CONSERVATION NEWS

MARCH, 2010

Judge Rejects Delay in Delta Pumping Restrictions

On February 10, 2010, U.S. District Judge Oliver W. Wanger rejected a request by west valley agricultural interests to delay a new set of water-pumping restrictions in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.  The ruling means one of five delta pumps operated by the federal government will be shut down.  The action is being taken to protect the delta smelt, a fish listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.  Representatives from the Westlands Water District stated they will seek another emergency order from Wagner.

U.S. Sen. Feinstein Bill to Reduce Endangered Species Act Protections

Senator Feinstein has stated her intention to submit an amendment to a jobs bill that would remove restrictions in water diversions for Endangered Species and increase Delta pumping to benefit farms in the San Joaquin Valley.  This proposal has generated strong reaction from concerned environmental groups and fellow Democrats.  For the past two years, the state, agriculture, and environmental groups have been working towards the development of a conservation plan for the Delta.  This coalition helped pass key water legislation last year and is studying plans for a canal, tunnel or other form of water conveyance for the Delta.  The plan is designed to reduce conflicts over fisheries while producing reliable water supplies for other uses.  Should Feinstein’s amendment pass, it could derail this effort, leading to continued conflicts over water usage.

Klamath River Restoration/Hydropower Agreement

On February 18, 2010, after 7 years of difficult work, the Klamath River Settlement agreements were signed. The agreement represents the largest dam removal project ever undertaken.  Though there remains on-going debate concerning the timing and ability of the agreements to achieve their goals, this action is regarded as a significant victory for fisheries and local communities.

Future Conservation Projects

Word from the Fish and Game is that they intend to focus their resources this year on the various wild trout programs.  While F&G staff’s are still reviewing the various programs, they expect to need volunteers to conduct field and office work.  I will be “soliciting” for volunteers at the March meeting or you can contact me at cr8smith@gmail.com.