Well, it's been quite some time since I posted to this blog, and have not thus far responded to Channelcat's postings on this account. For those of you just now perusing this site, I suggest that you read all previous posts and responses prior to reading this post. What's gone to the environmentalists via government dollars can never be regained. It's a shame, and Channelcat, You're correct, there's nothing anybody can do and we must step aside.

Meantime, I do feel strongly that the past situation when Sycamore Island was privately owned be clarified so the "waters aren't muddied" by non-factual statements. Regarding the Florida Bass planting into the private ponds, that was not 20 years ago, but 10 to 15 years ago. And it was hundreds of these Florida Bass. The statement was also made that the Florida Bass weren't planted in the river - that is correct, as it is illegal to plant foreign fish into the river. Although, when the flood came and broke the levees, it's pretty safe to assume that some of these Florida Bass were introduced into the river.

The reference of "taking of fish" while under private ownership and management may lead one to believe that there were no control issues in place during this time - in defense of the previous management, each and every person who entered the property was encouraged to catch and release. During the breeding season, a sign was posted in total visibility of every person signing into the property forbidding them to take any female bass in spawn. Further, the management was aggressive in taking photos of fish and giving those photos to the fishermen at no charge, with total encouragement to return the fish to the water and utilize the photo as their trophy. Further still, the management was in contact with a taxidermist who cast lifelike mounts from photos and weight information provided - allowing the mounts to be produced while the actual fish was reintroduced to his/her natural habitat to continue to spawn and grow. A sample of the mount was displayed prominently and management referred any and all fishermen who wished to mount his catch to the taxidermist.

Management spent a minimum of 2 full days a week, every week, cleaning debris from the entire property, inspecting all the area for fallen trees, hazards, trespassers, squatters, etc. The land was kept clean, safe, and pristine as possible for a natural setting.

Consistent monitoring of roadways and recreation areas was in place.

Things have changed under the new regime. The culvert was dug up and replaced with a smaller culvert, creating a deemed hazard for crossing the roadway over the channel, prohibiting any vehicular traffic to the island area. Hence any handicapped persons are confined to only fishing the areas where there is no shade. Further, stopping the flow to the north channel which was once teeming with channel cats, blue gill and young bass.

The new regime has not put any efforts into effect to regulate the taking of fish. Just last week, it was understood from a very reliable source that the new regime had made statement that their actual wish was for the bass to be fully fished out of the ponds - plans were to replant with trout and salmon!!! Again, this is heresay to my ears, as it came second hand, but I must take stock in the statement, as again it came from a reliable source. It is understood, though, that the new regime was advised that there are no trout or salmon in this area as they will not survive in this warm water. Hopefully, they will change their tactics before it's too late!

Yup, Channelcat, you want to lock the gates and throw away the key! Looks as if you may eventually get your wish! The new regime this year eliminated one half day of fishing access and shortened the weekend hours by yet another hour in the early evening. Ahhh, it's just the tip of the iceberg.

River, Take Me Along.....

The following are the lyrics of a Scottish Ballad that I have been enjoying, while thinking of the marvelous memories that have been created in my heart from the times spent at Sycamore Island Ranch in the many years past. The ballad is entitled "River" and recorded by Alex Beaton. You can view his website at: http://www.alexbeaton.com.

I was born in the path of the winter wind,
Raised where the mountains roll.
Their springtime waters came dancing down,
I remember the tales they told.

The whistling ways of my younger days
Too quickly have faded on by.
But all of their memories linger on
Like the light in the fading sky.

River, take me along
In your sunshine, sing me a song.
Ever moving and winding and free,
You rolling old river, you changin' old river,
Let's you and me river, run down to the sea.

Well I've been to the city
And I've been back again,
Been moved by some things that I've learned.
Met a lot of good people
And I call them friends.
Felt the change when the seasons turned

I heard all the songs that the children sing.
I've listen to love's melodies.
I felt my own music within your eyes,
Like the wind in the autumn trees.

