Boy Scout Project at Lake Berryessa

Written by: Victoria Payan

Boy Scouts working at Lake BerryessaOn Saturday, April 9, 2016, three Boy Scouts and their four adult leaders from the Herms District, Mount Diablo-Silverado Council, joined Lake Berryessa Park Ranger Victoria Payan on a service project at the lake’s Smittle Creek Day Use Area.

Although the group of Scouts was small in number, they were huge in determination and effort, building an entire retaining wall from start to finish in just one day. The undertaking was a complement to a larger refurbishment project of the Smittle Creek Day Use Area begun in fall 2015 that included cleaning up the picnic areas and replacing barbeque grills and picnic tables to improve visitor services.

The retaining wall built by the Scouts and their leaders replaced an old, crumbling wall that had been removed, making for a rather steep hill that people had to walk over to get to the water. The new retaining wall improves access to the lake by directing people toward a safer trail, making the day use area not only more attractive but also easier to navigate.

A steady rain provided the energetic group with not only soggy and cool working conditions but also muddy boots and gloves to show for their hard work!

The Bureau of Reclamation and the Park Rangers at Lake Berryessa thank the Boy Scouts for their enthusiastic efforts and for their dedication to improving recreation access at the lake.

Published on April 25, 2016