Growing up in Kernville and having unencumbered access to Lake Isabella was not only a wonderful adventure as a young boy and teenager; it was the life’s blood and survivability of my parents’ business, Pala Ranches Motel.

The awareness of environmental issues has significantly elevated since that time and issues such as erosion, pollution and overuse have taken hold; all public use resources need to be evaluated. With this there is no argument. Yet in the case of Isabella Lake, the nature of the lake at its inception-flood control and irrigation, create a unique situation in that the significant fluctuation of the lake level obviates any consideration to apply the broad stroke of environmental concern that would be and should be applied to natural lakes and streams.

The lake level fluctuation in itself is a “show stopper” for restricting lake access to some pre-determined parking locations.  In dry years, the ability to access the lake from a parking area far from the lake would be far too restrictive.  Those years impacted by high rainfall, fixed parking areas would be inaccessible due to high water.  This I have personally witnessed as sites including the old airport were significantly damaged and themselves became a contributor to environmental impacts. Finally, I am a disabled Vietnam Veteran. I have Multiple Sclerosis and having the requirement to transport myself, let alone any gear to enjoy my day at the lake could not happen given the terrain and distance during times when the lake level was low.

This may have been a good idea on paper and fits into generic plans to enhance environmental concerns and resource man agement. Yet to execute such a plan for a man-made body of water is wrong and any plan to provide controlled access must be weighed against the intention of the target. Additionally, given the economic climate of today, such an action would all but destroy the business community that is reliant on the “multiple use” paradigm that Lake Isabella represents.

Ken Sharpe

Los Angeles