Dear Editor
Measure "P" is a disaster, of over reaction and over regulation. It started because the Sierra Club Activists read in 1 federal publication that the area streams are impairing the bay; therefore the Napa River and its streams are the cause, without looking at the river for the specific items that are the cause. One of their reasons was the fish decline because of "silt" covering the spawning beds; and from there, it blossomed into everything, all of which are based on, opinions or on what someone else has done, with no scientific facts, objective evidence, or long term observations. I have heard that the Corp. of Engineers feel the Napa River system should be used as a model for other rivers to follow. Then why do we need change?
Napa Co. Supervisors established a Napa River Watershed Task Force Oversight committee (WTFO). From this point on things became Political and/or Politically correct with Exemptions, Permits and Fee's (of unspecified amounts) and the Director of the Ordinance (Measure P) has full control of the exemptions and his/her final determinations are Final, which appears to be a dictatorship.
In my case with 52 Ac on Dry Creek, with the Class I, II and III stream proposed setbacks by the Measure P, I will lose use of about 16 Ac or 32% of my property that will be under Napa County Control, when it is not based on any thing Scientific, or with any restitution.
I have a fire trail that was installed in 1963 and with no vegetation, in Dec. 2002 we had 15.5 inches of rain in 4 days. That, plus 40 years the earthy matter (silt) had only moved 25 ft., 19ft, and 12ft down a 65% slope and 90ft. and 39 ft down a 78% slope. I think the 20 foot setback required for logging has been conceived by "Common Sense Which Is Not So Common". I have watched our streams since 1958 and Mother Nature has done more silting and damage to it than man. I think the real fish problem is lack of water, fish do need water. I also know Measure P is not going to solve problems, only install more government control and bureaucracy, with permits and fees. We Do Not Need Measure "P".
George Henke
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