Just finished a deep scan of the 293 page California Draft Recovery Plan for Chinook salmon and Central Valley steelhead (9MB’s PDF), and I’ll admit to being a bit disappointed. Not so much the scope and cost as their reliance on dam modifications for the existing pristine – versus recovery of any ancestral haunts.
The Central Valley ends at Thomes Creek (near Anderson, CA) and doesn’t start until Sacramento and the American River – with everything on the west side written off as dead water.
It would have been great to see some of the local watersheds reborn. There’s still a salmon run in Putah Creek during wet years, and if they can survive it suggests that a steelhead or two may wander upriver as well.
In summary, it appears easier to build a peripheral canal and appeal to the benevolence of the Feds than it is to strike a balance with agribusiness and attempt consensus on the reallocation sacred cow.
Disappointment stems from the cost, 10 Billion – which will prove woefully inadequate in light of the required time, nearly 50 years. While recent economic upheaval has broached the trillion word and takes the fear out of mere billions, none of us will be around to enjoy any resurgence in gamefish or will be able to wade after the sparkling horde that may result.
Tags: California Draft Recovery Plan for Salmon, Thomes Creek, Putah Creek, California steelhead, peripheral canal, water reallocation
Stream restoration would solicit volunteerism from all corners of society. It would serve employment goals and the education of students at every level. Several masters degree programs could benefit not to forget the Army Corps. of Engineers. All these possibilities are rendered moribund by deadlocked politics.
Under that restraint, your state purchase order represents movement on all state issues in the absence of leadership. Thus the dam modifications.
The republican view: stream restoration is another example of democratic tax and spend policy. A clear expansion of government.
Your high social cause must be trampled by the protection of agribusiness. Better dams promise water.
These pieces really put a bur under my saddle! I get the same thing back here with the BS on Stripers. No one wants to do anything because: it might offend.It might cost to much. Someone else might be out of work. It’s not really happening.
Mean while, the young of the year have dwindled for years. It may be a repeat of the last crash. It probably will be worst. Can we spell extinction?
There’s MY soapbox again.