Chatsworth Reservoir

* Re “DWP Must Act on Refuge,” Oct. 10.

The Chatsworth Reservoir area has been an eyesore, wasteland and fire hazard for the past 25 years. It has been fenced and restricted from public use. The Department of Water and Power has charged taxpayers $250,000 a year, or $6 million over these years, for maintenance and upkeep.

The proposed future use as a natural national refuge for birds, plants and wild animals makes no sense whatsoever. It means that this valuable land would not ever become available for public use and that it would remain in its present state of wasted brushland for generations. The senses of our public servants have been blinded by a few environmentalists, bird watchers and wildlife extremists over these years, and still are for that matter. This land should be made available to the public.

It’s about time to realize that the west end of the Valley needs additional recreational facilities. The Chatsworth Reservoir area of 1,300 acres could be developed to be a fantastic park, another jewel similar to the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area. This area could include golf courses, bike trails, jogging paths, tennis courts, soccer fields and ponds. The 1,300 acres provide room for three golf courses that would provide revenue of about $10 million a year to finance upkeep and costs.

Let’s wake up to the fact that the public would be much better served than with the current plans for a refuge.

DONALD H. FEENER

Canoga Park