JACK LONDON'S LAKE & DAM

The Jack London Foundation has joined in the efforts to restore the Lake and Dam a place of tranquility on the Beauty Ranch where Jack, family and friends relaxed. Today many of us hike to this area so that we can also find the peace — but the beauty is missing.

Elisa Stancil of the Valley of The Moon Natural History Association, is spearheading this restoration project. The committee is hard at work planning events to lay the groundwork to make this happen. I have met with Elisa and am encouraged with all of the support she is receiving from other agencies and groups that have interest in being a part of this once in a lifetime project. Plans are being made for three outreach events this year that will serve as an introduction to the project and public events for next year.

If you have an interest and opportunity to get involved— you'll not regret it. I was fortunate to have a personal involvement with the restoration of the Cottage through the publication of the Jack London Ranch Album—with all proceeds going to the restoration fund. It is an awesome experience now to see the project completed and visitor enjoying a walk through Jack's Cottage. You can have the same experience by joining the Jack London Foundation Board of Directors in being a part of this worthwhile project.

If you would like to know more about this project, you can contact Elisa at: estancil@earthlink.net

SAVE LONDON LAKE PROJECT OBJECTIVES:

Restore the lake to a clear, freshwater lake of approximately 4 acres, including the shoreline and the original trail. Dredge the bottom to remove silt, reduce the piled up silt at the rear of the lake. Use the dredged soil to fill in the erosion along Vineyard trail caused by the side spillway. Restore the valve system to allow all water to flow through the channel below the dam rather than along the side, and hopefully prevent most 'overtopping' incidences caused by high water during winter rains. Without repair the dam is in danger of failure, a multi million dollar erosion catastrophe. If repaired and restored, the lake can be enjoyed year-round as a place of respite, the hidden gem at the foot of Sonoma Mountain.