Various options for changing recreational uses and facilities at Lake Cachuma over the next 25 years, possibly including kayaking, canoeing or even limited swimming, are contained in a draft Resource Management Plan now undergoing public scrutiny.

Compiled by the federal Bureau of Reclamation, which owns the lake and Bradbury Dam, the 218-page document has been more than six years in the making.

Numerous details still remain to be ironed out in coming months, including which of three identified alternatives — or combination thereof — will be recommended by the agency’s staff, said Bob Epperson, resource manager for the Bureau of Reclamation.

“At this point, we’re collecting comments from anybody and everybody as to what they think about the different alternatives, or even elements within each alternative,” he explained. “The ultimate decision would be made by (the regional director of) reclamation, taking into account all of the comments we receive,” and after going through “several layers of management” at the agency.

“I’m expecting that would be finished sometime this coming spring, or during the first half of 2009,” Epperson predicted.

About 60 to 70 people attended an Aug. 26 public meeting in Solvang on the draft document and its environmental impact statement, he said.

Comments made there ranged from allowing UCSB’s rowing team to continue using part of the lake for training to designating a permanent area where local groups can fly radio-controlled model aircraft.

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Representatives of some water districts for which Cachuma is a key source are urging that body contact with the lake, through such activities as swimming or water skiing, continue to be prohibited.

“They wanted to make sure we were not making decisions about recreation that would supersede the need for protecting water quality,” Epperson said.

Finding the best ways to meet both those needs is the goal of the so-called Cachuma Lake Recreation Area Resource Management Plan (RMP). It is the first comprehensive planning document for that 9,250-acre recreation area — which includes the lake, dam and surrounding lands — since Bradbury Dam was completed and the reservoir first filled in the 1950s.

The plan envisions a wide range of possible uses over the next 25 years, but won’t mandate any changes not supported by public demand or available funding, Epperson said.

Most of the existing recreational facilities are located within 375 acres that encompass Lake Cachuma County Park, on the south shore. The park offers camping, yurts, a nature center, store, RV sites, boat launch and marina, boat rentals, snack bar and swimming pool.

Lake swimming, water skiing and other forms of body contact with the water are prohibited anywhere on the lake now, because it serves as a water source for several communities on the South Coast and in the Santa Ynez Valley.

“The primary emphasis of the RMP is to protect water quality, water supply and natural resources, while enhancing recreational uses in the plan area,” notes the document’s executive summary. “The recreational uses must be compatible with the primary obligation to operate the reservoir for storage and delivery of high-quality water.”

Nonetheless, the option of creating a “swim beach” somewhere on the lake — as well as opening it up for kayaking and canoeing — is included in Alternative 3, which envisions expanded recreation opportunities.

A less-intense Alternative 2 would allow kayaking and canoeing, but continue to prohibit swimming.

The draft plan can be viewed online at www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_projdetails.cfm?Project_ID=283.

Written comments on any portion of the document are being accepted through Sept. 22. They should be sent to Jack Collins, resource specialist, Bureau of Reclamation, 1243 “N” St., Fresno 93721. They can also be sent to him by e-mail at jcollins@mp.usbr.gov.

Water skiing and use of jet skis or other “personal watercraft” would remain off-limits under all the alternatives being considered.

“What we’ve found with most of the public (commenters) is that they would love to have jet skis, love to have swimming, love to have more body contact with the water in any number of ways,” Epperson said. “At the same time, they’re also aware that this is a primary source of drinking water” for numerous agencies and that water quality needs to be protected.

Though it will probably be spring before decisions are made on which approach is best, “I would say at this point everyone seems to be focusing on the mid-ground — Alternative 2 or some variation thereof,” which wouldn’t allow swimming in the lake, he added. “I think body contact (as an option) is going to fall by the wayside.”

Alternative 1 would be “status quo,” maintaining current activities without allowing new uses. It would include upgrading or improving some existing facilities, however, if funding allows.

County Supervisor Brooks Firestone, whose 3rd District includes the lake and county park, said he thinks most people want to keep the allowed uses at Cachuma about the same as now.

“Basically, (the plan) keeps things pretty much way they are,” he said. “That seems to be the majority community sentiment.”

Public access to the lake’s pristine north shore, now prohibited, would be opened up on a limited basis for hiking, horseback riding, biking and perhaps picnicking or rustic camping under both alternatives 2 and 3.

Major changes are also envisioned under those alternatives for the Live Oak area adjacent to the eastern tip of the lake, including setting up permanent campsites and RV spaces there. Those improvements would only be made, though, if the county found enough funding to pay for them.

A “water park” facility, with a water slide and other amenities, within the county park is also envisioned in both those alternatives.

One change anticipated under any of the scenarios is reconfiguring the park entrance road and kiosk so that waiting vehicles don’t back up onto Highway 154 on holidays, when park use peaks. The plan also recommends improving camping facilities and “the operation and overall appearance of the park to increase visitor satisfaction.”

Chuck Schultz can be reached at 925-2691, Ext. 2241, or cschultz@santamariatimes.com.

September 8, 2008