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Environmental Action Alert: Commercial shellfishing at Drakes Estero [Updated: 5/30/2007]

Save Point Reyes National Seashore's Drakes Estero

Drakes Estero, in Point Reyes National Seashore, is the only estuary in California designated to become a wilderness area - when the oyster farm that now uses it moves. When the National Park Service purchased the Estero and its watershed in 1972, the Johnson Oyster Company retained 40 years of continued commercial use. But in 2005 the Drake's Bay Oyster Company bought the remaining seven years of commercial rights, and now wants to continue to profit indefinitely from the over-1000-acre commercial oyster operation.

The 1972 wilderness designation of Drakes Estero was supported by numerous agencies and groups and by thousands of individuals. The Seashore's Final Environmental Impact Report notes, "In terms of preserving and protecting marine life systems, Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero could well be considered the most significant ecological units within the National Seashore." Drakes Estero Wilderness has been waiting 40 years for the oyster operation to move out. Forty years is enough!

Write Your Letter Today! Each letter represents the concerns of hundreds of voters. Send your letter today! Please follow these guidelines: Hand written letters are best. State clearly what action you want. Share a personal reason or experience. Include your address on the letter and envelope Write directly to: Senators Boxer and Feinstein c/o Sierra Club San Francisco Bay Chapter 2530 San Pablo Ave., Suite 1 Berkeley, CA. 94702

Dear Senators Boxer and Feinstein, Drakes Esero is the only marine wilderness south of Alaska. The commercial shellfish company there must operate legally and without harming seals, eelgrass or native species. It should move out at the end of its lease in 2012, so the estero can become wilderness as Congress intended. Thank You, [Sign with your Name and Return Address]