Enlarging Shasta Lake feasible, U.S. report says
Posted by: Maven on February 9, 2012 at 8:04 amFrom the San Francisco Chronicle:
“The billion dollars it would cost to raise the dam holding back the largest reservoir in California would, at least on the surface, be money well spent, a federal study concluded this week.
A study by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation found that the maximum possible enlargement of Lake Shasta near Redding – a scheme that would add 18.5 feet to the top of the dam – would be both feasible and “economically justified.” … “
Continue reading from the San Francisco Chronicle by clicking here.
Winnemem Wintu tribe speaks out against raising of Shasta Dam
Posted by: Maven on February 9, 2012 at 8:02 amFrom KRCR News:
“The Winnemem Wintu Tribe is raising objections to a new plan to raise Shasta Dam.
The proposal was outlined in a federal report released Monday and recommends raising the dam 18 1/2 feet.
Among other things, it would supplement our region’s water supply and make Lake Shasta bigger.
The project would cost more than a billion dollars.
It’s a debate that’s been going on for years, but the Winnemem Wintu Tribe said raising the dam would flood some of their most sacred lands, for the second time. … “
Continue reading from KRCR-TV News by clicking here.
From Dan Bacher at IndyBay.org:
” … The Winnemem Wintu Tribe, which conducted a historic war dance in September 2004 to protest the plan to raise the dam, blasted the report for a multitude of reasons.
“How do they justify flooding the Winnemem Wintu people out twice?” asked Caleen Sisk,Chief and Spiritual Leader of the Winnemem Wintu Tribe. “They still haven’t fulfilled the 1941 Act of Congress that said they are to provide like lands and pay for all the allotment and communal lands. They still haven’t fixed the cemetery problems as it’s still illegal for us to bury our people in the cemetery they set up, because it is held by the Bureau Land Management instead of the Bureau of Indian Affair like the Act called for. And the Shasta Dam is still not paid for by the public.”
She emphasized that the EIS is a “dehumanizing document – it takes our beautiful culture and summarizes it into a couple paragraphs, and just names a couple sites.”
“It doesn’t describe the importance of the sites to our people or the heartache and psychological destruction it would cause to us if these places were submerged,” Sisk said. “They don’t talk about us as the people most impacted, or the fact we have nowhere else to go to practice our religion. We can only teach our distinctive lifeway to be Winnemem here. It will be extremely hard to teach the tribal youth when you can’t go to the sacred site, see it and feel it and develop a relationship with it to be Winnemem.” … “
Continue reading from Dan Bacher at IndyBay.org by clicking here.
Commentary: Rights and resources jeopardized by Klamath legislation
Posted by: Maven on February 9, 2012 at 7:20 amFrom Oregon Live, this commentary by Hayley Hutt, member of the Hoopa Valley Tribal Council:
“The Klamath Tribes’ guest column, “Klamath tribes: Respect our rights and our expertise” (Jan. 15), paints a picture of “bipartisan regional economic development” stemming from innovative work. The 2010 Klamath Agreements, to be ratified by Sen. Jeff Merkley’s Senate Bill 1851 are believed to limit irrigation withdrawals to “reasonable amounts,” eliminate “toxic algae blooms that poison the river” and implement “an effective drought plan.” There is no mention of cost. If it sounds too good to be true, that is because it is.
S. 1851 would bill taxpayers $800 million for the benefit of the few and at great cost to tribal rights and resources. The Hoopa Valley Tribe and other California tribes that declined to sign the Klamath Agreements strongly support removal of the obsolete dams of the Klamath Hydroelectric Project. Dam removal will help struggling fish species. But the Klamath Agreements block the normal relicensing process that will produce dam removal. Don Gentry is wrong in saying “[o]pposing the legislation opposes returning salmon.”
Most of the Klamath watershed is in California and the adverse effects of S. 1851 on California species and tribes should warn members of Congress against supporting this sweetheart deal. Our right to Klamath River flows to support our fish-based economy was established by the United States even before the Klamath Tribes’ 1864 Treaty; our rights have no less standing in law. … “
Continue reading this commentary at Oregon Live by clicking here.
