Agenda - 04-12-2005-10a - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Richard Hamilton Ms. Jean B.. Manuele Mazch 24, 2005 '7 Page 3 In July of 2003, OWASA became awaze that in Apri12003, without notice or inquiry to OWASA, the WRC had complained in writing to the Corps of Engineers that WRC had not "been invited to participate in umber management on the OWASA project," and that it felt that OWASA was not in compliance with the hunting and fishing requirements of the Permit. (No copy of this complaint was sent to OWASA by WRC; instead, OWASA obtained a copy by its own request after receiving the Corps of Engineers' inquiry.) OWASA immediately contacted WRC, and at OWASA's request, a series of meetings began, in which OWASA and WRC representatives (Mr. Wib Owen and Mr.. Harlan Hall for WRC, and Mr. Ed Holland and myself for OWASA) worked diligently to define and agree upon a revised hunting and fishing program for the OWASA property, In particulaz; the proposal would, subject to OWASA Board approval, eliminate the requirement to provide hunting on the Reservoir, and replace it with limited, supervised hunting on the Mitigation Tract, which would be designated a WRC Gameland. The limited hunting schedule proposed was devised taking into consideration the way in which the azea surrounding the Mitigation Tract has developed since 1980. In the intervening twenty-four yeazs, the area has become much less rural, and has developed with a number of'subdivided, inhabited parcels neazby, and in particulaz now surrounds a commercially operated horse stable and farm, whose owners aze greatly concerned about the impact of unrestricted hunting on their property and patrons. While some local residents support hunting, many more have appeazed and objected to unrestricted hunting on the Tract Moreover, the Orange County Commissioners have expressed interest in partnering with OWASA to provide for limited, passive recreational uses such as hiking paths, for County residents, on the Tract. In short, there are many conflicting interests to be considered in this matter, and OWASA has gone about this business as it conducts its other affairs, by seeking and listening to public input, while explaining its public responsibilities, before making a final decision. OWASA has convened and participated in this process in goad faith, and has invited the public and has listened at public meetings in the community and at its Board meetings, as both hunters and concerned neighbors have commented on the proposal devised and thought reasonable by WRC and OWASA staff: OWASA will be advising interested parties that the OWASA Boazd will consider adopting a program to assure compliance with its Permit obligations, while fully abiding by the ]aw and giving due consideration to interested neighbors, at its Apri128, 2005 Board meeting.. In light of these circumstances, OWASA thanks the WRC for its participation and assistance in devising the hunting program proposed and presently under consideration for the Mitigation Tract, and offers its assurance that OWASA is expected to take action at its Apri128, 2005 Boazd meeting to formally acknowledge that its Reservoir and/or its