We are against the possible decision by the Placer County Public Works to put a gate on the Rubicon/McKinney Road.

There are many issues surrounding the possible impact of a gate to close the road even temporarily. These issues include water quality run-off into Lake Tahoe, which is the main argument to gate the road. However, the gate will have a larger impact than just allowing the spring runoff to be clear of silt.

One issue is that the gate will lead to unequal access for the disabled Americans who frequent this area thus violating their rights as established under the Americans with Disability Act of 1990.

Another issue, the most important for us, is that a gate will stop all public access to a road that dates back to the mid-1850's, and we feel Placer County is making a rash decision without first exhausting all other avenues to ensure silt free run-off into Lake Tahoe such as settling ponds, silt traps, or maintenance of the Tahoe side of the road as per the original agreement between CA4WDC and Placer County.

Therefore, we, the undersigned, are eager to work with the county, forest service, or any other responsible agencies to address the water quality issue short of a gated road closure.