Irrigation rules could get tighter in Siskiyou; DFG drops appeal of ruling that enforcement is too lenient
Posted by: Maven on February 9, 2012 at 7:15 amFrom the Record Searchlight:
“In a move that could signal more irrigation restrictions for Siskiyou County’s farmers and ranchers, the Department of Fish and Game has backed away from appealing a judge’s ruling that said wardens were being too lenient on those pulling water from two chronically dry coho salmon streams.
Last week the department’s lawyers told a state appellate court they were dropping an appeal over San Francisco County Superior Court Judge Ernest H. Goldsmith’s ruling from last year.
Goldsmith had ruled in favor of some Klamath River Indian tribes and fishing and environmental organizations that had sued the state’s fisheries regulators contesting a permitting system that allowed farmers on the Scott and Shasta rivers watersheds to take irrigation water from the streams. … “
Continue reading from the Sikiyou Daily News by clicking here.
Bly Tunnel valve at Eagle Lake is shut and locked
Posted by: Maven on February 9, 2012 at 7:12 amFrom the Placer Herald, this commentary by George deVilbiss:
“For years, water has flowed from the Bly Tunnel at Eagle Lake, feeding Willow Creek. There is and has not been a fishery at Willow Creek. The water that flowed down primarily was used only by private farmers along the creek’s travels.
There is no natural outlet for water to flow out of Eagle Lake; no dam, manmade or otherwise.
The Bly Tunnel is a piping and valve system that was installed many years ago to remove water from the lake strictly for the private use of downstream ranchers, people who don’t much care what the short- or long-term effects to the lake would be, so long as they had water for their cattle and other farming purposes. … “
Continue reading from the Placer Herald by clicking here.
Bayside family’s treehouse might be saved; county to grant an exception to streamside ordinance
Posted by: Maven on February 9, 2012 at 7:09 amFrom the Eureka Times-Standard:
“A Bayside family who was told they would have to dismantle their backyard treehouse because it was too close to a stream might be able to keep the structure, thanks to an exemption from Humboldt County staff.
Rachel Robinson said her family’s treehouse got a lot of attention after The Times-Standard ran an article last month about the county’s demand to disassemble the treehouse. She said the community response has been astonishing and that she’s received numerous phone calls and emails supporting her family.
”It just stirred up something in this community,” Rachel Robinson said. “I’ve had offers of help from people we don’t even know.” … “
Continue reading from the Eureka Times-Standard by clicking here.
Lakeport City Council receives update on requirements in new state water permit
Posted by: Maven on February 9, 2012 at 7:07 amFrom the Lake County News:
“The Lakeport City Council received an update at its Tuesday meeting regarding new requirements imposed by the state on the city water supply.
Utilities Director Mark Brannigan gave the council the report on the city’s domestic water supply permit from the California Department of Public Health.
Brannigan said the agency issued the city a revised domestic water permit in December, with the document including a series “of significant changes.”
Perhaps the most serious of those changes involved the state’s concerns over the city’s Scotts Creek water wells, he said. … “
Continue reading from the Lake County News by clicking here.
Meeting Thursday on plan for Russian River salmon, water
Posted by: Maven on February 9, 2012 at 7:05 amFrom the Ukiah Journal:
“A 15-year blueprint to help endangered and threatened fish while maintaining the region’s primary water supply is the subject of a meeting scheduled Thursday in Santa Rosa.
The meeting will be held from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Feb. 9 at the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Chambers at 575 Administration Drive.
The Russian River Biological Opinion was released by National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in September 2008. This 15-year plan requires the Sonoma County Water Agency (Water Agency) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) to modify Russian River water supply and flood control operations to prevent harm to endangered coho salmon and threatened steelhead trout. … “
Continue reading from the Ukiah Daily Journal by clicking here.
Calistoga awaits decision on legal fees
Posted by: Maven on February 9, 2012 at 7:03 amFrom the Weekly Calistogan:
“A Napa County judge is considering whether to make Calistoga pay up to $1.3 million in legal fees to the lawyer for the San Diego man who has sued the city repeatedly over water issues.
Judge Raymond A. Guadagni has up to 90 days to decide what, if anything, Calistoga owes to attorney William McKinnon in connection with a lawsuit demanding the city release more water from behind the Kimball Dam to boost fish habitat downstream in the Napa River.
McKinnon represented Grant Reynolds, who has been suing the city over various water issues since 2009. Reynolds does not stand to collect any money that Guadagni may award to McKinnon. … “
Continue reading from the Weekly Calistogan by clicking here.
