I would like to point out that the areas where they plan to go at-grade are those that are either next to or in open space land areas. When the rail system is at-grade, it is the most damaging to the environment as it creates a huge “dead zone” between the fences. We neee to require that the entire system be built above-grade in those areas where at-grade is proposed and that the system is built high enough so that fences blocking passage are not necessary.

There is no benefit to help the environment with the development of a High Speed Rail system and then destroying the environment by the construction of this system in those sensitive area we have been desparately trying to save.

In their presentation, they don’t consider the area of Rose Creek from I-52 to Mission Bay as part of Rose Creek and having any significant environmental value. It is being treated as a concrete-lined flood-control channel like there is in Los Angles. We need to make it clear that Lower Rose Creek has important habatat and sensitive riparian areas.