River, take me along
In your sunshine, sing me a song.
Ever moving and winding and free,
You rolling old river, you changin old river
Let's you and me river, run down to the sea.

Some day when the flowers are blooming still,
Some day when the grass is still green
My rolling waters will round the bend
And flow into the open sea.

So here's to the rainbow that followed me here.
Here's to the friends that I know,
And here's to the song that's within me now,
I will sing it where e'er I go

River, take me along
In your sunshine, sing me a song.
Ever movin' and winding and free
You rollin' old river, you changin' old river,
Let's you and me river, run down to the sea.

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.

The Barrier Has Been Established. Yes, that's correct, a strong fence, gate, lock and barbed wire has been erected across the only drivable entry to Sycamore Island Fishing Ranch. It's been there for about a week now. I was waiting to post this message until I have the opportunity to take a photo, but felt urgency to post the message now. The photo will be posted in the next few days. There is no access to the riverbottom at Sycamore Island via the Madera entry. The prior owners, Mr. & Mrs. Jim Moen have not been given a key to the gate. Keep in mind, though, that the Parkway established this barrier on what is still property belonging to the Moens; not on the Parkway property. To establish a barrier as such on specifically-owned Parkway property would be a much more extensive and expensive undertaking.

Those that have been past care-takers of the land can no longer access the riverbottom property. NOR can anybody who lives within immediate reach to the barrier allow access to fire, rescue, law enforcement or ambulance through this gate. I'll presume that the Parkway has made arrangements for immediate access for those public servants - at least I would hope so. The residents on the Madera bluff have not been advised of such, though.

Note that there has been no observation of anybody from the Parkway controlling walk-ins or otherwise - be it from the Fresno or Madera side. There's no longer any control in that regard that has been observed - who knows what's going on down there now?

On a brighter side, we know that the north channel is finally running again, as the release of water from Friant Dam is presently at about 10,000 cfs. Maybe a few of the fish have survived the death of the channel from the past months lack of river flow - there were a few areas where water remained standing. Hopefully, any surviving fish will make a hasty retreat to the river before the channel runs dry again when the flow is once again restricted. Note that the Parkway group did invest some of the funds they have at their disposal to install another culvert in hopes of keeping the channel running, but, Alas, it did not work and the channel remained dry until the excessive flow began from the rain and snow run-off just a week ago. As soon as Friant cuts the flow of water again, the channel will once again run dry.

Another curious question that has entered my mind is that the Parkway established their entire plan on a contiguous plan for a complete accessible park from Friant Dam to the 99 bridge. The entire 27 miles. Well, it's not contiguous, as you cannot traverse from Friant clear to 99 via boat or by car, or by bike, or by foot. You'd have to have a mix of all three, (Which is pretty much impossible) as levies between ponds have broken by high waters, and with the Environmentalist's requirements of not putting any material (even if it is riverbottom soil) back into the flowing river waters - which now flow directly into some ponds, things have changed, and there's no going back. Not unless their rules change.

As to the Parkway's efforts to reopen for fishing, or progress for the bait-shop, etc. We've seen nor heard nothing that would indicate that progress is being made. Your guess is as good as mine. If you've heard anything positive or progressive in this issue, please post to this blog and give us who have spent years loving this special property something to hold on to!

--- Still feeling caged from what has been my "back-yard" for almost 20 years..... Yours Truly....

Update of Action by the Conservancy - The following is as written by the San Joaquin River Conservancy. Note Numbers 250.20 and 260.40, Agenda Item, Item F-2. This Memo is dated March 9, 2006, although I have seen it on March 5, 2006.

TO: San Joaquin River Conservancy Governing Board

From: Melinda S. Marks, Executive Officer

Subject: Preliminary Authorizations to Proceed with the Recommendations of the Sycamore Island Fishing Task Force

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended the Board consider the recommendations of the Sycamore Island Fishing Task Force to recommence public fishing and direct staff to return in May with formal requests to authorize necessary funds, authorize agreements, and ensure compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

SUMMARY: Sycamore Island has been a privately owned public fishing area for many years. The site was open for fishing and camping on weekends, February through October each year. The facility has several rather rudimentary boat launches into the ponds and the river. Now that the site is in Conservancy ownership, fishing has not been opened for the season while site management services are secured, improvements necessary to protect the environment and public health and safety are made, and permits, approvals and CEQA compliance are secured. The Conservancy has logged 17 inquiries from citizens about reopening the site , and is working to reduce the trespassing occurring on the site by those who seek to fish while the site is closed.