Raising of Shasta Dam has pros, cons; businesses see costly move in the future
Posted by: Maven on February 8, 2012 at 8:28 amFrom the Record Searchlight:
“When officials at Holiday Harbor on Lake Shasta think about making plans for the future, they have to think about relocating their facilities.
If a draft proposal to spend $1.07 billion to raise Shasta Dam went through, much of the marina’s buildings, roads and boat launches would have to be moved uphill at least 20 feet, said Kevin Kelley, Holiday Harbor’s operations manager.
A U.S. Bureau of Reclamation draft feasibility report issued Monday says it would be economically justifiable to raise Shasta Dam 18½ feet. That means the lake’s high water elevation also would go up. The current high water mark is 1,067 feet. That level would go up to 1,085 feet in elevation. … “
Continue reading from the Record Searchlight by clicking here.
SEE ALSO: New Report Supports Raising Of Shasta Dam, from KRCR
Court grants stay of State Water Board regulations that declare frost protection diversions unreasonable in Mendocino and Sonoma Counties
Posted by: Maven on February 8, 2012 at 8:17 amFrom Somach Simmons & Dunn, this Environmental Law and Policy Alert:
“On February 3, 2012, Judge Ann Moorman of Mendocino County Superior Court granted a stay enjoining the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) from enforcing the terms of section 862 of title 23 of the California Code of Regulations (hereafter Section 862). Section 862 declares “unreasonable” all frost protection water diversions in Mendocino and Sonoma Counties, unless those diversions are made in accordance with a State Water Board approved “Water Demand Management Program” (WDMP). On that same day, Judge Timothy Frawley of Sacramento Superior Court ordered that a similar case challenging Section 862 be transferred to Mendocino County and consolidated with the case already before Judge Moorman. … “
For a summary of the lawsuits and the legal arguments, click here.
Yuba County: Linda property owners look to state panel
Posted by: Maven on February 8, 2012 at 7:52 amFrom the Appeal-Democrat:
“Yuba County property owners who have been told they’re encroaching on state land at the foot of a Feather River levee aren’t giving up on the situation easily.
If anything, a handful of the 50 or so property owners in west Linda are getting more strident in trying to convince state and local flood-control agencies more needs to be considered before crews move fences in.
One of those property owners, Monty Hecker, said he’s hopeful of more progress both before and at another Central Valley Flood Protection Board meeting in Marysville on March 2. … “
Continue reading from the Appeal-Democrat by clicking here.
Tuesday’s top of the scroll: Report backs $1 billion plan to raise dam; Some relocation is necessary, but agriculture, wildlife benefit
Posted by: Maven on February 7, 2012 at 9:14 am
From the Record Searchlight:
‘A draft report released Monday by federal officials says a $1.07 billion plan to raise Shasta Dam by 18½ feet is feasible and economically justifiable.
Raising the dam would increase the lake’s storage about 14 percent, benefitting agricultural and municipal water users in the state, according to the Shasta Lake Water Resources Investigation draft feasibility report.
Raising the dam also would benefit salmon and steelhead trout that migrate up the Sacramento River by providing a more reliable supply of cold water for spawning, the feasibility report says.
But some roads, buildings and businesses around the lake would be inundated by the higher lake level, said Pete Lucero, a spokesman for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the agency that prepared the report. … “
Continue reading from the Record Searchlight by clicking here.
Here is the press release from the Bureau of Reclamation:
“The Bureau of Reclamation today released a Draft Feasibility Report and Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Shasta Lake Water Resources Investigation (Shasta Investigation), examining the potential to enlarge Shasta Dam and Reservoir to achieve multiple water resources purposes. The Shasta Investigation is one of five surface water storage studies included in the 2000 CALFED Bay-Delta Programmatic Record of Decision and is a continuing feasibility study under the authority of Public Law 96-375.
Shasta Dam, on the upper Sacramento River about 9 miles northwest of Redding, Calif., is 602 feet high with a current reservoir capacity of 4.55 million acre-feet. Reclamation completed construction of the dam and reservoir in 1944 for flood control, irrigation water supply, municipal and industrial water supply, hydropower generation, fish and wildlife conservation and navigation purposes. … “
Continue reading from the Bureau of Reclamation by clicking here.
