Irrigation district needs to maintain paths next to canals

The Fresno Irrigation District’s canals have recently become a serious public nuisance. Illegal homeless encampments, dumped trash, litter and fire-prone, dry vegetation are dangerous and unsightly and erode the sense of pride in our community that should be built up instead of being torn down.

The FID says their canals are on an easement which exists between the outer edges of the flat canal embankment tops with the space to the property owner’s fencing being either Fresno city or county property, so they have neither responsibility nor jurisdiction to maintain that space.

But contrary to that position, they grade off of their easement to pull eroded dirt back up to the canal embankment top. Additionally, they remove most vegetation between the edge of the canal embankment top, off their easement and to the property owner’s fencing.

The entire space between property owner’s fencing, through which the canal easement runs, exists for the benefit of the FID, therefore they should be held responsible for maintaining it in a manner which fosters community pride in our property and resources.

If you agree, please call the FID at 559 233-7161 and register your opinion.

This story was originally published June 12, 2017 at 11:38 AM with the headline "Irrigation district needs to maintain paths next to canals."