LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The first Sierra Club Lake Group community meeting of the new year will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the Lower Lake Methodist Church social hall, 16255 Second St., and will feature a presentation by Dr. Harry Lyons on the biology, economics and politics of the Middle Creek Marsh Wetland Restoration Project.

It is generally agreed that this multi-agency effort at flood damage reduction and ecosystem restoration is the single most important action we can take to improve the long-term health of Clear Lake: It would eliminate dwellings on low ground, add 1,400 acres of wetland to the Clear Lake watershed and reduce nutrient input to the lake.

Achieving the long-term economic and ecological benefits of the project requires an investment of more than $50 million by the county, state and federal governments, and requires cooperation among a dozen agencies and support from a score of stakeholder organizations.

The project is far from a done deal; Dr. Lyons, as a member of the Middle Creek Restoration Coalition, has joined other citizens in an effort to generate the endless patience and political push to remove roadblocks.

To encourage patience and push, Dr. Lyons will perform a relevant tune or two.

As always, the meeting is free and open to the public.

For more information contact Lake Group Chair Ed Robey at 707-994-8304 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .