Chatsworth Reservoir Preservation

* Eric Olson lives in Chatsworth yet does not appreciate the natural Chatsworth landscape, the final remnant of which exists at the Chatsworth Reservoir (“Chatsworth Reservoir,” Letters to the Valley Edition, Feb. 7).

Instead of seeing oak trees, unusual rock formations, many native grasses and plants, he sees only a dust bowl. Apparently only artificial “golf course” green suits him. He is also unaware that other animals in addition to coyotes live there, such as bobcats, deer and many small animals, insects and birds. He suggests that thousands of golfers could enjoy a golf course there.

Apparently he has not noticed that the only road in the area is a poorly maintained two-lane country road. The area does not need additional traffic and light pollution.

Perhaps Olson hasn’t heard that Pierce College has decided to build a golf course. This is a much more suitable location, as there appear to be adequate roads and parking, unlike the reservoir area.

Now that the Pierce farmland is being developed, it has become even more important to save the Chatsworth Reservoir property as a nature preserve. The seasonal Canada geese may be driven from Pierce by the presence of, first, construction, then golfers, but they can still have a home in the reservoir. People could also have some access, to hike and picnic.

This is our last chance to save the last closest-to-natural open space in the San Fernando Valley. I urge the City Council to finalize its previous recommendation, as proposed by Councilman Hal Berson, to do the right thing and preserve the reservoir. The acreage may seem like a lot of wasted space to non-nature lovers and greedy developers, but it is tiny when considered in relation to the entire Valley.

Someday our great-grandchildren may want to know what the Valley looked like and what kind of animals lived here before it was developed. Save it for them. I don’t think they’ll miss an additional golf course.

PATTI EVERETT

Chatsworth