Conservation Scheme That’s Full of Holes

Re “2 Competing Visions for Open Space,” April 12: The city of Pico Rivera is embarking on a misguided vision for the San Gabriel River. Riparian or streamside habitats in Southern California have been severely altered since the 1850s. Conservative estimates state that roughly 95% of these habitats have been destroyed in the state. Building a golf course, as opposed to restoring natural habitat, would further erode the fragile ecosystems that struggle to hold on to life along the San Gabriel River.

Pico Rivera must see that preserving biodiversity is something that is not restricted to the rain forests and coral reefs of the world, but comes down to protecting what is right in our own backyards.

Jeff Chapman

Los Angeles

In defending a desire to build an 18-hole championship golf course on barren land along the San Gabriel River, Cindy-Lu Gans, director of Pico Rivera’s Department of Parks and Recreation, said: “What a wonderful thing to do, to provide more habitat for a bird close to extinction.” Hmm. I’m sure she was referring to the egret. Although, maybe she was also thinking of us senior golfers? We not only play golf, we vote in large numbers. Suggestion: Make it minus lakes -- a “conservation course.” Egrets will have to find their own water ... just like my ball does on lakeside courses.

Bob Ginn

Arcadia