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TIDINGS
NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES

April, 2000
VOLUME V
ISSUE IV

Retaining Wall Project Advances
With funding from Assembly member Audie Bock, Danny Lau of Oakland Public Works is now proceeding with the retaining wall project. A scope of work has been developed, and a contractor will soon be surveying the various types of walls and conducting the geo-technical work (including soil borings). By the end of September, the comprehensive study should be complete, after which recommendations will be developed in conjunction with the City. Limited reconstruction work on those areas identified as most critical now could possibly be done in October before the rains return. Meanwhile, Audie is busy trying to find additional funds for Lake Merritt, perhaps for storm drain filters.

Fishing Update
Six to eight more months (or more): That's what will be required for more meetings and studies before the fishing management plan can be finalized, and work can re-start on the rearing facility. During that time, stocking with steelhead trout, fishing derbies and rod/reel lending remain suspended. It may take longer since there is no budget and not much staff time for the process. Hopefully Oakland can convince other resource managers from nearby jurisdictions with similar facilities (Lake Elizabeth in Fremont; San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge; East Bay Regional Parks and ' . the East Bay Municipal Utility District) to participate and provide perspective.

Meanwhile, the rains have stopped, the waters have cleared, and the fish are biting. Since mid March anglers have been catching steelhead at the inlet on incoming tides (the City cannot ban fishing only the State Fish and Game Commission can do that). One group of three caught 14 over a several day period, most 12-14 inches and larger. The Institute has installed a telescope in our office to monitor fishing ' activity at the inlet. What we need is a fishing pier at this location; one that is part of the wetland that is proposed there. Such a pier would extend from the beach (parallel to the inlet channel) and allow angling without danger to joggers etc.

Fountain Update
It will cost $3,000 to get the bandstand fountain up and running again (a thousand for the motor, another thousand to relocate the control box and the third for labor and parts. The motor for the Glen Echo fountain will also cost about $1,000, and labor / control panel parts will add a second thousand. This comes to a grand total of about $5,000 for both fountains. We have adequate funds for the Glen Echo unit, and both motors have been ordered. A grant proposal has been written for $3,000, which (if successful) will provide the money for the Bandstand fountain. The new motors will be from a more reliable source, and should last much longer. Since the motors take 6 -8 weeks to build, it will be early June before both units are operating. The Embarcadero fountain is working, but may require a booster transformer.

Kelp Found In the Lake
For the first time ever, pieces of floating kelp were found in Lake Merritt. No, it doesn't grow here; conditions are just right, too warm, too shallow etc. But it did drift in from the ocean, where it does grow. This is a nice reminder of our Lake's very real connection to the sea.

Underwater Clean Up
SCUBA and snorkel divers, mark your calendars. On May 13th (or June 3rd if it rains in the week before May 13th) the Institute will sponsor the first ever Underwater Clean-Up of Lake Merritt. Our goal is to find out what is down there, and remove unwanted items. Prizes will be given for the oldest and most unusual objects, as well as for underwater photos. This should be interesting.

Earth Day, 2000
On Saturday, April 22nd Lake Merritt will be one of the sites for the annual Earth Day clean up. Be here by 8:30 (9:00 at the latest) and we will fan out over the shoreline (including the channel) in search of Styrofoam, ciggie butts, and other nasty stuff that doesn't belong here.

THANKS TO JENNIFER STANLEY
Environmental Services staff member Jennifer Stanley is leaving City service, and we will miss her. Jennifer has been a consistent supporter of Lake Merritt, working on oil spill response, funding and other matters. She leaves behind a legacy that will serve the Lake well in years to come.

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