Our Work

Understanding evidentiary hearings in water rights cases The term “evidentiary hearing” means different things in different legal venues. An evidentiary hearing in a criminal court is not the same as an evidentiary water rights hearing before the quasi-judicial body of the State Water Resources Control Board (the Board). An evidentiary hearing in a water rights…

The 2024/25 winter spawning run of Central California Coast coho salmon (CCC) in the lower Russian River watershed brought fruition to ongoing local salmon recovery efforts. The data collected this last winter reveals an impressive return of adult coho salmon in the lower Russian River watershed and reinforces the importance of the Russian River Coho…

by Angelina Cook The 42nd annual Salmonid Restoration Conference took place May 1 and 2 at the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, CA. The conference featured a wealth of information and broad diversity of perspectives. CSPA’s Angelina Cook co-presented with CalTrout’s Emily Maloney on developments at Battle Creek during the “dams-out” session. Angelina also joined CSPA’s…

In fall 2025, the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) will launch a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) program to collect data on the number and condition of fish in the Lower Mokelumne River. It is developing the program in partnership with Cramer Fish Sciences (CFS), a Portland, Oregon-based company.  Video footage of salmon mapped in…

Battle Creek – A restoration opportunity – Youtube

Bill if Passed Would Fast-Track Delta Tunnel and Eliminate Deadlines to Use Water On May 14, 2025, the Newsom Administration proposed two “trailer bills” in the State Legislature that would create special rules for the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and its State Water Project (SWP), eliminating requirements that all other water right holders…

CSPA is a party in numerous water rights hearings in California. Much of your donation to CSPA goes to staff time before and during hearings. It also pays legal fees for attorneys who appear in these hearings. CSPA staff work with the attorneys to develop arguments. CSPA staff also testify as witnesses in water rights…

On January 31, PG&E released its draft license surrender application and decommissioning plan for the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project in Mendocino and Lake counties. In the draft plan, PG&E proposes to remove Cape Horn Dam and the Scott Dam in Lake and Mendocino counties. Both dams are located on the Eel River.  The dams block…

By Cindy Charles & Chris Shutes On February 4, 2025, the California State Water Board issued Water Rights Order WR 2025-0002 settling longstanding disputes regarding the diversion of water from Stanshaw Creek, a tributary of the Klamath River in Siskiyou County.  The Order found waste of water, unreasonable use of water, and unreasonable method of…

Stockton, CA — In response to reports that Governor Gavin Newsom will meet with President Donald Trump and Republican leaders tomorrow, February 5, 2025, to discuss the Los Angeles fires and California’s water management, we urge the Governor to defend California’s people, environment, and laws in these discussions. The President’s recent executive orders (EOs) attempt…

For Immediate Release:  January 26, 2025  Contact:  Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, Restore the Delta, Barbara@RestoretheDelta.org; (209) 479-2053;  quoted parties available for interviews;  Dr. Jon Rosenfield, Science Director, SF Baykeeper, jon@baykeeper.org; (510) 684-4757  BREAKING: Trump Water Grab Threatens Public Health for Four  Million Residents in the Bay-Delta Region, California Tribes, Fishery  Economies, and So Cal Water Users: Has…

The California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) is looking for an administrative and policy associate. This is a part-time contract position starting at about 20 hours per week. Work will generally be remote at the contractor’s home. CSPA’s main place of business in is in Berkeley. CSPA, a 40-year-old non-profit organization, is a recognized leader in…

On November 26, 2024, the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance sued the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) over the “Incidental Take Permit” (ITP) for the operation of the State Water Project.  CSPA’s Verified Petition for Writ of Mandate and Complaint for Declarative and Injunctive Relief alleges…

On November 19, 2024, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a letter to PG&E about a major canal break and two canal blockages in 2023 at PG&E’s DeSabla-Centerville Hydroelectric Project on Butte Creek. The canal break had extremely damaging environmental effects. FERC’s letter called the canal break “preventable” and deemed it a violation of…

The Administrative Hearings Office (AHO) of the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) has released an amended notice of public hearing for the proposed Delta Conveyance Project, also known as the Delta tunnel. The hearing is scheduled to begin February 18, 2025. The hearing will address petitions by the Department of Water Resources (DWR)…