DOCSLIB.ORG

Assessment of Aquatic Conditions in the Mendocino Coast Hydrologic Unit

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Assessment of Aquatic Conditions in the Mendocino Coast Hydrologic Unit California Regional Water Quality Control Board North Coast Region Assessment of Aquatic Conditions in the Mendocino Coast Hydrologic Unit September 7, 2001 Table of Contents Assessment of Aquatic Conditions in the Mendocino Coast Hydrologic Unit ______________________________________________________________________________ CHAPTER 1 — INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................... 1 1.1 Purpose ...................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Total Maximum Daily Loads...................................................................................... 1 1.3 Mendocino Coast Hydrologic Unit ............................................................................. 2 1.4 Assessment of Aquatic Conditions ............................................................................. 3 CHAPTER 2 — PACIFIC SALMON LIFE CYCLE AND HABITAT REQUIREMENTS....... 5 2.1 Introduction................................................................................................................ 5 2.2 Status of California Salmonids.................................................................................... 6 2.3 Salmonid Life Cycle Requirements .............................................................................9 CHAPTER 3 — REFERENCE WATERSHED: SUMMARY OF CASPAR CREEK STUDIES...........................................................................................................................25 3.1 Introduction...............................................................................................................26 3.2 General Setting..........................................................................................................26 3.3 Logging History .......................................................................................................29 3.4 Salmonid Populations................................................................................................31 3.5 Salmonid Habitat and Food .......................................................................................37 3.6 Analysis of Sediment Sources....................................................................................44 3.7 Large Woody Debris .................................................................................................50 3.8 Conclusions...............................................................................................................52 CHAPTER 4 — TEN MILE RIVER WATERSHED ..............................................................55 4.0 Brief Conclusions......................................................................................................56 4.1 General Background .................................................................................................57 4.2 Salmonid Distribution and Abundance ......................................................................58 4.3 Aquatic Habitat ........................................................................................................82 4.4 Synthesis ................................................................................................................106 4.5 Conclusions and Recommendations ........................................................................121 CHAPTER 5 —BIG RIVER WATERSHED ........................................................................125 5.0 Brief Conclusions....................................................................................................126 5.1 General Background................................................................................................127 5.2 Salmonid Distribution and Abundance.....................................................................130 5.3 Habitat ....................................................................................................................142 5.4 Summary and Synthesis...........................................................................................172 5.5 Conclusions and Recommendations.........................................................................178 CHAPTER 6—ALBION RIVER WATERSHED .................................................................181 6.0 Brief Conclusions....................................................................................................182 6.1 General Background................................................................................................183 6.2 Salmonid Distribution and Abundance.....................................................................185 6.3 Aquatic Habitat .......................................................................................................193 6.4 Synthesis .................................................................................................................218 6.5 Conclusions and Recommendations.........................................................................219 CHAPTER 7 — GUALALA RIVER WATERSHED ...........................................................223 7.0 Brief Conclusions....................................................................................................224 7.1 General Background................................................................................................225 7.2 Salmonid Distribution and Abundance.....................................................................230 7.3 Aquatic Habitat .......................................................................................................243 7.4 Conclusions.............................................................................................................261 REFERENCES......................................................................................................................265 MAPS ........................................................................................................................................ Map 1.1..............................................................................Mendocino Coast Hydraulic Unit Map 3.1.............................................................................................................Caspar Creek Map 4.1..................................................................................Ten Mile River Subwatersheds Map 4.2................................................................ Geology of the Ten Mile River Watershed Map 4.3................................................................. Rainfall in the Ten Mile River Watershed Map 4.4.............................................................Vegetation of the Ten Mile River Watershed Map 4.5..................................Ten Mile River Watershed Electrofishing Sampling Locations Map 4.6............................................Ten Mile River Watershed McNeil Sampling Locations Map 4.7....................................Ten Mile River Watershed Temperature Sampling Locations Map 4.8.................................................. Ten Mile River Watershed Habitat Survey Reaches Map 5.1.......................................................................................... Big River Subwatersheds Map 5.2.........................................................................Geology of the Big River Watershed Map 5.3...................................................................Precipitation in the Big River Watershed Map 5.4..................................................................... Vegetation of the Big River Watershed Map 5.5........... Jackson Demo. State Forest Location in Relation to the Big River Watershed Map 6.1..................................................................................... Albion River Subwatersheds Map 6.2................. Geology of the Albion River, Little River and Salmon Creek Watersheds Map 6.3...........Precipitation in the Albion River, Little River and Salmon Creek Watersheds Map 6.4..............Vegetation of the Albion River, Little River and Salmon Creek Watersheds Map 7.1....................................................................................Gualala River Subwatersheds Map 7.2...................................................................Geology of the Gualala River Watershed Map 7.3............................................................ Precipitation in the Gualala River Watershed Map 7.4...............................................................Vegetation of the Gualala River Watershed Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1 PURPOSE 1.2 TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOADS 1.3 MENDOCINO COAST HYDROLOGIC UNIT 1.4 ASSESSMENT OF AQUATIC CONDITIONS LIST OF TABLES Table 1.1 TMDL Schedule for Mendocino Coast Watersheds 1.1 PURPOSE The Assessment of Aquatic Conditions in the Mendocino Coast Hydrologic Unit provides an analysis of existing instream data in the Ten Mile River, Big River, Albion River and Gualala River watersheds. The Assessment is intended for use in the development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (“TMDLs”) for these watersheds, specifically the problem statements and numeric targets. It is intended also to inform the implementation of the TMDLs once they are approved. Similar analyses have already been conducted in the Garcia River, Noyo River and Navarro River watersheds. An assessment of the aquatic conditions in these watersheds can be found in the Garcia River Watershed Water Quality Attainment Strategy for Sediment (Mangelsdorf and Lundborg 1997), the Noyo River Watershed Total Maximum Daily Load for Sediment (CWQCB
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Our Trails Please Visit: Or Call (707) 962-0470
    Leggett Peter Douglas Trail d a o R l HWY 1 a s U South Fork Eel River Eel Fork South D B ROA RANSCOMB South Fork Eel River Westport Wages Creek k h For Ten rt Mile No Ri ver Newport Trail Seaside Beach Mid dle F ork Ten Mile R Ten Mile River iver HWY 1 So uth Fo rk Ten Mile River Cleone F ORT BR AGG SHERWOOD ROAD eek Pudding Cr Fort Bragg Noyo River Noyo Harbor Viewpoint Hare Creek Beach Hare Creek Belinda Point Trail HWY 20 Caspar Caspar Uplands Caspar Creek ROAD 409 Trail HWY 1 Big River LITTLE LAKE ROAD Mendocino Mendocino Bay Viewpoint rk Albion th Fo River Little River Nor Little River Little River COMPTCHE-UKIAH Blowhole Trail ROAD Comptche Albion River Trailheads Dark Gulch Trail Towns Albion F L Y 0 5 N Navarro Blufflands Trail N C Navarro Point R E E 1 2 3 4 Navarro River K R Scale (miles) O A HWY 128 D Peg & John er Frankel Trail Riv rro rth Fork Nava PH No ILO -GREEN WO OD Elk RO AD Coastal Trails from north to south Peter Douglas Trail: 2.3-mile addition to the beautiful Lost Coast Trail. Look for milepost 90.7 on Highway 1 and Usal Rd. Start hiking near Usal campground at Sinkyone State park, or mile marker 4.5 on Usal Rd. Newport Trail: 1.25-mile segment of the California Coastal Trail for bikes and pedestrians. Trail is parallel to Highway 1 between mileposts 72.15 and 73.55.
    [Show full text]
  • NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS
    NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS OCTOBER 2005 HISTORICAL OCCURRENCE OF COHO SALMON IN STREAMS OF THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA COAST COHO SALMON EVOLUTIONARILY SIGNIFICANT UNIT Brian C. Spence Scott L. Harris Weldon E. Jones Matthew N. Goslin Aditya Agrawal Ethan Mora NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-383 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Fisheries Science Center NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), organized in 1970, has evolved into an agency which establishes national policies and manages and conserves our oceanic, coastal, and atmospheric resources. An organizational element within NOAA, the Office of Fisheries is responsible for fisheries policy and the direction of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). In addition to its formal publications, the NMFS uses the NOAA Technical Memorandum series to issue informal scientific and technical publications when complete formal review and editorial processing are not appropriate or feasible. Documents within this series, however, reflect sound professional work and may be referenced in the formal scientific and technical literature. Disclaimer of endorsement: Reference to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed in this document do not necessarily state or reflect those of NOAA or the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS This TM series is used for documentation and timely communication of preliminary results, interim reports, or special purpose information.
    [Show full text]
  • Albion River Park Mendocino County, California Proudly Offered By
    Albion River Park Mendocino County, California Proudly Offered By 707 Merchant Street, Suite 100, Vacaville, Ca 95688 (707) 455-4444 Office (707) 455-0455 Fax [email protected] BRE #01838294 Introduction The 48 +/- acre RV/Trailer Park is located in Albion, Mendocino County about 6 miles south of the historic village of Mendocino. The scenic drive through the redwoods and wine country takes about three hours from the San Francisco Bay Area. Albion is a quiet little town between Elk and Mendocino. It was started in 1853 as a sawmill town and is still a pretty little town overlooking the Albion River. The property can be run as an eco-tourism site, educational village, RV/Trailer Park or a great family compound. 2 Size and Description The ranch consists of two parcels, 32 acres and 16 acres, APN# 123-060-14, APN# 123-060-10 for a total of 48 +/- acres. The property is zoned fishing village. The property sits at the mouth of the Albion River and goes up the river for over 3700 feet. The property varies from flat grassy parking spots along the river to steep hillsides covered with Redwood, Firs, Hemlock, Oak, Madrone and Eucalyptus. The property is known as Schooner Landing Park. There is a concrete boat ramp and docks to handle the fisherman, abalone divers and explorers. The property comes with three rental houses along the river and an owner’s home on top of the ridge. 3 The Property This is a rare opportunity to own 48 +/- acres on the Albion River. This tidal influenced river is one of the few navigable rivers in the state.
    [Show full text]
  • Appendix Z Coho Recovery Strategies
    Appendix Z Coho Recovery Strategies Contents Z. COHO RECOVERY STRATEGIES Z-1 Z.1 Selecting Coho Core Watersheds for Road Restoration Z-1 Z.1.1 Locations selected as coho core areas Z-1 Z.1.2 Locations excluded as coho core areas Z-4 Z.2 Watershed Recommendations for South Fork Eel River Z-7 Z.3 Watershed Recommendations for the Mendocino Coast Z-8 List of Tables Table Z-1 MRC Coho Core Areas Z-1 Table Z-2 Non Coho Core Areas Z-4 Table Z-3 Laytonville HSA Z-8 Table Z-4 Mendocino Coast HU Z-8 Table Z-5 Albion River HSA Z-11 Table Z-6 Big River HSA Z-12 Table Z-7 Garcia River HSA Z-12 Table Z-8 Navarro River HSA Z-13 i Mendocino Redwood Company HCP/NCCP Z. COHO RECOVERY STRATEGIES Z.1 Selecting Coho Core Watersheds for Road Restoration According to estimates, only 1% of wild populations of native coho salmon remain in California streams. In February 2004, the California Fish and Game Commission voted to encompass coho salmon populations north of San Francisco under CESA. Coho populations south of San Francisco were listed under CESA in the mid 1990s. The federal ESA had listed all coho populations in California since the mid 1990s as well. Accompanying the State listing was a coho recovery strategy. Informing the strategy were discussions of local landowners, tribes, fishing interests, environmental groups, and agency staff. Some of the plan recommendations directly address the adverse impacts on coho from logging practices.
