GARZAS CREEK REDUCTION IN FLOW

October 1, 2003

Chair, Monterey Peninsula Water Management District
5 Harris Court, Building G
Monterey, CA 93940

Dear Chair and Members of the Board:

The League of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula is deeply concerned about the reduction in flow in Garzas Creek as revealed by the Sierra Club and the Steelhead Association. A basic condition for approval of the Rancho San Carlos project was water sufficiency. It was understood that Garzas Creek, a major tributary of the Carmel River, was not to be tapped under any circumstances and downstream resources were not to be impacted in this serious manner. The levels have apparently been declining on a recurrent basis, and so far no satisfactory answer has been forthcoming.

The District's enabling legislation mandates the protection of the Carmel River as one of its primary responsibilities. This is central to the League's Water position, as well. We urge the District to impose an immediate moratorium on any further development at Rancho San Carlos until this issue is resolved to the satisfaction of all agencies involved.

Sincerely,

Beverly G. Bean, VMD
President, League of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula