Re "A Mountainous Misstep," editorial, April 5: There is much more to this story on Mammoth Lakes and the possible expansion of its airport operations. Intrawest, the Canadian company behind much of this growth wish, needs more water than the area has, to expand its skiing operation and for the associated housing boom. It is planning on drilling water wells in the forested area between Mammoth and June Lake. This aquifer supplies water for several creeks in the area, notably Big Springs, which is the headwaters for the Owens River. The Owens ultimately flows into Lake Crowley, and several runs of rainbow and German brown trout use the river for their spawning beds. The loss of the river flows would cause the loss of the fishery.
Mammoth Lakes has been in trouble for illegally diverting water from Mammoth Creek that is designated for Hot Creek and, ultimately, Lake Crowley. All this to keep the lawns green and swimming pools filled. Imagine how lovely the area would be with large jets roaring overhead, a huge ski town, dead and dying trees and dry creek beds.
Michael Schweit
Outings Director, Sierra
Pacific Flyfishers, Northridge
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The Times is suggesting that it knows what is better for Mammoth Lakes than the people who live there. This is just symptomatic of the problem we face of urban bureaucrats, activists and media thinking that they are better qualified to manage suburban, rural and wilderness areas.