    [Show full text]
  • "Albion River Total Maximum Daily Load for Sediment (Report
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region IX Albion River Total Maximum Daily Load for Sediment December, 2001 Approved by: ____________________ ____________ Alexis Strauss Date Director, Water Division Table of Contents List of Figures .................................................................... ii List of Tables .................................................................... ii CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ..................................................... 1 1.1.Information Sources ......................................................... 1 1.2.Watershed Characteristics ..................................................... 2 1.3.Endangered Species Act Consultation ............................................ 3 1.4.Organization ............................................................... 4 CHAPTER 2: PROBLEM STATEMENT ............................................... 5 2.1.Water Quality Standards ...................................................... 5 2.2.Decline of Salmon and Steelhead ................................................ 6 2.3.Fishery Information Specific to the Albion River Watershed ............................ 7 2.4.Salmonid Life Cycle and Habitat Requirements ..................................... 7 2.5.Habitat Conditions in the Albion River Watershed ................................... 9 2.6.Influence of Historic Harvest Practices on Channel Conditions .......................... 9 CHAPTER 3: WATER QUALITY INDICATORS ....................................... 12 3.1.Summary of Water Quality Indicators and
    [Show full text]
  • 90 Dams Removed in 2019 to Restore Rivers
    90 Dams Removed in 2019 to Restore Rivers American Rivers releases annual list including dams in Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin for a total of 26 states. Nationwide, 1,722 dams have been removed from 1912 through 2019. Dam removal brings a variety of benefits to local communities, including restoring river health and clean water, revitalizing fish and wildlife, improving public safety and recreation, and enhancing local economies. Working in a variety of functions with partner organizations throughout the country, American Rivers contributed financial and technical support in many of the removals. Contact information is provided for dam removals, if available. For further information about the list, please contact Jessie Thomas-Blate, American Rivers, Director of River Restoration at 202.347.7550 or [email protected]. This list includes all dam removals reported to American Rivers (as of February 6, 2020) that occurred in 2019, regardless of the level of American Rivers’ involvement. Inclusion on this list does not indicate endorsement by American Rivers. Dams are categorized alphabetically by state. Howle and Turner Dam, Tallapoosa River, Alabama The removal of Howle and Turner Dam was in the works for over four years. This project was the result of a great partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife program and the Alabama Rivers and Streams Network. The Service coordinated the pre-restoration planning and worked with their Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation Aquatic Habitat Restoration Team to carry out the demolition and restoration of the river channel.
    [Show full text]
  • Northern California Coast Southern Focus Area
    15.1 Description of Area 15.1.1 The Land The Northern California Coast-Southern Fours Area is composed of Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin counties, excluding watersheds that drain into San Francisco Bay (Figure 14). This region of the northern California coast contains three areas with substantial wetland habitats: the coastal wetlands, the interior valleys of the Eel River system, and the interior valleys of the Russian River system. Securement and enhancement of these wetlands will provide nesting, staging, and winter habitat for a variety of waterfowl and many wetland-dependent species. Threatened and endangered species are also present in each of the 15.0 three areas. Limited state and federal protection exists in the form of managed wildlife areas, pants, national seashores or refuges. Wetland enhancement and, in some cases, restoration activities implemented after acquisition will improve NORTHERN and. expand existing wetland habitats. The northern part of the focus area is bounded on the CALIFORNIA east approximately by the dividing ridge between the Eel River and the Sacramento River watersheds. Further south it follows the divide between the water COAST─ sheds of the Russian and Sacramento rivers. Two almost parallel ranges of the Coast Mountain Ranges extend through most of this focus area. The range on SOUTHERN the east is a continuation of the Mayacamas Mountains. In this range, near Potter Valley, rise the two largest rivers of this area: the Eel and Russian rivers. The Eel River flows northward and enters the Pacific Ocean FOCUS AREA just south of Humboldt Bay. The Russian River flows south and then west to empty into the ocean north of Bodega Head.
