Monday, 10 September 2007 23:31

Administrative Committee Meeting Looks At Proposed Silver Lake Land Swap

This morning’s County Administrative Committee discussed a potential land swap between the El Dorado Irrigation District and the US Forest Service near Silver Lake. The procedure, explained Deputy County Counsel Evelyn Spirou, appears to be a resolution to management issues on the parcels.
According to Spirou, 5 of the 6 parcels in question are located in Amador County and owned by the El Dorado Irrigation District currently. The sixth parcel is in El Dorado County and is owned by the USFS. On the 5 Amador County parcels the campgrounds and recreational facilities are run by the Forest Service with the converse being true on the 6th parcel. The campground is run by the EID although the parcel is owned by the Forest Service. The specific facilities involved are the Silver Campground west, the Old Sno Park, Treasure Island, Silver Shoreline, Silver Campground east and Oyster Creek. Management issues have arisen and the solution being sought  is to align ownership with management of the recreational facilities to prevent jurisdictional issues. Spirou explained that this proposal is in its infancy and is now open for public comment. Supervisor Richard Forster expressed concern that this was another attempt by EID to circumvent Amador County in attempting to alter the recreational conditions at Silver Lake, such as the recent attempt to alter the speed limit and boating accesses to the lake. The matter will head to the full board of Supervisors for review,