Rainbow trout coming to Lake Mendocino
Posted by: Maven on February 7, 2012 at 7:55 amFrom the Santa Rosa Press Democrat:
“Lake Mendocino is being stocked with rainbow trout for the first time, creating a winter fishery at that popular destination for anglers.
About 30,000 year-old rainbow trout will be released Thursday, said Scott Harris, environmental scientist for state Department of Fish and Game.
“They are 10 to 14 inches. We want to put them out at least at half a pound, a nice size fish for someone going out for trout fishing,” Harris said. … “
Continue reading from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat by clicking here.
Sonoma: Rancho water finally flows
Posted by: Maven on February 7, 2012 at 7:53 amFrom Sonoma News:
“Rancho de Sonoma, the sometimes divided mobile-home park harboring a fluctuating population of close to 100 residents, was due to receive city water through a new intertie slated to be opened at about 4 p.m. yesterday afternoon.
Opening of the hook-up will put an end to anxieties over arsenic pollution dogging residents since June 2008 when the California Department of Health issued a notice to park owner Preston Cook that arsenic levels in the park’s well water exceeded federal limits of .010 micrograms per liter.
Cook’s well water, which served all water demands in the park, had an annual average level of .016. … “
Continue reading from Sonoma News by clicking here.
Super Bowl Sunday’s top of the scroll: Glenn County joins chorus of criticism against Delta Plan
Posted by: Maven on February 5, 2012 at 6:42 amFrom the Chico Enterprise-Record:
“Questions linger in Northern California about whether a statewide plan for water could damage the economy and watersheds north of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
Last week, the Glenn County Board of Supervisors sent a letter to the Delta Stewardship Council stating proposed flow criteria for the delta doesn’t consider effects on Northern California.
Earlier last month, the Butte County Board of Supervisors approved a letter criticizing the Delta Plan for extending authority past the limits of the delta and into watersheds to the north, specifically regarding water flows. … “
Continue reading from the Chico Enterprise-Record by clicking here.
Group’s mail campaign advocates for Yuba salmon run
Posted by: Maven on February 5, 2012 at 6:06 amFrom the Appeal-Democrat:
“With several approaches being considered or under way to restore salmon runs to the Yuba River, a Nevada County environmental group has decided one of the best “streams” for helping it happen might flow through mailboxes.
At the National Marine Fisheries Service’s Sacramento office, a stack of postcards said to be 7 inches high bears a repeated message: “YUBA SALMON NOW!” from the South Yuba River Citizens League and American Rivers.
“SYRCL has long had a goal of volitional fish passage on area rivers,” said Caleb Dardick, the group’s executive director. “We always believe that it’s part of SYRCL’s role to serve as the voice of the community, and this is a method of doing that.” … “
Continue reading from the Appeal-Democrat by clicking here.
Many grape growers plan to voluntarily comply with water rules
Posted by: Maven on February 4, 2012 at 7:52 amFrom the Santa Rosa Press Democrat:
“Two large groups representing North Coast grape growers said Friday they are likely to voluntarily comply with rules designed to protect endangered fish in the Russian River, even though a judge has put the controversial regulations on hold.
Enlarge |But it’s unclear whether other growers, who farm more than half of the 23,050 acres in the Russian River watershed, would follow their lead as they head into a critical time of year when water is commonly used to protect crops from frost. … “
Continue reading from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat by clicking here.
Press release: Bear Creek forest conserved: A win for forests, water, wildife and jobs in Siskiyou-Shasta Counties
Posted by: Maven on February 4, 2012 at 7:36 amFrom the Pacific Forest Trust, this press release:
“We did it! This week marks the Pacific Forest Trust’s and Roseburg Resources’ successful completion of our working forest conservation easement on the 8,230-acre Bear Creek Working Forest in Siskiyou and Shasta counties. Approved by California’s Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) last December, the $7.8 million easement officially closed yesterday. … “
Continue reading this press release from the Pacific Forest Trust by clicking here.
Two coastal areas selected for habitat restoration grants
Posted by: Maven on February 4, 2012 at 7:32 amFrom the California Department of Fish & Game:
“The Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) awarded $280,000 in grants for environmental enhancement projects. Recipients for 2012 are the City of Arcata’s McDaniel Slough Tidal Restoration project for $187,706 and the Central Coast’s Elkhorn Slough for $95,480.
