There are only a few days left for comment. Chatsworth Reservoir is special to SWHS members since it not only serves as a teaching tool for our members to study and view local wildlife, but it's also the only wilderness left in the western San Fernando Valley, and an important wildlife corridor. Apparently, if the Department of Recreation and Parks gains this land, the plan is to open it up with significant modifications that would compromise its role as a true wilderness area and wildlife refuge. Previously, they intended to turn it into a golf course!

The current plan is better than that, but it would still be too manicured to support the existing species diversity and abundance. We prefer a plan that limits public access to the level of traffic that would maintain the value it has in its current state. It would then require minimal care, and remain useful as a wildlife viewing area indefinitely.

Please ask everyone to send letters on Chatsworth Reservoir to the following
people:

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
200 North Spring Street, Room 303
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Councilman Greig Smith
200 North Spring Street, Room 405
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(or to his Valley office
10044 Old Depot Road
Chatsworth, CA 91311)

David Attaway
Environmental Supervisor
City of Los Angeles,
Department of Recreation and Parks
221 N. Figueroa Street, Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90012

An example letter:

Dear Mr. Attaway:

We support the restoration of the wetlands at Chatsworth Reservoir Nature Preserve, however, we are very concerned about the impact of the sale of the restoration area to the Department of Recreation and Parks.

This area provides a perfect natural habitat for migrating birds along the Pacific Flyaway. It is one of the largest open natural areas in the Greater Los Angeles Area. The delicate balance of the ecological system will be greatly compromised by opening this area to the general public as a park. It would impede the migration of animals to the western corridor of the Santa Susana Mountains.

Our concerns also include the endangered plants and animals that are found on these grounds will no longer be in a protected area. How is the Department of Recreation and Parks going to financially support the environmental changes to ensure future generations have the opportunity of seeing these endangered plants and animals?

We are also concerned about the limited access for increased traffic through two residential neighborhoods. Another negative factor in selling this land is that this area is in a high-risk fire region. Inevitably, the increased traffic will create a hazard for both residents and visitors.

We request your support in blocking the sale of this precious natural
resource to the Department of Recreation and Parks and maintain it as a natural preserve to protect the wonder of its wildlife for our children and our children's children.

Thank you very much.
Sincerely,