A daily compilation of significant news articles and comment
July 27, 2007
3. Watersheds
SACRAMENTO RIVER RESTORATION:
Sacramento River a winner in House bill; Farm plan includes funds for improving water management - Sacramento Bee
KLAMATH ISSUES:
Biologists: Klamath Fish Still Need Help - Associated Press
DELTA ISSUES:
Guest Column: The quandary of fixing the broken Delta will only happen if competing interests compromise - Tracy Press
Letters to the Editor:
Letters to the Editor: Delta water serves north and south - Modesto Bee
Letters to the Editor: Bay Area relies heavily on Delta for drinking water - Modesto Bee
Letters to the Editor: System was only temporary - Modesto Bee
Salton Sea Fish Kill "In the Millions" - KESQ Channel 3 (
YOLO BYPASS:
For the birds (and cattle): Plan opens door for new habitat, public access to thousands of acres -
SACRAMENTO RIVER RESTORATION:
Sacramento River a winner in House bill; Farm plan includes funds for improving water management
Sacramento
By David Whitney, staff writer
Matsui called the development "an important first step in addressing immediate and long-term conservation and water management challenges that face our region."
The Sacramento Democrat has been working most of the year on finding a way to boost conservation efforts on the
But most of the watershed is in Herger's district, and the Marysville Republican had objected to several of Matsui's earlier drafts of legislation, fearing they would lead to new levels of government interference with farm operations.
Those differences were bridged late Wednesday when leaders of the House Agriculture Committee released new farm legislation that includes the
The program would receive $300 million a year over five years, with no more than half available for the priority areas, which also consist of the Klamath River, the Everglades, Chesapeake Bay and the upper
Inclusion of the
At one point, Matsui had sought as much as $105 million. But she said the provision will set the stage for future decisions.
"We have created a real opportunity in the farm bill to bring the region together to speak with one voice," Matsui said. "I look forward to building upon this designation and funding."
Darin Thacker, Herger's spokesman, said the congressman is pleased with the
Thacker said the provision also had the backing of the California Farm Bureau, cattlemen and rice growers, and the Family Water Alliance.
Debate on the farm bill started Thursday evening and was expected to continue today.
The legislation would authorize $286 billion over five years for farm programs, most of it for crop subsidies. President Bush has threatened to veto the legislation, saying it falls short in reforming costly subsidies to wealthy farmers.
The regional water enhancement program is not among the controversial parts of the bill. The program was first suggested by the White House in its submission of farm legislation, although the House version names the priority projects and would spend nearly twice as much as the $175 million the administration proposed.
The program, although vaguely worded in the legislation, envisions broad partnerships to identify watershed improvements that will keep the maximum amount of farmland in production, capture runoff and address other mutual concerns of participants.
In a speech on the House floor, Matsui said she wants to work with farmers to form a coordinating committee to develop a regional consensus on conservation for the watershed. #
http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/294640.html
KLAMATH ISSUES:
Biologists: Klamath Fish Still Need Help
Associated Press – 7/26/07
By Jeff Barnard, Associated Press
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Thursday the review by a panel of biologists found that one species in the upper basin, the short nosed sucker, is still at risk of extinction and should remain protected under the Endangered Species Act.
The
A panel of 12 scientists representing government agencies and interest groups reviewed various sources of information about the fish and made the recommendations to the fish and wildlife service.
The review was prompted by a petition from a group called Interactive Citizens United to take the fish off the endangered species list. There is no specific timetable for when the agency might act on the recommendations, spokeswoman Alex Pitts said from
Joe Kirk is chairman of the Klamath Tribes, whose members once caught and preserved the fish for winter fare. The tribes hold an annual ceremony honoring the fish, once a staple for them.
Kirk said the fish and wildlife service was correct to keep legal protections for the fish in place.
"We have not seen significant recovery of any fisheries," he said in statement. "In fact, it should have continued both species as endangered."
The
One of the leading threats to the fish now is poor water quality, which is not likely to improve any time soon, the review found. It is not clear why one fish is doing better than the other.
Greg Addington of the Klamath Water Users Association, which represents farmers, said the improved condition of Lost River suckers showed that habitat restoration was paying off, but more work needs to be done with federal agencies and the Klamath Tribes to find lasting solutions.
Court battles over how to divide scarce water between farms and fish continue.
But farmers, Indian tribes, conservation groups and
The suckers were protected as an endangered species in 1988 after their numbers plummeted from loss of habitat from draining lakes and marshes to create farmland, and to overfishing.
