Protect the Conejo Creek

The Sammis Co. is proposing a massive housing and commercial project in Camarillo that would envelop Conejo Creek, a prime waterway emptying into Mugu Lagoon.

Our environmental community has deep concerns about further degradation of this unique animal habitat if the project goes forward.

In order to build this project, the creek would have to be channelized into a concrete ditch.

This would increase water velocity with subsequent downstream erosion and silting of an already critical lagoon.

This lagoon is the habitat of a number of federally declared endangered species such as the brown pelican, the black skimmer and the least tern.

These and other species could be severely impacted by the pesticide- and chemical-laden runoff from 250 acres of houses, streets and businesses.

Conejo Creek itself is the breeding ground, hunting ground and habitat of numerous species of birds, including mallards, yellowlegs, green heron, snowy egrets and cormorants, who are attracted to the lush growth and relative safety of this uncrowded place.

They now peacefully coexist with the farming community.

It would be a tragedy to destroy the last remaining creek between the mountains and the sea.

I hope that in the future we can walk the creek and view the wondrous world of nature, rather than view another unnecessary and damaging commercial development.

BILL SUPRI, President, Conejo Valley Audubon Society Inc., Newbury Park