In order to shape an approach to reopening Sycamore Island for public fishing and to secure stakeholder involvement and advice, the Conservancy created a working group called the Sycamore Island Fishing Task Force. The group met on February 17 and 24, 2006, and by consensus arrived at recommendations for reopening the site.

The group, which included fisherman who favored the area, RiverTree Volunteers and San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust representatives, Dr. Duane Furman from the Conservancy Board, and Conservancy staff, were very motivated to reopen the site for public fishing this season. The committee encourages keeping services and physical improvements for this year at a level directed only at reopening the site with least delay. Some services, such as camping and campfires, are proposed to be discontinued to minimize management problems. Capital improvements and services to fully optimize the use of the site to meet additional Parkway objectives or to be open additional hours are recommended to be implemented in the future after additional planning. The process necessary to adopt rules and regulations to enhance enforcement is proposed to occur concurrently.

Detailed findings of the Task Force regarding recreation services, regulations, site management, capital improvements, coordination with other entities, and environmental compliance are presented in the discussion section.

The consensus of the group is summarized as follows:

1) Create an interim pilot project with the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust to provide services through a no-bid agreement. Services would be provided on a user-fee basis, with the Parkway Trust collecting per car and per boat-trailer fees to cover the costs of waste management, sanitation, site oversight, and visitor information. The Trust would also operate a snack stand with bottled drinking water for sale and receive all proceeds. The Trust would provide insurance coverage for the recreation services, and would have visitors sign use waivers. The remainder of the 2006 fishing season would be used to evaluate viability of a user-fee based operation, service levels, and optimum hours of operation. It appears based on preliminary inquiry that a no-bid agreement for a less-than-two-year period pilot project and a user-fee-based operation are legally allowable; however, this aspect needs further legal review.

2) Install those temporary and permanent capital improvements necessary to protect the property and public health and safety. Install signs, picnic tables, and parking and traffic circulation controls, identify handicap access. Rely on portable toilets provided by the Parkway Trust until permanent vault toilets can be sited and installed. Avoid changes in the short term to boat launches, which would trigger permitting requirements. Use a trailer for snacks and entrance fee collection, stored in the warehouse on-site. Prepare a request for authorization for bond funds to be approved by the Board in May and the Wildlife Conservation Board in August. Initiate a master plan process to identify and implement long-term capital improvements.

3) Keep all short-term activities and improvements within Categorical Exemptions allowed by CEQA, i.e., provide for continuation of existing public fishing uses, with only minor physical improvements which do not increase or change the capacity. Secure a lease from the State Lands Commission as necessary to use the culvert over the north channel and the boat launches.

4) Release a request for proposals to secure the best qualified, most beneficial long term service provider or concessionaire by the beginning of the 2007 fishing season. This process is estimated to take five or more months.

DISCUSSION: The Fishing Task Force consisted of Duane Furman, Conservancy Board; Richard Sloan, RiverTree Volunteers; Dave Koehler, Sharon Weaver and Saundra Plett, San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust; Conservancy staff; and John Anderson and Jim Brunton, members of the public and fishing enthusiasts. Mr. Anderson has retired from, and Mr. Brunton is employed by the County of Fresno Department of Community Health, Environmental Health System. Other participants were unable to attend the scheduled meetings, including Dale Mitchell of the Department of Fish and Game and Jess Cooper and Albert Orozco of the State Department of Parks and Recreation, who previously met with Conservancy staff in the field and provided advice. The Conservancy has also compiled a list of interested parties who will receive this report in the mail prior to the board meeting.

