Page 10 - Annual Report 2016

Dams
EVALUATE AND CHANGE
California’s rivers are among the most beautiful and diverse in the world. California is blessed with over 20,000 river miles that we value for shing, boating, hiking, and other recreational pursuits. Our rivers are also heavily tapped for uses such as hydropower, industrial and municipal use. Dams divert water, block sh passage and degrade downstream river conditions. Currently, CalTrout is involved in three high pro le dam projects across the state to improve river conditions while balancing the needs of sh and people.
SUCCESS
Klamath Dams
On the Klamath River, CalTrout is working with many stakeholders, including the Paci Corp dam owners, to remove four dams on the Klamath River. The aging dams produce a relatively small amount of power and block over 400 miles of steelhead and salmon spawning habitat. Paci Corp is currently in the process of transferring ownership of the dams to the Klamath River Renewal Corporation, a new entity with the sole purpose of removing the dams by 2020. As signatories to this agreement, CalTrout and conservation partners continue to work with all stakeholders to see this project through.
OPPORTUNITY
Matilija Dam, Ventura River
In Southern California, CalTrout has advocated for the removal of Matilija Dam on the Ventura River. Completed in 1948, the dam has had two disastrous impacts. The Southern California steelhead population, estimated at 5,000 sh in 1940, immediately collapsed starting with a massive sh kill in 1949. Secondly, the dam trapped sediment and starved local beaches, drawing the ire of surfers and beachgoers and degrading coastal ecosystems. Today, the dam is completely silted in and does nothing for ood control or water supply. The decision to remove the dam has been made. CalTrout, the Surfrider Foundation and Patagonia have taken a key role in developing comprehensive dam removal grant proposals and identifying needed funding to complete the project.
OPPORTUNITY
Potter Valley Project, Eel River
Steelhead and salmon populations in northern California’s Eel River watershed are negatively impacted by the impassable Scott Dam, part of PG&E’s Potter Valley Project. Current populations of coho, Chinook, and steelhead are estimated to be at 1 – 3% of their historic populations.
The Potter Valley Project relicensing process is set to of cially begin in April 2017. As part of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) relicensing process, it will be important to understand the impacts of the Potter Valley Project on salmonids and the potential options for providing upstream passage and improving downstream ows in the upper Eel River watershed.
9