County Acts to Protect Lake Pillsbury
Lake County Supervisors Act to Protect Lake Pillsbury Amid Dam Removal Plan
Lake County Supervisors Crandell and Sabatier joined community leaders at a town hall to discuss the economic and environmental ramifications of PG&E’s plan to surrender the Scott Dam, which would drain Lake Pillsbury.
PG&E (Pacific Gas & Electric Company) intends to submit its final draft plan on July 29, 2025, to surrender control of the Scott Dam and proceed with the dam’s removal. Doing so would drain Lake Pillsbury, a crucial economic and environmental resource for Lake County.
Lake County community leaders spoke at a town hall on Wednesday, May 28th at the Soper Reese Theater in Lakeport to educate the public about PG&E’s proposal to remove the Scott Dam and the consequences of losing Lake Pillsbury, a treasured county-wide resource. Hosted by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, the town hall featured a distinguished panel, including Board President and District 3 Supervisor Eddie Crandell, District 2 Supervisor Bruno Sabatier, Tribal leaders and members of the Lake Pillsbury Alliance, among others.
Supervisors Crandell and Sabatier discussed the potential economic ramifications of losing Lake Pillsbury, both for the county government and for local economies. Supervisor Crandell noted that Lake County could lose $850,000 or more in tax revenue, essential funding for countywide operations. Additionally, the supervisors explained that losing Lake Pillsbury could leave nearby homes without drinking water and local farms and ranches without their primary agricultural water source. Lastly, they emphasized that Lake Pillsbury has served as a recreational destination for local residents and visitors to enjoy for over a century.
The Supervisors also emphasized Lake Pillsbury’s crucial environmental role, warning the public that the dam removal would threaten local species, such as tule elk, bald eagles and ospreys. Supervisor Sabatier called Lake Pillsbury a crucial resource for firefighters stating: “Right now we have what is seen as one of the best water sources to fight fires in one of the most fire-prone areas in Northern California.” Lastly, Supervisor Sabatier explained how Lake Pillsbury helps the County become more drought-resistant amidst rising temperatures and how the Scott Dam serves as a crucial flood barrier.
Watch the town hall video here and read Lake County’s fact sheet here.
As seen at the recent town hall, community leaders—together with Lake County Supervisors—are joining forces to educate the public about PG&E’s dam removal plan and help protect Lake Pillsbury, a crucial economic and environmental pillar in the County of Lake.