Don't know if you fellow Sonomans saw the Press Democrat the other day, but the Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of some of Hanson Aggregate's property (three lakes included). So, that means that some of the famed gravel pit lakes will soon be part of a public park that will allow non-motorized boating. The big one, with all the downed brush, chalky water, etc., is still being actively gravel-mined & apparently isn't part of the new park. The park is supposed to open in about 1 year.

There are good & bad points to public access, but this will make a terrific park. The lakes are big enough that, even with shore anglers pounding them, they'll still have excellent bass fishing. Plus, there's river access, which is severely lacking in Sonoma County. There should also be some decent, though limited, mountain biking in the park.

If you want to check the story, you can read it at http://64.42.5.135/local/news/08park.html.