SOUTHLAND LEGISLATORS SUPPORT PRESERVE.

Byline: Deborah Sullivan Daily News Staff Writer

Calling the Chatsworth Reservoir a ``unique environmental treasure,'' three San Fernando Valley area members of Congress have threatened federal action if efforts are made to develop sports and recreational facilities on the 1,300 acres.

Republican Rep. Howard ``Buck'' McKeon and Democratic colleagues Howard Berman and Brad Sherman said in a letter to Los Angeles city officials that the Department of Water and Power should leave the little-used reservoir as a nature preserve.

``As congressional representatives of this important area, we wish to add our own recognition of this unique property and our deep concern that it be left in its existing condition free of any new or additional proposed uses,'' the letter released Thursday said.

``We are willing to pursue options for appropriate federal administrative or legislative actions that would help ensure the preservation of this important site.''

The congressional intervention comes as the DWP prepares to release a long-awaited report exploring alternative uses for the site.

DWP board President Rick Caruso has said he wants to consider using the reservoir for sports fields, residential development and limited commercial development, as well as wildlife habitat.

Local homeowners and environmentalists have fought to preserve the reservoir, home to owls, eagles, bobcats and identified as habitat for several endangered bird species.

But youth athletic leaders have said there is enough land for a nature preserve and badly needed soccer and softball fields.

Councilman Hal Bernson, who has led the effort to lease the land to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, said national designation of the site as a sensitive ecological area would aid his cause.

``So if we get national recognition that adds fuel to our fire to preserve the area,'' he said.

But West Valley American Youth Soccer Organization Commissioner Howard Greitzer said the congressmen should determine whether development actually would harm the reservoir before arguing against it.

``It's a sad state of affairs to buy into certain emotional issues without gathering all the facts,'' he said.

The DWP board commissioned a study on alternatives for the site, which will be presented to the City Council on Tuesday.

In an interview, Sherman said that if necessary, legislation might be introduced to preserve the area, declare it a national historical site or study whether any endangered species are affected.

But he doesn't think such action will be needed, saying the letter was intended to persuade, rather than to supersede, local authorities.

``While the letter does mention that if it would be necessary we'd take a look at what actions would be taken, at this point we just hope that the city will do the right thing,'' he said.

Sherman said he wants to see the reservoir preserved as is, and would prefer to see it managed by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.