Mammoth Creek Flow/Habitat

Instream Flows to Support Healthy Fish

Mammoth Lakes Basin sits above and feeds the Upper Owens River. Mammoth Creek, which flows into Hot Creek, is a primary tributary to the Upper Owens. So, the health of Mammoth Creek is directly related to the health of Hot Creek and, in turn, the Upper Owens River system. After reaching a settlement agreement with CA DFW and the Mammoth Community Water District and with the approval of the Mammoth Creek EIR that ensures (among other things) adequate instream flows, CalTrout is now turning its attention to the implementation of the settlement agreement.

Conservation Goals

  • Enhance and protect fisheries in Mammoth Creek and Hot Creek.
  • Improve water conservation for the town of Mammoth Lakes.
  • Improve health of the Mammoth Lakes watershed.

Recent Accomplishments

  • Initiated the implementation of the Settlement Agreement, including the Mammoth Lakes Basin Fisheries Enhancement Fund to improve local fisheries.
  • Monitored groundwater extraction to ensure instream flows are not negatively impacted.
  • Communicated Settlement Agreement progress to stakeholders and the community.

What We Will Accomplish in 2014-15

  • Work with the Mammoth Community Water District and CA DFW to fully implement all terms of the settlement agreement.
  • Petition State Water Resources Control Board to designate the Mammoth Lakes Basin as fully appropriated, ensuring no more additional surface water will be diverted.
  • Initiate first annual Mammoth Creek Fisheries Enhancement Grant Program.
  • Ensure legally binding instream flows are achieved.
  • Review and monitor MCWD’s comprehensive water conservation program.
  • Monitor groundwater pumping to ensure over-exploitation of groundwater does not occur.

Key Partners: California Department of Fish & Game, Mammoth Community Water District, Natural Heritage Institute, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory, State Water Resources Control Board

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