Desperate to save plummeting water reserves in Lake Mendocino, a
Mendocino County water agency is lobbying the state to
dramatically reduce the amount that must be released downstream
into the Russian River for fish and people.
In the North Bay, protecting family farms is a popular cause. So
is maintaining natural habitat and open space. The battle over
Drakes Bay Oyster Co. is a product of a clash between those
values.
Caltrans officials said Monday they will halt nearly all work on
the Willits bypass while they try to get their permit for working
in wetlands reinstated.
It looks as if the last oyster may finally be shucked at the
Drakes Bay Oyster Co. by the end of December, judging by what
both sides in the long legal fight over the future of the farm
said in federal court Monday. Then again, maybe not.
From The Sacramento Bee, in a commentary by Susan Sward:
In the third-largest watershed in California, the Eel River
rambles through some of the state’s most stunning landscape.
…
In about three years, though, a federal commission will begin
reviewing an application by Pacific Gas & Electric Co. to
re-license its Potter Valley Project.
State water officials Tuesday will be considering new regulations
aimed at cracking down on people who have ignored orders to stop
diverting water from several California streams, including the
upper Russian River.
From the California Water Law Journal, in a post
by Paul
Stanton Kibel:
In California water law these days, there is increasing talk
about the reasonable use provisions of the California
Constitution and the California Water Code.
A state appeals court has restored the authority of California
water regulators to direct reductions in cold-weather sprays by
grape growers and other waterfront farmers along the Russian
River that have led to deaths of endangered species of salmon.
“Although pollen counts are about where they should be right now,
this year’s drought has denied North Coast residents the periodic
break from allergy attacks that spring rains usually provide.”
“U.S. Department of the Interior attorneys have filed a brief
opposing the Drakes Bay Oyster Co. fight to stay open by
appealing to the nation’s high court.”
“The deaths of hundreds of carp that are littering the shores of
Lake Mendocino remained a mystery on Wednesday but some clues
could emerge as soon as Thursday.”
“Forced by drought to take dramatic action, California officials
are poised to curtail rights to draw water from the Russian River
above Healdsburg for the first time anyone can recall.”
