Members of the public then approached the Board of Supervisors. Eric Bonsford gave a brief overview of the issue from his perspective. He stated that water sports have coexisted for a long time with fisherman, boaters and nature lovers. All parties interested in the lake have coexisted well for many years he stated and there should be no change in the operation of the lake. John Plasse, whose family was the former owner of a resort at the lake, then approached the board and appealed to the Supervisors sense of what is right and wrong. Most of the lakes in the high Sierra are not open to boats and motorcraft and this allows ample opportunity for those wanting a non motorized experience.

Plasse stated that if EID wanted to make a case for pollution due to 2 stroke motors then perhaps a case could be made for restrictions, however for EID “to try to exact one more taking- and I do view this as an unconstitutional taking, especially if it is supported by the USFS, I have a problem at having rights eroded.” Plasse stated that there are other opportunities for those wanting a non motorized experience. Tom Lay, a self described active user of the lake, stated that he skis, kayaks and fishes on the lake. He drew a line between boat drivers and water skiers and jet skiers and personal water craft users.

According to Amador county records, Lay states, that no boating accident has ever been recorded on the lake. Lay stated that his understanding is that this was brought on by a retired CHP officer who was harassed by personal water craft users. Lay stated that the EID resolution has several errors in it- such as boats on the lake after September and that water skiing boats are noisy. Greg Tutison approached the board defended personal water craft users. He stated that jet skis are now 4 stroke motors and are now quieter than those manufactured many years ago. Although he disagreed with the previous speaker on many issues surrounding jet skis, he did agree with Mr. Lay that the EID resolution is inaccurate and that jet skis are not a detriment to the lake and its visitors.

According to EID any speed limit would be enforced by the Amador County Sheriff’s Department. Capt Glenn Humphries spoke on behalf of the Sheriff’s Dept stating that currently the SO does not police the lake because of personnel constraints. The Sheriff’s Department allocates their equipment and staff based on lake user activities which in turn allocates deputies to Camanche and Pardee- more popular destinations. Capt Humphries stated that the deputies work as partners and two deputies would be required at a cost to the Sheriff’s Department. He states that receiving a grant to help defer the costs of policing the lake may be possible through the California Department of Boating and Waterways. After a lengthy public hearing the Board of Supervisors, explains Supervisor Richard Forster made their decision.