The Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) is a 37-mile pair of tunnels that would basically take water from the Sacramento River and divert it to southern California private development and corporate mega farms.

The plan threatens to drain much of the water that makes the delta what it is today. The BDCP twin tunnels will decimate the Delta fish, fowl and wildlife populations, essentially destroying the ecosystem.

Gov. Jerry Brown’s scientific advisers report the plans will seriously impact the environment. Brown plans to build the tunnels now and solve the environmental issues later. The plan is being fast-tracked without input from any of the five counties surrounding the Delta — Contra Costa, Solano, San Joaquin, Yolo and Sacramento— which are working together to battle this project.

Assemblyman Jim Frazier explained that Northern California is simply outnumbered. Southern California has a larger representation in the legislature and it’s those elected officials who need to hear the comments of Delta residents. The $14-20 billion draft plan is expected to be released in the coming weeks.

My family has enjoyed boating, fishing and many other activities that the local waterways surrounding us provide since making Discovery Bay our home 15 years ago.

The health and quality of the water is important to us, it’s our backyard. We love the Delta and are very upset with Brown’s BDCP initiative.

Local residents need to be heard. You can sign the petition “Save the California Delta” opposing the Peripheral Canal/Delta Tunnels.

Residents opposed to the plan should weigh in early and often, write your representatives and spread the word. Show you care about the local fight to protect and save our Delta water.

To learn how you can help and get involved visit www.nodeltagates.com. For more information, view the documentary produced by Restore the Delta “Over Troubled Waters” at this website.

— Yolanda B. Long