“We received numerous project proposals to restore habitat and benefit multiple special status species,” said Scott Schaefer, OSPR Administrator (Acting) and Environmental Enhancement Committee chair. “We selected two outstanding projects and look forward to awarding more restoration grants in the future.” … “
Continue reading from the Department of Fish & Game by clicking here.
Project to use Lake Oroville water nearing completion
Posted by: Maven on February 4, 2012 at 7:30 amFrom the Oroville Mercury Register:
“A project to make use of some of the local reserve of Lake Oroville water is about six months away from completion.
The Del Oro Regional Intertie project — about 10 years in the making — will provide lake water to customers in the Lime Saddle District.
“It’s really close to being done,” said Del Oro Water Co. spokeswoman Tara Campbell. “It still has a couple of panels and a bunch of electrical (before completion).”
Construction began last year along Pentz Road in the Lime Saddle area. … “
Continue reading from the Oroville Mercury-Register by clicking here.
Russian River water supply declared dry’
Posted by: Maven on February 4, 2012 at 7:29 amFrom the Ukiah Daily Journal:
“As of Wednesday, the Russian River water supply condition was changed from “normal” to “dry,” meaning flows from Lake Mendocino can be reduced, the Sonoma County Water Agency reported.
According to the SCWA, the “dry” designation means the agency can reduce flows in the Russian River to preserve water storage in Lake Mendocino, making sure there is enough water for all users as well as for the releases in fall to support the migration of Chinook Salmon. … “
Continue reading from the Ukiah Daily Journal by clicking here.
Lake Mendocino to be stocked with rainbow trout
Posted by: Maven on February 4, 2012 at 7:23 amFrom the Santa Rosa Press Democrat:
“Lake Mendocino on Thursday will be stocked with rainbow trout for the first time, creating a winter fishery at that popular destination for anglers.
About 30,000 year-old rainbow trout will be released Thursday morning, said Scott Harris, environmental scientist for state Department of Fish and Game.
“They are 10 to 14 inches. We want to put them out at least at half a pound, a nice size fish for someone going out for trout fishing,” Harris said. … “
Continue reading from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat by clicking here.
Broken line pumping treated wastewater into Feather River
Posted by: Maven on February 4, 2012 at 7:11 amFrom the Appeal Democrat:
“A broken underwater sewer line is pumping treated wastewater into the Feather River, Yuba City officials reported Friday.
The wastewater currently pouring into the Feather River is not raw sewage, authorities said.
“The water has been treated and disinfected, so we don’t anticipate any public health issues associated with the break,” said Ken Landau, assistant executive director at the Regional Water Quality Control Board. … “
Continue reading from the Appeal Democrat by clicking here.
Judge postpones frost protection rules for Russian River growers
Posted by: Maven on February 3, 2012 at 8:46 amFrom the Santa Rosa Press Democrat:
“A Mendocino County judge on Thursday postponed the state’s new rules on frost protection until grape growers who filed a lawsuit challenging the rules have their day in court.
Rudy and Linda Light, who own a small family vineyard in Redwood Valley on a tributary to the west fork of the Russian River, filed the lawsuit in October to challenge the frost protection regulations enacted by the state Water Resources Control Board last fall.
The ruling by Mendocino County Superior Court Judge Ann Moorman delayed enforcement of the new regulations, a decision that lawyers say will apply to all grape growers in the Russian River watershed. … “
Continue reading from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat by clicking here.
SEE ALSO: Frost protection regulations on hold, from the Ukiah Daily Journal
More from the Red Bluff IRWM meeting: A resident expresses her views
Posted by: Maven on February 3, 2012 at 8:01 amFrom the Tehama Daily News, this commentary by Patty Smith, a resident:
There has been much said and written about the disruptive people at the recent Northern Sacramento Valley Integrated Regional Water Management Plan meeting in Red Bluff on Jan.18th at the Community Center.
This is not the first time tempers have flared at a water meeting and it won’t be the last.
These guys wanted public input and they got it, the real problem is that we aren’t going to roll over and just accept their ideas.
This meeting went just fine as now it has attracted attention of those that didn’t know anything about it.
I attended that meeting and I’d like to point out a few things that have riled up Northern California residents in the past. … “
Continue reading from the Tehama Daily News by clicking here.