Recreational Opportunities

The Task Force focused on resuming the established fishing activities, eliminating those nonessential activities most likely to create management problems. With that in mind, they recommend:

* Opening the site from dawn to dusk on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, February through October; alternative hours of operation would be dawn to noon or 5:00 pm.

* Discontinue camping and campfires (the committee did not reach a consensus on providing or allowing the use of barbeques or gas stoves).

* Eliminate vehicle access to some of the secondary roads on the site. Create a limited number of controlled parking areas.

* Continue to allow access to most of the several boat launches on the site, but require parking to be in areas away from the boat launches. Charge fees for boat trailers. Encourage canoes, kayaks, and small electric motor boats.

* Take advantage of opportunities to maximize American with Disabilities Act accessible fishing areas and trails.

* Fish populations have been self-sustained. Monitor fish catches and possible negative impacts of the lack of flows in the north channel.

For the long term the site lends itself well to extensive universal access, development of hiking and mountain biking trails, picnic shelters, habitat enhancement and restoration, improved fishery management, fishing events, and possible concessions for additional recreational services.

Rules and Regulations

The Task Force recognized that rules must be well posted and visitors must be well educated and informed. The capability to take formal action to enforce rules will be limited until regulations or local ordinances are adopted. The Task Force recommends:

* Prohibit campfires, and possibly all barbeques and stoves. Although campfires at the site have been a valued tradition, the nearby urban area makes wildfire an unacceptable risk.

* Prohibit camping. Many have long enjoyed camping at the site; however, campers were locked in at night and were not supervised. It would be difficult to continue to provide camping at the site without incurring management and oversight problems.

* Possibly prohibit alcohol. The prohibition of alcohol may be difficult to enforce, however, if it is allowed and later prohibited it will prove even more difficult. The City of Fresno prohibits alcohol in its Parkway facilities, while the counties allow it. Whether or not to allow alcohol should be considered Parkway-wide.

* Pets should be prohibited or allowed only on leash to protect the public, wildlife, and the pets from fishhooks, etc. Owners must cleanup pet wastes.

* Public use boundaries should be posted. Limiting the more distant ponds to walk-in will create a buffer with the neighbor to the west.

* Require signed use waivers and identify "hazard" areas that cannot be used by those under 16 who are unsupervised.

*No weapons or shooting will be allowed.

* Prohibit the off-road use of vehicles, including all terrain vehicles, motorbikes, and mountain bikes.

* Anticipate that the law enforcement response time may be prolonged at this location.

Fishing Program Services

State procedures to allow no-bid agreements for services with non-profit providers and for pilot project need to be thoroughly reviewed. Under the proposed partnership/pilot project with the Parkway Trust they would be required to:

* Collect fees for management services at the level necessary to recover expenses; for the pilot project it is proposed the Parkway Trust would collect $8- $10 per vehicle and $8- $10 per boat trailer (which approximates the Moen's fee levels) and retain all earned funds to pay for Parkway operations at Sycamore Island. The fee revenues might also supplement the public recreation services the Trust provides at Camp Pashayan.

* Sell water, snacks, and bait; prepackaged food and drinks only; no alcohol.

* Secure signed use waivers and commitment to follow rules from visitors; oversee conduct at the site; perform outreach and education; ask visitors who disobey rules to leave the site.

* Provide and maintain portable restrooms.

* Provide and maintain trash collection; pick up litter.

* May use the scale house and warehouse for storage, refrigerators, and an office; pay associated utilities.

* Could provide canoe and kayak rentals if liability insurance allows.

* Provide liability insurance.

* Maintain adequate radio or cell phone capabilities at the site for communications among Parkway Trust employees and management, local enforcement agencies, etc.

* Clear and lock the site each day of operation.

* Canoeing, education, and interpretive programs would be optional.

Capital Improvements

The Task Force focused on those improvements essential to maintaining and managing the existing fishing uses, with more extensive improvements to follow as planning, funds, and permits allow:

* Install signs necessary for the entrance, parking areas, site boundaries, controlling vehicle access, marking trails, marking handicapped access, etc.

