Neglected Pond with Endangered Frog Sparks Property Value Dispute in Exclusive California Community
Residents of the Tri-Valley neighbourhood in California, one of the nation's most exclusive housing markets where estates sell for millions in lavish gated communities like Blackhawk, are embroiled in a bitter dispute over a neglected pond. The once-pristine water feature at the Blackhawk golf course, which boasted a flowing waterfall, now sits static and covered with unsightly algae, becoming what locals describe as a significant 'eyesore' that is allegedly depressing their property values.
Endangered Species Halts Renovation Plans
The deterioration of the pond has been an ongoing issue for years. The Blackhawk Country Club, which oversees the pond, attempted renovations but was forced to halt all restoration plans abruptly in 2019. This sudden stop occurred when a worker discovered a federally protected red-legged frog living in the pond. The red-legged frog is officially listed as a threatened species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and its presence imposed strict environmental protections, putting a complete freeze on any development or cleanup efforts.
Will Pickering, the chief operating officer at Blackhawk Country Club, expressed frustration to the SF Chronicle, stating, 'They just drive by it every day, see how terrible it is, see how much it’s ruined the property values, it’s ruined the signature golf hole.' He added, 'The course and the clubhouse is called "The Falls" after the waterfall that hasn’t run for several years,' highlighting the irony of the situation.
Complex Ownership and Costly New Proposal
Restoring the pond is not a straightforward task due to complex ownership structures. The Blackhawk Country Club has authority over the pond itself, but the Blackhawk Homeowners Association technically owns the waterfall that once flowed into it. Additionally, the Blackhawk Geological Hazard Abatement District is responsible for maintaining West Alamo Creek, the stream that runs through the area. These three groups had to navigate county, state, and federal regulations to address the pond's issues, making progress until the endangered frog discovery seven years ago derailed everything.
At that time, all parties abandoned the costly project, but a new plan is now brewing, with estimates suggesting it could easily exceed $2 million. Interestingly, the country club and the Hazard District are pushing forward this time without the involvement of the Homeowners Association, for reasons that remain unclear as the HOA board has not responded to requests for comment. Under this new arrangement, the two groups will split the costs, with the club covering two-thirds to compensate for the HOA's absence.
Biological Oversight and Permit Challenges
The proposed renovation involves dredging the pond to remove algae and debris, a process estimated to cost $2 million plus ongoing maintenance. A critical component of the plan is hiring a biologist to oversee the protection of the red-legged frogs during the work. Vincent D’Alo, a principal surveyor at Aliquot Associates, is assisting the club with this endeavour. His team plans to carefully relocate the frogs to a safe, fenced-off corner of the pond during the dredging operations to ensure their safety and compliance with federal laws.
In the coming two months, permit applications will be submitted to various regulatory bodies, a process that can take up to eight months for approval. Once cleared, the actual pond repairs can commence. However, Pickering noted that this does not include reactivating the waterfall, as the club lacks authority over that element. Residents like David Bowlby have expressed a desire to see both the pond and waterfall restored, with many willing to contribute financially. Bowlby told the outlet, 'I’d like to see both come together and be part of the total solution,' reflecting community hopes for a comprehensive resolution that balances property value concerns with environmental stewardship.