Dan Bacher: Court denies Commission motion to dismiss Coastside MLPA lawsuit
Posted by: Maven on February 3, 2012 at 7:56 amFrom Dan Bacher at IndyBay.org:
“On January 30, the Fourth District Court of Appeal in San Diego denied a motion by the Fish and Game Commission to dismiss the Coastside Fishing Club’s appeal of an unfavorable ruling by the San Diego Superior Court regarding the imposition of so-called “marine protected areas” on the North Central Coast of California.
After three legal victories in a row, the club, United Anglers of Southern California, Coastside Fishing Club and Robert C. Fletcher in October suffered the first setback in their legal campaign targeting ocean fishing closures imposed under the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Initiative. The controversial initiative is privately funded by the shadowy Resources Legacy Fund Foundation.
Ronald S. Prager, San Diego Superior Court judge, rejected arguments that the Commission exceeded its authority when it approved new “marine protected areas” on the North Central Coast from Pigeon Point in San Mateo County to Alder Point in Mendocino County that went in effect on May 1, 2010.
On December 15, 2011, the Club filed a Notice of Appeal, appealing the trial court’s denial of Coastside’s claims that the Fish and Game Commission “lacked statutory authority and failed to follow required procedures” in adopting the North Central Coast marine protected areas (MPAs) and MPA regulations. … “
Continue reading from Dan Bacher at IndyBay.org by clicking here.
Column: Messelbeck Dam built the old-fashioned way with sand, clay and gravel
Posted by: Maven on February 3, 2012 at 7:54 amFrom the Travelin’ in Time column at the Record Searchlight:
“Far out Rainbow Lake Road above Ono in the far reaches of western Shasta County stands Messelbeck Dam.
Messelbeck Dam is no ordinary dam because it’s made of sand, clay and gravel. There’s no concrete in Messelbeck, and since 1920 it has been holding back the waters of Rainbow Lake, first known as Messelbeck Reservoir.
Rainbow Lake is not a very big lake when you compare it with others like Whiskeytown and Shasta. It covers 113 acres, stores 3,600 acre-feet of water and is 110 feet deep at its deepest point. The waters of the North Fork of Cottonwood Creek fill it. … “
Continue reading this column at the Record Searchlight by clicking here.
Calistoga: Judge dismisses water tank lawsuit
Posted by: Maven on February 3, 2012 at 7:51 amFrom the Weekly Calistogan:
“Editor’s Note [Weekly Calistogan]: Late Wednesday, after The Weekly Calistogan’s deadline but before the paper was delivered, the judge in this case issued a final ruling, dismissing the lawsuit because Grant Reynolds does not have the legal standing to sue the city over this issue.
A Napa County Superior Court judge has tentatively dismissed a lawsuit challenging Calistoga’s right to use money designated for flood control projects to fund in part a new water tank on Mount Washington.
Judge Raymond Guadagni said that the man behind the suit, Grant Reynolds, does not have legal standing to file the suit because he is a resident of San Diego, not Napa County.
He also said that he largely agrees with the legal arguments from the city as to why the water tank is eligible to use the money. … “
Continue reading from the Weekly Calistogan by clicking here.
Sonoma County Water Agency officials declare Russian River supply ‘dry’
Posted by: Maven on February 3, 2012 at 7:49 amFrom the Santa Rosa Press Democrat:
“Dismal rainfall totals have prompted the Sonoma County Water Agency to formally change the designation for the Russian River water supply from “normal” to “dry,” allowing officials to withhold water in Lake Mendocino and reduce Russian River water flows.
The decision is intended to ensure storage of enough water to support consumer needs and permit releases into the river during the fall Chinook salmon migration, the water agency said.
“The reduced in-stream flow requirements set the floor for how low the Russian River may be allowed to flow in order to ensure there is enough water stored in Lake Sonoma and Lake Mendocino for multiple uses, including the release of water for the fall migration of Chinook salmon,” Assistant General Manager of Operations Pam Jeane said in a written press release. … “
Continue reading from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat by clicking here.
