in mass with limited persons speaking. This works.

scottsweet · Post by **scottsweet** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 7:18 am

It is not a problem for people to participate by showing support. The important issue is that we the fisherman do not act disruptively and give the Board other reasons for saying "close the lake".

If you do show up, terrific. Introduce yourself to those who don't know you, but please, allow Mike, Ron, John and myself present the case quietly and carefully to ensure the best opportunity for us to educate and succeed in our goal. Thanks in advance!

Oldschool · Post by **Oldschool** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 9:24 am

What the members on this site may be trying to convey is; who appointed this particular group to represent all southern california fisherman? Every citizen or property owner living in Ventura county has the right to attend and express their qualified opinions. Self appointed experts or someone who may be a qualified expert on this subject, not withstanding, are being presumtuous that only they can properly express an opinion. This type of condescending selfserving attitude tends to create the very condition you are trying to avoid.
Lake Casitas is a private lake and the county or city of Ventura can close the lake to the public if they feel that is in their best interest.
I agree that the best approach is to be rational and educate those who have the power to decide if the lake should remain open. I had not heard or read of any plans to close lake Casitas as a result of the quagga mussel threat.
Tom

Brian D. · Post by **Brian D.** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 10:01 am

(items 6. and 7.) from the Lake Casitas board on this issue. Dated November 14, 2007. It comes from here :

http://www.casitaswater.org/boardinform ... -07min.pdf

Pretty interesting read.

------------------------------------------------------

6. Staff Presentations
a. Update on the recent meetings and proposed actions regarding the Quagga mussel.
Mr. Wickstrum reported that Quagga mussels had migrated from the Great Lakes to the Lower Colorado region and were starting to move into reservoirs by attaching to boats. There is some Federal and State activity and the States of
Utah and Arizona are becoming concerned. The problem is similar to that of the Zebra mussels. They attach to intake structures restricting inflow and degrading water quality, also releasing phosphorus and impacting algae causing taste and
odor problems. They migrate on boats in the bilges, bait tanks and on the hulls. Casitas has embarked on action to find out more about Quaggas and what agencies are doing in a cooperative effort to eradicate or mitigate the problem.
The SAP group looked at the problem when mussels first entered into the Colorado River. Metropolitan Water District has embarked on a $5 million project to treat water as it enters into their system. One lake in San Diego County has been closed to boating. The Governorâ€™s bill AB1683 gives the Department of Fish & Game authority to close waters that are infected and impound boats that may come out of those waters and transmit to other lakes. The State has set up inspections at agricultural stops to prevent interstate migration. There is no category of funding or resources. Casitas plans to meet with Congressional representatives and Assembly members to encourage funding, resources and
science to prevent the mussels from entering into Lake Casitas and other lakes.
The District is not alone in its concern but there are funding problems statewide and at the federal level. Pedro Nava and Congressman Galleglyâ€™s office are in the education process and want to know what they can do for us. There will be a 3 teleconference on Monday with Michael Jackson and Casitas will also meet with him and William Steel, the Colorado representative, at the ACWA meeting.
Michael Jackson and his biologist apparently hare a complete unawareness of the potential for the mussels getting into our system. Government agencies claim they just became aware of the problem and need to be pressured. Fishing Clubs also need to be involved. There is a need to be proactive to protect
ourselves. It will take some resources but it can be done.
Mr. Wickstrum reported that changes are being made to the existing Ordinance to include the ability for staff and the Board to give direction if there is a potential for any type of contamination. Casitas is the primary water reservoir in Ventura County and of primary importance is the drinking water and
maintenance of its purity. Operations staff need to think about their requirements if mussels do enter the lake. Inspections will be performed at the entrance to Lake Casitas and service will be denied if there is a potential for any type of contamination.
Director Handley said that a draconian option would be to prohibit boats on the lake but that would require prior warning. Since mussels are now in San Diego County boats could possibly be prohibited from more than 100 miles away.
Mr. Wickstrum suggested that there are options for control at the gate entrance. Decontamination units could be funded and Bass Clubs could participate to protect their sport. Also, a central system of CF numbers with bar codes giving information on facilities visited could be developed by state agencies.
Director Hicks observed that it could not be assumed that local boats had not been somewhere else.
Director Kaiser said that an invasive species must be taken seriously and dealt with very quickly, purposefully and diligently. There may be scientific information on how to vaccinate the lake by treating organisms holistically by interfering with reproduction.
Director Word thought that proactive protection should be Districtwide and not the sole responsibility of the Recreation Area.
Director Hicks requested that Ron Merckling contact people in the
Midwest to see how they have treated the mussel problem.

7. Action Items
a. Ordinance revising the Rules and Regulations for the Public Use of Lake Casitas Recreation Area. ADOPTED.
Mr. Sawyer confirmed that Board has broad Ordinance powers and
changes can be adopted by voice vote of the majority of the Board.
4 Mr. Wickstrum informed the Board that he had made changes to
Ordinance No. 06-03 adopted in June 2003. The changes were made to the boating Section 5.2. Mr. Wickstrum read aloud Sections 5.2.2 and 5.2.2.1. A Concessionaire employee had reported that some crayfish from San Diego may be contaminated and he no longer purchased them. Section 5.4 originally
allowed a wide variety of sport fishing bait but would not now allow any bait.
Minor changes recommended were to add the word â€œorâ€

1098NHI · Post by **1098NHI** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 11:12 am