* Make no improvements to boat launches, recognizing that future improvements will require plans and permits.

* Install two vault restroom facilities above the 100-year floodplain as soon as they can be authorized and ordered; otherwise rely on portable toilets throughout the site. Use waterless wash stations.

* Install picnic tables.

* Although there is a well on the site, it is not recommended to provide public drinking water due to monitoring and water quality requirements.

Future more extensive improvements such as picnic shelters, paved paths and access ramps, and boat launch stabilization, will require planning, environmental review, and permits.

Coordination with Other entities

The Conservancy's plans to reopen the site need to be coordinated with the County of Madera, including the traffic, planning, and the sheriff's departments, the Department of Fish and Game wardens and ecological managers, State Lands Commission, various state administrators, and others. Bass fishing organizations represent an untapped support group; outreach efforts will include these groups.

Compliance

As discussed previously, CEQA compliance must be accomplished before the Board takes formal action to approve the proposed Parkway Trust agreement or fund minor improvements. It is currently planned to proceed only with those actions exempted by CEQA. It is possible an Initial Study may be required, adding approximately six months to the timeframe for reopening the site. No changes requiring streambed alterations or the discharge of fill to waters of the U.S. are proposed at this time; however, any improvements to the boat launches to stabilize the sites would trigger these requirements. Staff will apply to the State Lands Commission to secure a lease to use the north channel culvert and boat launches within the state sovereign lands.

Workplan

Subject to additional investigation into state contracting requirements, itemized costs, and other details, staff will return to the Board at the May meeting with the following requests:

* Approve a one-year services agreement for the Parkway Trust to provide fishing program services at Sycamore Island as a pilot program, beginning as soon as possible this season, using temporary project signs, portable restrooms, temporary vehicle barriers, etc., until permanent improvements are funded and installed.

* Approve specific minor capital improvements, authorize funding, and request the Wildlife Conservation Board to affirm the funding at their August 2006 meeting.

* Take these actions only if they are found to be categorically exempt from CEQA as minor project serving existing uses with no increase in capacity. Otherwise, postpone action until CEQA reviews are complete

* Authorize staff to proceed to develop a Request for Proposals to secure program services for fishing operations to begin in the 2007 season.

It is anticipated staff will later return with a scope of work for master planning for long term habitat enhancement and public recreation at Sycamore Island.

**END **

Attachment to Memo Follows

Letter from the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust, Inc.

March 2, 2006

Melinda Marks, Executive Officer, San Joaquin River Conservancy, 5469 E. Olive Ave., Fresno, CA 93727

Subject: Sycamore Island Fishing Operations

Dear Melinda:

I'm writing in follow-up to express our interest in providing the support services you've outlined for Sycamore Island Fishing Operations. We are motivated by the opportunity to provide public fishing and wildlife viewing access.

Should the Conservancy Board approve your recommendations, we will welcome the opportunity to craft such a partnership. We see the pilot approach as an execllent way to build upon our experience with operating Camp Pashayan and to develop a useful tool in the overall challenge of operations and maintenance.

Sincerely,

Dave Koehler, Executive Director

This is the end of the advisory on this BLOG. The owner of the blog reserves comments until later date, but welcomes comments from the readership. Please post your opinions. They are imporatant and should be shared and read.

Well, here it is. Traditional opening day for fishing. All is quiet on Sycamore Island this morning. The fishermen are respecting the Parkway's request to sit back and wait. A few forgotten items from the bait shop have been removed. I'm sure the bass are happily feeding in the ponds, fattening up for spawning season this spring. The grass is turning green, as it always does this time of year. A beautiful sight to see from the edge of the bluff, overlooking Sycamore Island. There may be a few ghosts down at the river - maybe ol' Billy Bob (who passed away several years ago) is roaming around, remembering the brisk February mornings around the barrel fire, drinking coffee and spinning yarns with Mr. Moen about the fishermen and great fish tales. Maybe ol' Shotgun (past security guard, who also passed away several years ago) is hovering about recalling all his efforts in collecting discarded aluminum cans during his patrol. Maybe sweet Judy (who hung in as long as she could tending the bait shop until a brain tumor took her from us) is there remembering when she saw the mountain lion pass by the bait shop one early evening. I'm sure that all those who have left us, as well as the fishermen of today are waiting in quiet anticipation of the happy day when all the items are in order for the Grand Re-Opening! I hope all goes smoothly and quickly for the Parkway and its Task Force in their efforts to reopen Sycamore Island. (Photo taken one hot August night from in front of the bait shop, looking northwest)