That protected status led the federal government to shut off irrigation water to most of the 1,400 farms of the Klamath Reclamation Project in 2001 to ensure enough water for the suckers in
The move was also meant to help the threatened coho salmon in the
A U.S. House panel holds a hearing next Tuesday to look at what role Vice President Dick Cheney played in a decision to restore irrigation, which was followed by the deaths of some 70,000 salmon in the Klamath River in 2002 due to low water levels.
Pitts said that since 2001, the federal government has been spending about $85 million a year on various fish habitat and water conservation projects in the basin. #
DELTA ISSUES:
Guest Column: The quandary of fixing the broken Delta will only happen if competing interests compromise
Tracy Press – 7/26/07
By Jon Mendelson, copy editor for the Tracy Press
After being out of the state for more than a week, I returned to find that the Delta — the heart of
Most have been well-publicized: We know that the Delta smelt and other native species are rapidly declining. A lack of water flow in the river, giant pumps that collect water for export, invasive species and toxic runoff from farm outfits are all possible culprits.
We also know that there’s just not enough of the Delta to go around. The
When the rainy season hits, the levees that keep rivers from flooding homes and businesses are in such poor repair that it’s an annual event to guess which will hold and which will break. Many cities, counties and developers make matters worse by continuing to build in natural flood zones.
To top it all off, the state released a study this week that confirms what most casual observers already figured out: pollution in the Delta is a serious problem.
Just as there’s a laundry list of Delta problems, there’s no lack of competing interests that make finding a solution difficult.
Environmentalists want to restore the river to a more natural, healthy state — one in which flows from the headwaters actually reach
Farmers, meanwhile, are arguing for more reliable water delivery, which means that the pumps will stay on and that the
Recipients of Delta water in Southern California, including the teeming millions in the
For those with a Delta river or slough as a neighbor, levee strength and flood control is the priority.
With all that, what is a state to do?
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger suggests spending $5.9 billion as a cure-all remedy, including expanding surface storage, restoring habitat, maintaining levees and building the controversial peripheral canal that was soundly defeated by voters in 1982.
It’s good to see the governor offer a solution, even if it’s short on money and long on promises. But to create a plan that will make the Delta healthy again, some serious compromises need to be made.
Environmentalists no doubt would challenge plans to build new reservoirs or expand existing ones and will continue to protect local endangered species through litigation. But they must also realize that with
Farmers, while defending their obvious need for water to grow our food, can’t ignore the fact that their operations seriously degrade the amount and quality of water flowing through the Delta.
Ever-expanding
Local governments will have to learn to say no and provide other construction options to developers who want to build subdivisions in the shadow of crumbling levees.
And all of us who depend on the Delta — urban or rural, SoCal or NorCal, human or not — will have to learn to give as well as take.
While progress is being made — water consumption has decreased since the 1970s, responsible construction is gaining ground and farmers are more vigilant about what they release — there’s still a long way to go.
The problems facing the Delta are probably too complex to be solved by any single plan on the table. One thing, though, is certain: everyone can agree the Delta needs fixing, but it will never be done unless the competing interests learn to compromise. #
http://tracypress.com/content/view/10363/2244/
Letters to the Editor:
By Lester Snow, Director, Department of Water Resources
The Bee rightly supports more water storage as a vital part of Gov. Schwarzenegger's water plan for
The delta lies at the heart of
Gov. Schwarzenegger has directed a Delta Vision process to come up with a long-term plan for this important natural resource. Those recommendations, due by the end of this year, will outline strategies to restore the delta's delicate ecosystem and provide safe, reliable water supplies to our state.
While not a feature in the governor's $5.9 billion comprehensive water plan, an improved conveyance system can help meet delta needs and fits consistently into the water plan's goals of delta sustainability and reliable water for our growing state. #
http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/story/13826882p-14402322c.html
Letters to the Editor: Delta water serves north and south
By Laura King-Moon, State Water Contractors
On behalf of 27 public water agencies in Northern, Central and Southern California who serve 25 million people and irrigate 750,000 acres, I am concerned with some misrepresentations in your editorial "Need for two new dams surpasses fear of canal" (July 19). Our statewide water infrastructure is failing and the Bay-Delta is in crisis now. Immediate action is necessary to save the Delta ecosystem and protect our water supply.
First, the editorial implied more water would be exported from the Delta if a new conveyance facility is built to move water around the broken system, rather than through it. However, under binding permits no more water can be moved out of the Delta than is already allowed by law.
Second, the editorial notes Southern California receives water delivered through the Delta and will benefit from a new facility, but coincidentally doesn't mention that Northern California and the Bay Area also get water delivered through the Delta.
This is a new day and our state leaders have major new challenges to contend with as they explore potential Delta solutions.
