Sign the petition to keep Lake Hodges open during dam work.

loopless · Joined: 30 Jun 1997 Posts: 423

The powers that be decided that Lake Hodges dam needed some renovation work, and that the lake needed to be lowered. Despite the lowered level being roughly the same or higher than during many years of drought , they have closed the lake to all recreation during this project for all of 2022.

There is a petition to keep the lake open for recreation - windsurfing, wing foiling, kayak,SUP, float fishing, other hand launched craft. We need more signatures.

https://www.change.org/p/keep-lake-hodges-open-to-recreation-during-dam-renovation-project

NOVAAN · Joined: 28 Sep 1994 Posts: 1521

Eva the board lady in lake Isabella went through the same issue up there.
She is incredibly determined to support and grow our sport. She may post if she sees this. This LADY has a wealth of knowledge form A/Z on anything water sports. Getting her input will go a long way to help your cause......

superkraut · Joined: 18 Mar 2001 Posts: 340

thank you, Tony - that's very kind of you!
My expertise (after fighting for access at Lake Isabella during our own massive dam remediation) is in dealing with USACE and Forest Service. I doubt much of that would be helpful at Hodges.
I did, however, share the call for signatures with our Isabella sailors - they of all people will be supportive

loopless · Joined: 30 Jun 1997 Posts: 423

NOVAAN · Joined: 28 Sep 1994 Posts: 1521

We here at Lopez lake have work very hard to to keep all the park staff on our side.
From the people that clean restrooms and pick up trash to the check in folks at the gate. Get there a bit early and clean the launch area. Smile and thank the work
crews that maintain the area. We bring cookies several times a year for all staff including the park ranger and the guys that patrol the lake in a boat. Over the years, several of the guys have saved the life of swimmers and boaters of all kinds. Police your own group and obey any and all restrictions in your sailing area. When we had water and lots of folks windsurfing, we had a end of the year barbecue and invited the park staff. Ass kissing? Maybe. My point is be an asset if you can. Just sayin

loopless · Joined: 30 Jun 1997 Posts: 423

NOVAAN · Joined: 28 Sep 1994 Posts: 1521

Hey Miss Eva,
how is the water holding up at your lake. I have friends heading your way in a few days...Thanks tony

superkraut · Joined: 18 Mar 2001 Posts: 340

superkraut · Joined: 18 Mar 2001 Posts: 340

"Thanks Eva,
Just be glad they at least seem to support recreation on your lake. Down here the lakes people give the impression that wish we would all just go away... "

a while back, I paddled my outrigger canoe past a fat fellow standing in the shallows by his jetski. "You need a motor in that thing!" "no, thank you, I'm just fine" "then you don't belong on this lake!" said he...
Which perfectly sums up our status at Lake Isabella: motors rule, and everybody is passionate about fishing. All else is barely tolerated, by recreationists and authorities alike.
A windsurfer ran over the line of someone trolling through the windsurf venue. Instead of explaining to the angler that he needs to give r-o-w to the sailor, the sailor was reprimanded, and all sailors put on notice that if they got closer than 100 feet to any motorboat, they'd get fined. Um... with me going 25mph, and the motorboat 35 - how will I manage to maintain my distance???
They are looking for excuses to banish us

windward1 · Joined: 18 Jun 2000 Posts: 1384

Wow! Who ever thought it would come to this?!!!