SEE ALSO: The downside of dry weather, from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Press release: Government delay, drought prompts renewed push for protection of Klamath River chinook salmon
Posted by: Maven on February 2, 2012 at 8:01 amFrom the Center for Biological Diversity, this press release:
“Conservation groups filed a formal notice of intent to sue the National Marine Fisheries Service today for failing to decide, as legally required, whether upper Klamath River chinook salmon deserve protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. In response to a January 28, 2011 petition from the groups, the Fisheries Service determined in April 2011 that the salmon may warrant protection and began a status review that was supposed to be completed within one year of the petition. The petition review comes at a perilous time for Klamath salmon as fears of a major drought linger.
“Klamath River chinook have suffered severe declines in the face of a century of dam building, logging, hatcheries, massive water withdrawal and pollution,” said Noah Greenwald, endangered species director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “These magnificent fish need Endangered Species Act protection if they’re going to have any chance at survival and recovery. We very much hope protection will be provided in the next 60 days so we won’t have to file suit.” … “
Continue reading from the Center for Biological Diversity by clicking here.
Conservationists concerned over coho recovery plan; fisheries service emphasizes that plan is not final
Posted by: Maven on February 1, 2012 at 7:13 amFrom the Eureka Times-Standard:
“Watershed groups and other conservationists expressed concern Tuesday night with terms used to rank salmon population areas in the a long-awaited draft recovery plan in fear it would reduce efforts for populations not listed as a “priority.”
National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’ fish biologist Julie Weeder, the recovery coordinator, said the terminology was not meant to reduce any efforts, but the feedback was exactly the type of information the National Marine Fisheries Service was looking for. She said the agency is required to create the plan, a set of guidelines for the recovery of coho salmon in Southern Oregon and Northern California, but the implementation is voluntary. The coho salmon was listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1997 after habitat degradation, harvest and water diversion, drought, floods and poor ocean conditions led to its depletion. … “
Continue reading from the Eureka Times-Standard by clicking here.
When fish and frost protection collide: Water for frost protection under scrutiny due to endangered species in Russian River, extra layer of regulations for grape growers
Posted by: Maven on January 31, 2012 at 8:09 amFrom WineBusiness.com:
“Many grape growers throughout the country must be prepared to battle the threat of frost: Killing freezes in early spring often coincide with bud break, and a few nights of sub-freezing temperatures, without the benefit of frost protection, can devastate a crop.
There are numerous techniques and types of equipment for growers to protect their vines and young buds from frost (see Frost Protection—Managing the Air, by Bill Pregler, WBM January 2010). A variety of considerations, including cost, site selection, drainage and passive or active protection, come into play. For grape growers in frost-prone regions, such as Northern California, the most common active frost protection techniques are overhead sprinklers or wind machines.
Grape growers in the Russian River watershed, however, find themselves in a unique predicament: Not only do they have to remain on the alert for frost, but they now have to cope with a complicated and expensive set of regulations governing their water use during frost events. Many growers use overhead sprinklers to protect their vines when temperatures dip below freezing.
In Oregon, Washington, Texas and New York, growers utilize water for frost protection to varying degrees; but in interviews with numerous growers, regulators and academics, there does not appear to be an analogous situation to the one growers face in the Russian River basin: The conflict between competing demands for water during frost events and the protection of species guaranteed by the Endangered Species Act. “This is the one and only to my knowledge,” said Rhonda Smith, the viticulture farm advisor with the University of California Cooperative Extension in Sonoma County. “To my knowledge, there have not been any regulations in the state specific to endangered species and the use of water for frost protection and agriculture.” … “
Continue reading part 1 from WineBusiness.com by clicking here. Then, click here to read part 2.
Klamath River dam removals should go forth, says the San Franciso Chronicle
Posted by: Maven on January 31, 2012 at 7:35 amFrom the San Francisco Chronicle, this editorial:
“After an all-sides agreement and lengthy scientific study, the country’s biggest dam removal project should be on track to restore the Klamath River. But the momentum behind this promising project could stall if Washington lets political gridlock sour the deal.
The latest update in the years-long effort is hundreds of pages of studies that give a fuller picture of the impact of taking out four dams that date back nearly a century and straddle the California-Oregon border. The findings expand on earlier work by adding compelling evidence that a free-flowing river will restore salmon runs, revive the sickly river, and still allow for irrigation water for Oregon farmers. … “
Continue reading this editorial from the San Francisco Chronicle by clicking here.
