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California Casino Plans Threaten Bird Sanctuary

CALIFORNIA – As reported by the Oakland Daily Review: "A stone's throw from Oakland International Airport, golden eagles can be spotted circling the sky and sandpipers seen probing the soft mud of Arrowhead Marsh with their slender beaks.

"Despite the roar of jets and drone of Nimitz traffic, the birds and critters that flock to the 50-acre marsh and an adjoining 72 acres of restored tidal and seasonal wetlands are thriving, conservationists say.

"But they worry that won't last if a 24-hour, 2,000-slot casino moves in next door.

"The Lower Lake Rancheria Koi Nation Indian tribe wants to build the casino and a seven-story hotel/spa complex on a 35-acre parking lot abutting the restored marshland.

"Tribal elders say every precaution will be taken to ensure the development does not hurt the marsh and its feathered inhabitants.

"Daniel Beltran, chairman of the Koi Nation, said a pending environmental study for the casino will be the most stringent ever considered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

"…But environmentalists who have sued to stop the Port of Oakland and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from developing some of the last remaining wetlands in San Leandro Bay say while they don't oppose casinos per se, the project shouldn't abut such a sensitive area…"

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