Sierra Club
Redwood Chapter Newsletter
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Napa Group Report Elisabeth Frater,Napa Group | |
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American Canyon Community Event In early May the Napa Group participated in a well-attended event at the American Canyon Community Center, presenting displays of our outings program plus information on the campaigns on Lake Berryessa recreation and the county transportation plan. This was an opportunity to discuss our program with residents, as well as to enjoy a large and lively gathering focused officially on health topics while also providing an audience for local schools of dance and martial arts. Lake Berryessa Update The comment period on redeveloping the federal Lake Berryessa Recreation Area has ended. It is estimated that more than 2000 comments have been filed. A decision on the redevelopment plan is expected at the end of this year or the beginning of next. Napa Sierra Club submitted comments supporting a more nature-based recreation area (quiet 5 mph areas and trails) for hiking, biking, paddling, swimming and nature study and public management of all campgrounds and day use areas. Ralph Ingols Tribute Ralph Ingols, a 92-year-old naturalist and environmentalist, was honored on April 18 with the Earl Thollander Environmental Award at our annual dinner and fundraiser. The event included participation by civic leaders including Supervisor Brad Wagenknecht, Council member Harry Martin, and Santa Rosa City Council member, and candidate for the Assembly, Noreen Evans. |
Bicycle Lane Campaign in Napa The Napa Bicycle Coalition, in which the Napa Group participates, has been working towards the implementation of a provision within the City of Napa general plan for bike lanes on the major east-west streets in the city. For most of this year the struggle for marked lanes and better safety conditions has focused on Lincoln Avenue. In the face of opposition to the removal of a portion of parking along the avenue to provide bike lanes, the cyclists proposed an innovative low-cost redesign based on successful traffic calming measures used elsewhere. This proposal wasn't successful and the question of Lincoln Avenue has been deferred while a set of low traffic streets are being considered for an east-west route. The proposed substitute streets run from Soscol Avenue at the new River Terrace Inn, along Vallejo, Hayes and E Streets to California Blvd. With the improvement of a nearby passage below the SR 29 freeway next to Napa Creek, a bike and walking path could extend further to the western side of the city. An upside is that this passage, which is currently unpaved, borders the finest stretch of Napa Creek in the city. A river otter was observed there in March this year. Despite its high quality habitat and evident wildlife, the Creek here is neglected by the neighborhood and ignored by the city. Non-motorized access would increase awareness of its natural value without serious disturbance. |