Siskiyou County: County tackles coho recovery
Posted by: Maven on January 31, 2012 at 7:18 amFrom the Siskiyou Daily News:
“On Tuesday, the Siskiyou County government, Siskiyou County Farm Bureau and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) issued a joint press release announcing their efforts to have supplementation included in state and federal efforts to recover coho salmon populations in local watersheds.
“The concept is to add more fish to streams to take advantage of valuable underutilized habitat that is available either naturally or because of improvements made by ranchers in recent years,” the release stated. … “
Continue reading from the Siskiyou Daily News by clicking here.
Fish and Game releases adult coho salmon into Sonoma County Creek
Posted by: Maven on January 31, 2012 at 7:08 am
From the Lake County News:
“The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) recently released adult coho salmon in Salmon Creek, Sonoma County to reestablish a coho salmon population.
This is the fourth consecutive year adult salmon were released, the agency reported.
The Department of Fish and Game said 200 adults were released on two separate occasions in late December 2011 and early January 2012.
The released coho included 120 males and 80 females, predominantly hybrids derived from mating between coho salmon of Russian River and Olema Creek origin, with a small number of pure Russian River coho and Olema Creek coho, Fish and Game said. … “
Continue reading from the Lake County News by clicking here.
Martin Slough enhancement project moves forward; Salmon on Eureka golf course spur restoration work
Posted by: Maven on January 30, 2012 at 7:33 amFrom the Eureka Times-Standard:
“After more than a decade of work, the Martin Slough enhancement project — which aims to reduce flooding and improve salmon habitat near the Eureka Municipal Golf Course — will acquire the funding needed to complete its design.
Don Allan, director of the Natural Resources Service Division for the Redwood Community Action Agency, said the California Department of Fish and Game posted the approval of the project’s grant last week.
Allan said agencies first began discussing the a two-phase fish passage improvement, wetland enhancement and flood reduction project on the south side of Eureka in 2000 when the golf course’s manager noticed coho salmon living in the Martin Slough. … “
Continue reading from the Eureka Times-Standard by clicking here.
Humboldt County tells Bayside family to take down beloved treehouse; Structure deemed too close to stream on property
Posted by: Maven on January 30, 2012 at 7:30 amFrom the Eureka Times-Standard:
“Nearly three years of work has gone into creating a Bayside family’s partially-built treehouse that Humboldt County building inspectors have now said needs to be dismantled by the end of February.
Rachel Robinson said construction of the treehouse has been a family affair that has taught her sons — Will, 12, and Tommy, 10 — how to build with their own two hands and work in conjunction with their parents and grandfathers. While progress has been slow, she said her family recently reached a milestone.
”We were excited because we’d gotten to building the third wall,” Robinson said.
That excitement soon faded when the family received a surprise visit from a county building inspector in early December. … “
Continue reading from the Eureka Times-Standard by clicking here.
Lake County: Public meetings begin on water management plan development; Clearlake meeting set for Feb. 6
Posted by: Maven on January 30, 2012 at 7:23 amFrom the Lake County News:
“This month a group composed of Lake and several other Northern California counties will begin a series of public meetings that are part of the process to create a regional water management plan.
The Westside Sacramento Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Plan will detail water supply, flood management, stormwater runoff, and environmental concerns and opportunities for the Cache Creek and Putah Creek Watersheds.
A meeting will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
County residents are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more about the planning process and how to help shape the plan. … “
Continue reading from the Lake County News by clicking here.
Tehama County Tea Party Patriots discuss water and the Northern Sacramento Valley Integrated Regional Watershed Management Plan (and much more calmly, this time)
Posted by: Maven on January 28, 2012 at 8:21 amFrom the Tehama Daily News:
“The Tehama County Tea Party Patriots began dialogue with water rights advocates during the group’s Tuesday night meeting.
More than 80 people edged onto folding chairs set up on the dance floor of the Red Bluff Grange Hall on Walnut Street, eager to share questions and concerns, after coffee and cookies.
The Patriots were ready to talk peacefully Tuesday evening, in contrast to a riled up group of individuals that stirred up conflict at a public meeting the week before.
Representatives of the group had made apologies to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday morning and through the Daily News’ opinion page about the actions of Tea Party affiliates from Redding and other towns at a water plan meeting Jan. 18. … “
Continue reading from the Tehama Daily News by clicking here.
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