Communicating misinformation or dredging up inflammatory arguments from the past will only worsen the crisis, ultimately putting our water supply and environment at risk. #
http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/story/24634.html
Letters to the Editor: Bay Area relies heavily on Delta for drinking water
By Paul Piraino, General Manger, Alameda County Water District, Stan Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Santa Clara Valley Water District, and G. F. Duering, General Manager, Zone 7 Water Agency
Regarding "Need for two new dams surpasses fears of canal," (July 19, Page B-6): Too often, the fight over Delta water gets characterized as Northern California vs. Southern California as if only Southern Californians rely on Delta water. In reality, much of the Bay Area relies significantly on the Delta for its drinking-water supplies.
Nearly 3 million people in five Bay Area counties rely on Delta water-for drinking water as well as for a healthy ecosystem, economic stability, agricultural operations, and quality of life.
Santa Clara Valley Water District, Alameda County Water District and Zone 7 Water Agency seek supply reliability for our existing water allocations in order to protect the health, safety and economic stability of our communities. We are working with other Delta interests to develop a long-term vision to protect Bay Area water supplies and the Delta ecosystem, and to ensure that all alternatives are explored.
We clearly need solutions soon to protect both the Delta's water supplies and its ecosystem. As discussions continue about how to deal with water needs in
http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/story/24646.html
Letters to the Editor: System was only temporary
By Randy Fiorini, president, Association of California Water Agencies
Your editorial correctly stated that more surface water storage is needed to meet current and future water demands. But your characterization of proposed conveyance improvements missed the mark.
Improved conveyance is not about taking more water from the delta. It's about fixing a system that was never designed to be a permanent water transfer facility. The current system doesn't work for people, and it certainly doesn't work for fish.
Changing the way we move water so we can protect water supplies and restore the environment is a win-win. Whether it's a canal or some other approach that offers the best solution will become clearer later this year when the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force issues its conclusions.
The fact is we need storage and conveyance improvements if our system is to have the flexibility to deliver water while allowing the delta to return to more natural conditions.
Unless the current delta conveyance system is fixed, all the additional storage in the world won't solve our problems. We can't afford Band-Aid approaches anymore. We need a comprehensive solution that includes storage, conveyance and expanded water conservation. #
http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/story/24338.html
KESQ Channel 3 (
By Brittney Hopper
Fish die-offs seem to happen every year at the
Officials estimate about 200 million tilapia have died this year in the
They say fish die offs occur at the lake every summer because of natural biological and chemical reactions that sap oxygen from the water during July heat waves.
Salton Sea Authority project manager Dan Cain says it's too early to tell how many tilapia have died.
"When we have die offs and a few million of fish die, it's nothing compared to the population of fish out there," says Salton Sea Park Ranger Gary Lyons.
It's already a forgone conclusion for visitors to the
"We came here to go swimming," says one visitor. "But we didn't want to because we saw all of the dead fish."
Several volunteers try to do their part to control the piles of dead fish by cleaning the sea.
Officials say this is the worst time of year because it's so hot outside. But come fall, winter, and spring, many people recreate along the sea. #
http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=6832329&Call=Email&Format=HTML
YOLO BYPASS:
For the birds (and cattle): Plan opens door for new habitat, public access to thousands of acres
By Cory Golden, staff writer
A new land management plan may open the way for increased habitat restoration and public access to the Vic Fazio Yolo Wildlife Area.
When the California Department of Fish and Game purchased 13,062 additional acres for $16 million, officials made assurances that the state would not greatly alter farm and ranchland until such a plan had been crafted.
Under the plan released Tuesday, most of that land likely will remain in agriculture.
The greatest change for visitors may someday be better access to much of that land purchased in 2001, including the 10,000-acre Tule Ranch, with its vernal pools, wildflowers and native grasses.
Until now, the property has been open only for guided tours.
“There's a lot of beautiful country down there that people are going to be excited about seeing,” said Robin Kulakow, executive director of the Yolo Basin Foundation. “It's a chance to imagine what old California may have been like, to do things like show people a field of purple needlegrass that's never been plowed.”
The management plan:
- Details a history of the 16,700 total acres and the farming, restoration and educational efforts made there;
- Describes the extensive agreements between governmental agencies that allowed Wildlife Area's creation and guide its use;
- Addresses flood control - still the chief purpose of the Yolo Bypass, an overflow area for the Sacramento and American rivers - mosquito abatement and still-developing research about mercury generation by wetlands;
- Catalogs wildlife - including 200 birds species - and plants;
- Underscores the integral role of farming and ranching; and
- Lays out a grocery list of goals, allowing for more restoration, public access and educational programs.
