ESTABLISH A SILVER LAKE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY NOW

ESTABLISH A SILVER LAKE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY NOW

Started
April 16, 2017
Petition to
Chief Operating Officer, DWP Martin Adams and 8 others
Signatures: 7,216Next Goal: 7,500
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Why this petition matters

Started by Silver Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

We, the undersigned, request the City of Los Angeles and the DWP (Department of Water and Power) to establish a Wildlife Sanctuary within the current boundaries of the Silver Lake Reservoirs.

By preserving the open waters of the Silver Lake Reservoirs and their surrounding acreage as a sanctuary, this will create a protected habitat for migratory birds and urban wildlife, to be enjoyed by all.

CURRENTLY:
The Silver Lake Reservoirs have been permanently taken offline from the City’s drinking water system. Water from the Eastern Sierra snowpack is being used to refill the Reservoirs, and existing ground water from the nearby Pollock Wells will be used to keep them replenished.

BRIEF HISTORY:
Silver Lake is known to naturalists as a "nature hotspot." Over 140 species of birds have been sighted here, along with the raccoons, opossums, skunks, coyotes and bobcats that have long been part of Silver Lake's ecosystem within the Reservoirs' area.

Additionally, Silver Lake has been a vital link in the Pacific Flyway for 100 years, connecting bird habitats from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego in Patagonia. The Reservoirs’ quiet, protected expanse has provided life-sustaining food and rest to thousands upon thousands of migrating birds each year; among them, the Canada Goose, the Bank Swallow—an officially threatened species in California—as well as Buffleheads, Great Blue Herons, American Pelicans, American Wigeons, White-faced Ibis, Northern Pintail, and beloved Mallard Ducks.

Silver Lake has one of the rare bodies of fresh water large enough to host many flocks alighting at once. Everyone who loves experiencing Silver Lake's nature will know that a Sanctuary will preserve the Reservoirs as a protected habitat for urban wildlife and a critical resting place for migratory birds.

THEREFORE:
We request that the City of Los Angeles and DWP immediately support the establishment of a Wildlife Sanctuary within the current boundaries of the Silver Lake Reservoirs, thereby protecting this precious place for the animals who make their homes here, and ensuring this tranquil oasis is preserved for the benefit of the community and the entire city.

Note:
• We are not requesting any city funds for this Wildlife Sanctuary.
• We fully support the amenities that currently exist around the Reservoirs, such as the meadow, the walking paths, the dog park, the recreation center, the tots playground, the basketball courts, and the pocket park on Tesla. (While not an “amenity,” we also support the neighborhood Nursery School there.)

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MORE INFO: Silver Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

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Signatures: 7,216Next Goal: 7,500
Support now
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Decision Makers

  • Martin AdamsChief Operating Officer, DWP
  • Susan RowghaniManaging Water Utility Engineer, DWP
  • Richard HarasickSenior Assistant General Manager - Water System, DWP
  • David RyuCouncilman, 4th District
  • Mitch O'FarrellCouncilman, 13th District