Editor:

What is the major attraction of Discovery Bay lifestyle? It is simply living your dream in a unique water-oriented community. Many people only enjoy water-based sports, boating, fishing and hunting on vacations or weekend outings. We do it all year round.

We all share a major aquatic weed problem. These weeds will continue to spread and destroy our lifestyle and property values.

What is this weed? It is Egeria Densa and grows below the water and is very bushy, with bright green leaves. It is not a natural Delta plant. It spreads very easily. During the summer, Water Hyacinth also blooms and drifts into our bays. Both of these weeds form dense mats that obstruct navigation, plug water pumps, hinder recreational activities and disrupt the natural ecosystem of the Delta.

The Department of Boating & Waterways (DBW) has sprayed for this plant since 1987, but only during specific times.

Jeff Conway, Reclamations District 800 (Rec 800) district manager, states that DBW has the requisite permits to begin treating the weed problem, but like state agencies, limited funds. Aquatic weed abatement is not Rec 800’s responsibility. But he has offered manpower and funds to assist in this effort.

Testing would be required to ensure that the right level of chemical is applied. The chemicals have been certified to be completely safe. He was having some success in convincing the previous DBW manager, but she was transferred. Now there is an “interim manager,” Terry – so the persuasion process starts over (telephone 916-263-8138).

Something needs to be done. Until DBW performs its job, we have the following choices:

1. If you want to enjoy the water area around your docks, you will have to pull/rake out the weeds yourself or have a contractor do it for you. Pieces that break off take root and start the whole growth system over again.

2. Homeowners and boaters of our community need to become a “squeaky wheel.” We need to “flood” the DBW with letters, petitions, e-mails and telephone calls requesting that this problem be given a high priority.

I am asking the DB community to write, e-mail or call to:

• Department of Boating Waterways, Public Information Office, 2000 Evergreen St., Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95815.

• E-mail pubinfo@dbw.ca.gov.

• Telephone 888-326-2822.

Please help in this effort to protect our community.

Vince Vargas, Discovery Bay