matherlake_east_access_parking, originally uploaded by scupper.

I'm trying to find out from the County Park Dept. and the City of Rancho whether they can change the parking policy for this area near the Mather Lake East Trail access point.

Here's the email:

>To: info@sacparks.org
>Subject: Mather Lake Parking
>
>
>I wanted to know if the county would consider allowing the public,
>with day use or annual county park passes, to park legally
>at the asphalt pad on Douglas Road across from the Mather Regional
>Park's east access next to the Folsom South Canal Crossing.
>
>Currently it is illegal to park there, and walking from the Rotary
>Park parking area, to the east part of the lake using Douglas Road
>is very dangerous. Parking on the east side of the canal and
>walking to the trail access is both dangerous for a pedestrian,
>and leaves one's vehicle in an unsupervised area where vehicle
>vandalism and theft have been know to occur.
>
>A picture of the parking area I am discussing is at :
>
>http://www.flickr.com/photos/scupper/46502346/
>
>I'd appreciate any feedback and direction as to who to direct my
>concerns to about this parking problem. I suspect I must address
>the Parks Commission, and possible the County Board of
>Supervisors, The City of Rancho Cordova and the Public Works
>department of each.
>
>Thank you,
> scupper

Looking north across Mather Lake, originally uploaded by scupper.

full res is best

On the south shore of Mather Lake, originally uploaded by scupper.

My dad and I used to fish here when I was a kid. The USAF allowed vehicle access, and we would drive down and park right near the cat tails. I also learned to shoot here. My dad would have me cast out a line with a bobber, different sizes each time, and fill the bobber with BBs until it sank or shattered. Hitting a moving bobber was also real fun. Many a one way screaming match was had if the bobber came back empty. The only shooting I do now out here is with the camera.

Full Res is best

The Golden Trail, originally uploaded by scupper.

Along the trail just south of Mather Lake.

Sunday, July 24, 8:00 a.m.
Mather Regional Park
Leader: Wayne Blunk (876-0457)

Mather Lake and its surrounding grasslands host a wide variety of birds. Wayne knows this area well and is one of Wayne’s favorite birding locations. This is a good trip for beginners and enjoyable for all. Meet in the parking lot of Mather Lake Rotary Park at the corner of Douglas Road and Eagle’s Nest Road. There is a $4 County Parks self pay parking fee.

Directions to
4103 Eagles Nest Rd
Mather, CA 95655-2900

Focus on wildflowers
By Bee Regional Staff
Published 2:15 am PDT Thursday, April 14, 2005

Sunshine above and color below characterized a tour Sunday of wildflowers blooming at the vernal pools of Mather Field. Led by docents of the California Native Plant Society, the two-hour trek through the once-a-year treasure of bright and delicate vegetation was one of the walks that highlight the month. To participate in the walks, people are urged to make reservations for one of the last four tours of the year by calling (916) 737-9453. Long pants and sturdy shoes are suggested, and donations are accepted. The final walks will take place at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday and at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. April 24.

Sunday, April 24, 7:30 a.m.
Mather Field
Leader: Wayne Blunk 876-0457

Mather Lake is one of Wayne’s favorite birding locations. Join Wayne to look for resident birds and spring migrants. Targeted birds will be Yellow-headed blackbirds, Black-headed Grosbeaks, White-tailed Kites, Wild Turkey and Green Heron. Meet Wayne in the parking lot of Mather Regional Park at the corner of Douglas Road and Eagle’s Nest Road for this half day trip.
This is a wonderful trip for beginning birders.

Directions to
4103 Eagles Nest Rd
Mather, CA 95655-2900

Calm before the storm at Anatolia
http://www.grapevineindependent.com/front1.shtml
March 04, 2005
By SHELLY BLANCHARD, Editor
Grapevine Independent

There is a feeling of expectation in the air in the southern reaches of the City of Rancho Cordova.

Newly paved roads, smooth from lack of use, wind their way to the front doorsteps of future neighborhoods with names like Regalia, Artistry, Estancia and Sorrento.

The bright blue street signs sprout like weeds from the dirt. Up close, you can count them: 238 freshly-poured foundations, the slabs of concrete on which the new Rancho Cordova will be built.
Welcome to Anatolia, the expanse of development in Rancho Cordova, bordered by Sunrise Boulevard on the west, Douglas Road on the north.