News Flash! The Bait Keeper from last year just yesterday received a knock at his front door at his home in Fresno. It was a process server! Handed him papers and said, You have just been served. He was handed papers initiated by the Parkway instructing him to remove any belongings from Sycamore Island, never to frequent the land for recreation purposes, and forbidding him to distribute information regarding Sycamore Island! Interestingly enough, all his belongings were removed a week ago! Yours truly assisted in loading up the trucks! He has never been antagonistic, argumentative, rude or threatening with the parkway people. It's amazing that they would go to such lengths! And forbidden to distribute information? What happened to free speech? Stay tuned!

This Blogger applauds the Fresno Bee for printing their article entitled "Favorite fishin' hole off limits to local anglers". Finally, an article that points out the injustice that the outdoorsmen/women are suffering due to the ever-growing acquisitions of the San Joaquin River Parkway. Note of interest on some of the content of this article. Larry Hodge, Fresno Bass Club president was quoted as saying "It's a public waterway, but you can't get to it." Well, you can get to it, but it takes some doing. First, you'll need a canoe or a very sturdy raft. You can gain access to the river just east of the 41 bridge by going down near the mobile home park. There, you can launch your canoe and head downriver to the Sycamore Island. You can also get into the first pond where the flood broke through the levy years ago. You can legally enjoy that first pond provided you do NOT step onto land. You can fish and boat in that pond to your heart's content, although you are still governed by DFG rules. Be sure to carry your fishing license with you. BUT... there is one problem. You really can't leave! No trolling motor will get you back up the river to your vehicle (although, when they increase the flow of the river, then it should be deep enough to allow larger boats through with more powerful motors such as a john-boat with an 8 hp which MIGHT get you back up to the 41 bridge. You'll also find it next to impossible to go downriver to the 99 bridge where you could have somebody pick you up. Hmmm, unless somebody has a better idea, although you CAN legally fish pond number one, you are destined to stay there for life, or at least until the Parkway can share their land with the public.

The Bee printed that Melinda Marks said reopening is among her top priorities. BUT, it prints that the agency must hire someone to manage the property, along with securing the necessary permits, approvals and reviews. The gentleman who managed the property last season was ready, willing and able to take on the project! Matter of fact, Ms. Marks had contacted him a couple of weeks ago, inquiring about a 3 to 5 year contract with him. He was making plans to be ready to go, and excited about the opportunity! Until the luncheon (mentioned in a previous post on this site) where Ms. Marks told him to get his personal items and get off the land! There was no altercation or disagreement that might have caused this. Readers, he had successfully tended the property last fishing season. Keeping the bait shop stocked and tended to, the property clean of debris and litter, assisting any of the property's visitors when they might have had a problem with their vehicles, etc., controlling any altercations or law-breakers and keeping the area safe for all that visited. The Parkway will take bids from potential concessionairres.

Permits, approvals, REVIEWS??? What has the Parkway been doing for the last five years? They've been in negotiation for this property for almost five years. They have known for plenty of time when escrow was closing. They repeatedly indicated to Mr. Moen that they would "Keep it the same." Mr. Moen has repeatedly referred them to people who wish to continue working to keep the operation open. Reviews??? They have done review after review after review, study after study after study of this property. It makes good business sense that if you're acquiring an operation that is successfully doing business, you have all your "ducks in a row" when the acquisition takes place!

You can read the Fresno Bee article at: http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/outdoors/story/11754800p-12476253c.html