The DWR shows its ineptitude and lack of knowledge about how to manage the Delta. Although at community meetings about the False River Dam, Bradford Island representatives repeatedly raised the issue that the ONLY way to/from Bradford is via the ferry on False River, DWR rep repeated, “Not to worry.”
“Due to the drastically increased flows in False river, the ferry was slammed into a tule berm and grounded twice Tuesday. It had to be pulled out by one of Dutra’s tugs,” says Karen Cunningham, Bradford Island rancher. “Ferry captain made the decision this morning not to run the ferry due to dangerous current, leaving people stranded on island, or trying to get there.”
According to the Central Valley Business Times, Captain Al Perez says he was forced to stay on Bradford Island until a tugboat rescued him. “I can’t get my boat to do what it needs to do,” he says.
This is not a small problem. It could impact the safety of about 50 residents and a cattle ranch on Bradford Island.
Was this the plan? Didn’t the DWR know the river flows would increase drastically during construction? Was there no plan put in place such as having Vessel Assist or other boats support the ferry going to/from during high flow timeframes?
Remember the 2-Gates project? Remember boaters being told, “not to worry,” when raising concerns about the flows through the narrow 150 foot opening (in the 800 foot wide Old River) when the gates were opened? Officials said it would be no problem.
This just shows how little the state officials planning these projects know about the Delta.
It raises HUGE concerns about how they will manage if the 30 mile tunnel project gets approved. They have no understanding of the Delta flows and no concern about Delta citizens and boats.
Save the California Delta Alliance (STCDA) 
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