Special to the Alpine Mountaineer
Without fanfare or comment, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 20 approved the Lake Gregory Regional Park’s sitewide sediment management project and authorized the director of Public Works – Special Districts to advertise the project for competitive bids.
“San Bernardino County Regional Parks is excited about the board of supervisors’ recent approval of the plans and specifications for the Lake Gregory sediment sitewide project,” Beahta Davis, director of San Bernardino County Regional Parks, told the Alpine Mountaineer. “This project is geared toward maintaining and improving the health of Lake Gregory.”
According to sources, developing a sitewide sediment management plan has been in the works for more than two years and reportedly is the first major sediment management plan ever developed for Lake Gregory.
Prepared by JS&TM, Inc., an Orange County-based civil engineering firm, the plan includes overviews for resource agency permit compliance, and recommendations for debris basin maintenance, lake dredging and Lake Gregory operations and maintenance.
In 2023, JS&TM, Inc. methodically explored the lake, using sonar and GPS to develop a three-dimensional picture of Lake Gregory’s floor, including debris and build-up. The plan presented to the county was the first in-depth, below-the-surface images of what needed to be done for a sediment management plan.
With the supervisors’ approval, Public Works – Special Districts may now go out to bid to have the work done.
The requirements for the work for the project include, “Contractor shall provide all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and transportation necessary to complete the project that includes improvement to the swim beach area including dredging, regrading and placement of a permanent in-water barrier; improvements to South Beach and San Moritz channel/basins including dredging and regrading; and improvements to the majority of lake inlet locations along the lake perimeter with the addition of headwall structures and rip rap at some inlets as shown on the bid documents, including the plans and specifications.”
Davis said the sitewide sediment management project may begin in 2025 but that the start date is still being discussed.
“The next steps in this project include obtaining and finalizing environmental permits and the completion of the competitive bidding process to identify contractors who will partner with the county to complete the work,” Davis said. “The bidding documents were made available to bidders on Monday, Aug. 26, and are scheduled to be opened on Sept. 25.”
“This is a much needed and long overdue project,” said 3rd District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “Lake Gregory is a valuable asset to the county as well as the community members who call it home. I supported this board action because it will improve the overall health of Lake Gregory and allow for recreational opportunities long into the future.”
0 Comments