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Russian River flows have ripple effect

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on May 4, 2009 at 7:44 am

From the Santa Rosa Press Democrat:

Low flows in the Russian River could leave canoe companies and other businesses high and dry this summer. “We’ll be lucky if we get through mid-June,” said Lollie Mercer, owner of River’s Edge Kayak and Canoe Trips in Healdsburg. The business, formerly Trowbridge Canoes, has operated on the river for half a century.

Mercer, who has owned the company for three years, said she is preparing to cut her staff by half this summer and may move her operation far down river or even to other streams. Upwards of 20,000 customers ride her kayaks and canoes each year, she said, and many spend dollars at the county’s motels, restaurants and shops.

Business people, farmers and city water officials are awaiting the outcome of Wednesday’s state Water Resources Control Board meeting on Russian River flows and conservation rules. The outcome could determine whether city dwellers from Windsor to San Rafael face mandatory water rationing, even as river-area business people worry about a summer with less water to attract tourists.

Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat by clicking here.

May 4, 2009 · Filed Under Northern California

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