Climate change is increasing the pressure on California’s water resources, posing concerns for the health of our communities, fish, and wildlife. With extreme weather increasing due to climate change, proactive measures are needed to ensure the sustainability of water supplies and recover native salmon populations. Last year, Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) introduced a pivotal piece of legislation to enhance drought preparedness and climate resiliency for North Coast watersheds. Supported by a coalition of organizations and Tribal Nations, and co-sponsored by CalTrout, AB 1272 promises a better future for North Coast communities and the iconic species that live there.
North Coast communities are deeply connected to salmon populations and rivers. Declining salmon numbers due to severe droughts and water management challenges have led to the closure of salmon fishing in 2023 and again this year. Drought and climate change also threaten the sustainability of our water sources for both people and agriculture – jeopardizing the California economy and way of life.
Developing policies for water use in coastal watersheds during shortages and creating dry-year water management plans at the watershed level is necessary to create tailored drought response measures and inform future investments in watershed health and water supply reliability.
If signed into law, AB 1272, will direct the State Water Resources Control Board and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to develop comprehensive guidelines for water use during shortages. This holistic bill focuses on proactive planning to manage water resources during drought conditions, maintaining essential water supplies for communities, and protecting the health of rivers and wild fish populations. AB 1272 also aligns with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future, which outlines critical actions to support salmon recovery and maintain healthy fish populations and with California’s Water Action Plan.
AB 1272 has garnered robust support from organizations like CalTrout’s Salmon and Steelhead Coalition partners at The Nature Conservancy and Trout Unlimited, and the Karuk and Yurok Tribes. Having passed both houses of the legislature without opposition, advocates are now urging Governor Newsom to sign the bill into law once it reaches his desk. Implementing AB 1272 is essential for the protection and recovery of California’s coastal watersheds, ensuring they can meet the needs of both people and nature.
Join us in urging Governor Newsom to support AB 1272 and secure a climate-resilient future for California. Together, we can make a difference for our communities, our ecosystems, and our iconic salmon populations – ensuring resilience for generations to come.
