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DFG Caves Yet Again; Capitulates on Striped Bass Protection
On 17 March 2011, U.S. District Court Judge Oliver Wanger approved a settlement agreement between the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and the Coalition for a Sustainable Delta regarding the Coalition’s lawsuit over DFGs striped bass fishing regulations. The Coalition, a group of water agencies attempting to deflect attention away from the export…
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State Water Board Declares: “No Water Shortage.” Issues New Water Rights.
As farmers and cities complain about receiving fractions of their contracted water deliveries and Central Valley fisheries collapse from lack of flow, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) has declared there is ample water to supply new applicants. Following a 1 March 2011 hearing on a proposed permit, the State Board issued new…
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CSPA Submits Comments on the Latest Water Transfer Scheme
On 28 February 2011, the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance joined with AquAlliance and the California Water Impact Network in submitting scoping comments for the Environmental Impact Report/Statement (EIR/EIS) of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s proposed long-term water transfer program. The Bureau and the San Luis/Delta Mendota Water Authority are the lead agencies for the ten-year…
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Salmon Returns a Mixed Bag
In February, the California Department of Fish and Game released its Grand Tab (linked below) of Chinook salmon escapement in the Central Valley. Central Valley fall-run Chinook salmon returns increased this past year; aided by improved ocean conditions, export pumping restrictions and a trucking program that transports juvenile salmon around poor in-river and Delta conditions. …
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State Board Proceeding on San Joaquin River Flows
On 8 February 2011, CSPA, California Water Impact Network and AquAlliance joined in submitting extensive additional information and comments concerning the State Water Resources Control Board’s continuing review and expected revision of San Joaquin River flow and South Delta salinity objectives associated with the Bay-Delta Water Quality Control Plan.
