Observations:

Yesterday was Earth Day, and as such it was an opportunity for the general public to access Sycamore Island Ranch. Nope - not for fishing, picnicing or anything like that. The River Tree Volunteers held a work day at Sycamore Island, in the effort of clean-up, as directed by the Parkway, and welcomed volunteers. The gate was unlocked and the workers stayed at it all day. Three large trash bins, the size of small railroad cars had been delivered earlier in the week. Some of the items accomplished were:

1. Many of the large metal crusher bowls were moved into a pile near the old shop for disposal or removal from the property at a future date. It was said that the Parkway fears that people might utilize them for campfires, so are removing them from the property.

2. The old abandoned cabin toward the west end of the property was demolised and removed. Not a board or nail remains.

3. The front part of the bait shop was demolished and removed in preparation for the demolition crew which is coming to demolish and remove the bait shop, the small first bait shop, and the old Goodall Trucking Office. Apparently asbestos has been discovered in the small old bait shop and the Trucking Office.

4. Many of the plants near or around the bait shop were dug up and removed, some repotted for relocation.

I'm sure plenty of other general clean-up, trash removal and possibly other demolition of fences, gates, etc. took place.

I heard that the River Tree volunteers are hoping to gain approval for access when enjoying canoe trips on the San Joaquin, although at this point, they can still not utilize Sycamore Island to either put in or take out their canoes from the river.

It's been said that the Bait Shop and other building aforementioned will be nothing but a memory by May 14, 2006.

One interested party mentioned that he had heard that Surveillence Cameras are due to be installed, as unauthorized visitors have been known to be on the property. No date of installation has been made known to the author.

Further items of interest, it has been observed by other parties that the river has broken through to the Third Pond, thus allowing legal access to that pond by those traversing via the river. I repeat, though, that it is illegal to place foot on dry land. I am also unaware of whether the river will continue to flow into the Third Pond once Friant cuts the waterflow.

Finally, it has been said that the Parkway has suggested opening the property in some way or form in late May or June, although we do not know of any details, what type of opening or for what purpose. With the removal of previous structures and erosion of the roads, one can be assured that it will be a far cry from resembling anything that historically had been enjoyed.

That's all the report I have for now.