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The Importance Of Twain Harte Lake

A recent article on MyMotherLode.com outlined how the emptying of Twain Harte Lake has impacted the Twain Harte economy. There is also a ripple effect throughout Tuolumne County.

Our entire region is struggling with the impact of the ongoing drought. However, as difficult as coping is, there are numerous examples of the community working together on short term and long range solutions. TUD customers set the bar very high last year when asked to conserve and a cross section of community leaders are volunteering their time serving on the Community Water Council helping TUD management and staff outline long range goals. It’s comforting to see this type of collaboration. We also need to work together to minimize the droughts impact to our local economy, which is still unsteady from the overall economic downturn which was further exacerbated by the devastating Rim Fire and impact of the government shutdown of Yosemite National Park.

In that regard it’s critical that every effort is made to raise Twain Harte Lake to a minimum acceptable level for the upcoming tourist season. Without doing so, the area surrounding the lake will be further impacted, revenues will plummet, substantial jobs lost and businesses possibly idled. We understand that TUD is trying to balance many variables and find equitable solutions but the water could be provided with the caveat that it will still be available for consumptive use when and if needed. Granted the cost will be slightly higher due to increased treatment costs. However, the economic tradeoff is well worth the extra treatment cost. And yes the Pinecrest Lake level will be slightly reduced and that’s certainly not desirable however, doing so will increase the odds of a vibrant tourism season at both locations. The Tuolumne County Business Council strongly recommends this course of action to the TUD board.

Written by Darrell Slocum – Tuolumne County Business Council

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