Clay Romero

Perhaps the most important issue of our time is to Save Lake Pillsbury and the Potter Valley Project.  The decommissioning (destroying) of Scott Dam, and the Potter Valley Project would be an ecological disaster. Keeping this valuable resource safe is vital to our economy, the environment, fire safety, and water stability. Our agricultural neighbors are counting on us to make the right choice.  

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Some claim that the dams are the cause of the lower salmon and trout populations.  This is not true.  The primary cause of the decrease of salmon and trout spawning is from the infestation of the Pike Minnow that eat the young hatchlings.  There is also some concern about the runoff from illegal cannabis grows that were employing toxic chemicals, such as rodenticide.  These chemicals can find their way into the Eel River, with effects as yet to be determined.

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The Tule Elk also need Lake Pillsbury for the proper environment in which to live.  There was a time when the Tule Elk was an endangered species, but are doing well because of Lake Pillsbury’s existence.

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Lake Pillsbury is vital source of water for fighting fires. It is further required for tourism, recreation, and important to the tax base of Mendocino County.  It provides us with a year around source of water for agriculture and residential uses.  Estimates show that about 600,000 people would be affected down stream with the loss of Lake Pillsbury.  The lack of water diverted into the Russian River would also adversely effect any of the wells that are used to grow grapes in Mendocino, Lake and Sonoma counties.

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​Clay values the Potter Valley Project, and will defend it for the benefit of future generations.