The dictionary-sized document took more than a year to finish, at a cost of $200,000.
It was pieced together by the environmental consulting firm EDAW with Fish and Game, which operates the Wildlife Area; the nonprofit Yolo Basin Foundation, which helped establish the area and now provides its educational programs; and hydrology consultants Philip Williams and Associates.
Wildlife area manager Dave Feliz said that, with regular updates, the plan should guide land-use decisions well into the future.
Commuters crossing the Yolo Causeway are unlikely to see dramatic changes in the mosaic of wetlands, farming and ranching. Instead, Feliz said, “it's more of a philosophical shift.”
“In the past we were maintaining an existing ag operation and learning how to use that to achieve our habitat goals,” he said. “Now we'll apply what we've learned. We won't be growing crops for the income - though that definitely benefits us - but for activities geared toward habitat goals.”
For the public, the plan may lead to:
- An expanded driving route through the area and possibly a new southern driving loop;
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- More and better fishing access;
- More educational and volunteer opportunities; and
- New walking trails.
New possibilities
Feliz said the property purchased in 2001, which also holds wetlands managed privately for a century and a decades-old barn, can provide history lessons. The land's past includes Native American culture, market hunters who brought game birds to the region's cities and decoy carvers, as well as farming and ranching.
The plan opens up other possibilities for public access. Feliz said it doesn't call for bike paths, for example, but he would welcome a linking to a regional trail system with a ground-level bike path alongside Interstate 80.
New partnerships with neighbors Davis and
To the west, Feliz imagines a restored Putah Creek corridor from city of
Planning also continues for the proposed
The amount of acreage dedicated to permanent wetlands likely will increase, however, the focus will remain on “seasonal wetlands for seasonal birds.”
Feliz said seasonal wetlands are more easily maintained for flood protection; more compatible with other water users, because the Wildlife Area pumps most of its water when farmers aren't; and allows the mosquito-control agency to treat for larvae just after an area is flooded, rather than battle multiple generations of the bugs. Seasonal wetlands also better mirror the valley before development.
Money's an issue
All of the plan's new goals will require more money and staff.
When the Wildlife Area suddenly increased more than fivefold, its staff didn't. Fish and Game continues to operate it with four full-time employees.
To complete the entire list of goals would require adding an estimated 14 1/2 permanent staff members with a total salary of about $800,000. That figure does not include temporary workers, equipment or additional office space.
The Wildlife Area's funding comes from cigarette taxes, environmental license plates, farm leases and an excise tax on firearms and ammunition. Its current annual budget, not including grant money, is about $200,000 for all salaries, $600,000 for all other costs.
While some may have imagined the land returning only to wetlands when the state bought the land, Feliz said Fish and Game has come to better appreciate the value of farming and ranching.
“We would never eliminate agriculture because, frankly, it's the best way of achieving our goals,” he said.
Land use changes from year to year, based on flooding. Some 9,000 acres are now being grazed, with about 1,500 acres planted with rice, 500 with organic tomatoes and 200 with corn. The rest is habitat.
Agriculture meshes well with flood control, Feliz said, and plays a key role in attracting birds and other wildlife.
Rice fields are left fallow on a rotating basis, with water provided for shorebirds during off years.
The plan calls for maintaining existing ag leases, which are managed by the Dixon Resource Conservation District. They generate about $300,000 a year - an amount that has in the past proved key in the face of state budget cuts.
The four tenant farmers are also an important resource, Feliz said.
“They have knowledge about things like how water is moved around this place. They're very skilled at what they do,” he said. “And, truth be told, it helps us with our personnel shortage.”
Feliz said a lack of available funding and man hours hindered completing the plan sooner. The good news: the extra time allowed for a better understanding of the land's resources and how they could best be cared for, he said.
The final plan also relies on contributions from the Yolo Bypass Working Group. It includes government agencies, landowners, farmers, hunters and others with a direct interest in the bypass. Public meetings on a variety of topics were also held.
“One of the things that's most exciting to me is how (the management plan) achieves a balance of compatible uses,” said project manager Chris Fitzer of EDAW, the consulting firm. “This is land that's hugely important for flood control and is important because of its diverse habitat. It has agriculture and it has appropriate public uses, like hunting, bird viewing and education.”
The plan's lessons are already being put to use - in
EDAW asked permission to use portions of it in a new book on wetland restoration created with the Chinese government.
Kulakow of the Yolo Basin Foundation said the plan surely will be a guide for others, too.
“I find it an inspirational model for what land management needs to be in the future, with agriculture, habitat, public access and flood control all working together,” she said. #
http://www.davisenterprise.com/articles/2007/07/26/news/161new0.txt
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