The word is more than out on the meeting. Front page of the Star Free Press. Including what I hope is a typical out of context mention that an angry fisherman could purposely infect the lake with the mussels to insure fishing could continue. Totally ridiculous and disgusting, but sadly there are people who read that and stereotype bass fisherman as capable of such an atrocity.
I think a showing of respectful, concerned anglers and affected businessmen to stand behind a well prepared presentation is the answer. The board must be constantly reminded of the stakeholders involved.
I for one will be willing to regularly man a station to cleanse boats, collect CF#s, whatever it takes to prevent what should be the last resort, lake closure. And I would challenge all you dedicated anglers to commit participation as well, in any way you reasonably can.
I am interested in hearing more qualified opinions on the spread of the mussels through larva found in the feathers of the comorants and others.....
See you at the meeting.

smpboy · Post by **smpboy** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 11:45 am

iam not going to attend i hope that Mike Gusti gets my time i think that if they shut down casitas that other lakes will follow

Darkman · Post by **Darkman** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 12:11 pm

I will trust in Ron and the others to do right by us.

They have been at this much longer than I, They will be there with a cool heads and a Professional manor.

keep us posted

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:53 pm

Wish I could be there but since I am so far south it would not be viable for me to attend.
Ron is my rep. and I trust in him to speak for me as a tournament director.

Bulldawg Dave · Post by **Bulldawg Dave** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 2:35 pm

Good luck guys. I hope you win out. I see things havent changed much since I left. Still left wing politics as usual.

Guys WE are the BEST conservationist of OUR sport, not politicians who know nothing about anything much less sportfishing.

I miss the big fish lakes but do not miss the politics.

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 3:09 pm

As far as who nominated who.... that does not really matter at this point does it?
If so I think you might want the people who are speaking on this. They are not in it just for the tournament fisherman as some may think. They are in it for everyone including the guy who wants to take his child out for a day of fishing on the family boat.
This is just the start and if things get out of control by just 1 person saying some stupid thing the board will stop eveything and close the doors and make there own uneducated decision.
So please whoever is going have some self control and also don't just go to hear yourself speak. There are some pretty educated people on the subject that are going to speak on our behalf let them say the right things and then the board will have a better understanding of things and can make a proper vote.

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 4:00 pm

hippie · Post by **hippie** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 5:14 pm

DAMN IT OLD SCHOOL I LIKE YOUR STYLE. I'm a union electrician and when we or other brothers don't like something we all band together and show up to all board, city, county meetings and stand behind our representives, then if we don't like the outcome. We take out there knees. I believe everyone should show up and support you speakers, and anyone who needs to comment comment thats what freedom is all about.

CN · Post by CN » Wed Jan 09, 2008 6:47 pm

What promted the attention to this lake?

I thought the main threat from this entering California Lake's was from Lake Mead or other Lake's.Since it's farther North than alot of Lake's just kind of wondered why.This sure look's like a delicate matter to me and COULD lead to further restriction's elsewhere if you know what I mean.............

As they say cooler head's will prevail.Beside's most of us would stutter and make no sense anyway.

oakview · Post by **oakview** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 6:51 pm

The meeting went well, no roit and it was only a meeting to get info on the subject....a bunch of local fishermen showed up and I learned a ton...CASITAS DOES NOT HAVE THE MUSSELS...

Everyone that spoke on behalf of the bass fishing community did a great job...

As for the lake closing I don't see it happening in the near future but that's probably what the next meeting will be about...ideas on preventing them getting into the lake....

I was really impressed with With Ron, Mike Giusti and bunch of other locals and old timers...

I'm sure there will be more info on here soon...

THe key thing with Casitas...THe boat must be empty and dry...the livewells and hull...no question...

See you on the water
D.

Dave Wilson · Post by **Dave Wilson** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 7:29 pm

very nicely summarized Oakview! I'll present data at the next meeting about how difficult it would be for a single "infested" boat to establish a functional reproducing population in a lake, and am sending the Director some research about stopping encrustations on intake pipes in infected lakes.(although the San Diego Lakes may send the same.)

DougH · Post by **DougH** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 7:34 pm

good report guys, well done Ron, Mike and crew...

tunaman · Post by **tunaman** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 7:57 pm

Thanks to Ron, Mike, Scott and everyone else who represented the interests of the anglers!

Roger

JohnMarino · Post by **JohnMarino** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 8:01 pm

Glad it went good, dave ! Did you get any video on the headcam for us? lol

Ron C · Post by **Ron C** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 8:53 pm

JohnMarino wrote:Did you get any video on the headcam for us?

Funny you should mention that... There was a guy from Santa Barbara Sportfishing who shot a video of the entire meeting. He said that he will be putting it up on You Tube. I'll let you know when I hear more.

2@low8 · Post by **2@low8** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 8:56 pm

Thanks to all that did attend. According to the attornies I have spoken with it is very good to show support. This not going, is wrong!!! Just be polite. The next meeting will be at a different place and larger. The fellow in charge of PR promised me we will have a better notice next time. We need everyone there. The elections for these positions will be coming up soon. The board will see all these people. I was told by one of the board members he was very happy seeing all these people showing and was there to get as much input as possible. The crowd was polite and there was no angry mob. We need to show a little more support for the non tourney fisherman also. I had a friend that was there video taping and will try to get copies. I am going to work on getting the American Sportfishing ***. involved, spoke with one of them today, we may need to raise money for lawyers. Dave wilson your info will be great help thanks. Thanks again to the speakers.

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