    [Show full text]
  • Albion Branch
    THE ALSIOK SnAKCH BY STANLEY T. BORDEN Albion River Railroad log train headed by engine No.1, "ALBION', 2·4·2T. -- Bob Mathison photo The Western Railroader Vol. 24, No. 12 Decembe r. 1961 Issue No. 264 Very early view of Albion Carleton Emmons l\atlnllS Collect ion from l1ancroft Library courtesy ~al pb ~. AndreK's Albion I<ivcr [<ailroad irain '''iih engine Number 1, 2-4-2T, sancl"'ichecl in the midclle in 1892. CollcCL'o" ot h. H. ~ard The Western Railroader • Page Two THE NWP'S ORPHAN, THE ALBION BRANCH STANLEY T, BORDEN The Northwestern Pacific Railroad's Albion Branch in Mendocino County has always been a mysterious and little known railroad which ran inland from the Pacific Ocean. Other than the local employees and inhab­ itants, none of the most enthusiastic railroad historians or even the main line employees knew much about it, but now its secrets have been unfolded from the dim past. The ancient name of Britain was given to the Albion River on the rug­ ged Mendocino coast by Captain William A. Richardson when on March 3, 1846 he received a grant of 10,520 acres of timber land along this river from Governor Manuel Micheltorena of California, then under Mexican rule. Richardson, an Englishman, doubtless had in mind "New Albion rr , thE: name bestowed upon northern California by Sir Francis Drake in 1579 when he sailed along its coast after a successful season of robbing Spanisb treasure shi\-,s. In 1852, Capt. Richardson let a contract to George Heyenmeyer, Geb­ hard Heqenmeyer and a Mr.
    [Show full text]
  • "Albion River Sediment TMDL: Summary of Comments And
    ALBION RIVER SEDIMENT TMDL SUMMARY OF COMMENTS AND RESPONSES Prepared by USEPA, Region 9, Water Division (WTR-2), San Francisco December, 2001 COMMENTORS: Vivian Bolin, Watershed Conservation Director, Pacific Coast Federation of Fisherman’s Associations (PCCFA) (via email) Alan Levine, Coast Action Group, Point Arena B.C. MacDonald (via fax and email) Bryan McFadin, North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (via email) Linda Perkins (via fax and email) Chris Surfleet, Mendocino Redwood Company (via email) Rixanne Wehren (via fax and email) Harold (Skip) Wollenberg, for the Albion River Watershed Protection Association, (via email and regular mail) INTRODUCTION This document summarizes the comments that were submitted, identifies the commentor or commentors (at the end of the comment), responds to the comments, and summarizes changes that were made to the final TMDL. They are arranged by topic wherever possible. When multiple comments were received on a single topic, the multiple commentors are identified under the single comment. Any change that is made to the TMDL in response to the comment is summarized in the response. If no change is noted in the response, then no change was deemed to be needed in the TMDL. Summary of Changes to the Final TMDL Several changes were made to the final document as a result of public comment. These include: deleted references to the relative disturbance index and the associated Figure 9 and Table 2; additional text regarding the estuary; addition of an estuary depth indicator; and modification of text to correct or clarify information, as noted below. COMMENTS AND RESPONSES PROBLEM STATEMENT Comment 1: The draft TMDL cites 1994-95 fish numbers for Mendocino County of over 4,000 coho, yet Larry Week of the California Dept.
    [Show full text]
  • Albion River Campground Body 3-10-10.Qxd
    For Sale by Owner: ALBION RIVER CAMPGROUND AND MARINA Albion River Campground and Marina: 10 acres Albion Beach and River Mouth: 6 acres 100 campsites, 18 w/full hookups, restrooms 1700 ft. shoreline w/sport docks on Albion River Estuary 30’x100’ Commercial Pier and unloading facilities Campground Store and Cafe 2500 sq. ft. Manager's House Permits for Infrastructure Improvements This rare offering presents a ready made opportunity for the recreational entrepreneur to develop Albion River Campground's potential as an Eco-tourism Center, focusing on Family Canoeing, Kayaking and Whale-watching Charter-boat tours. Approvals for permits from the California Coastal Commission are in place to upgrade existing facilities with a large Conference Room, and Recreation Hall, (see details) which could expand seasonal patronage beyond the current sport-fishing customer- base. The site's historic significance and current ecological importance as a gateway to Redwood forests on one of Northern California's few "Navigable Rivers" attracts history-buffs, photographers, painters and eco-tourists. The planned Interpretive Foyer for Historic Photos with Natural History and Ecological Exhibits, could broaden the scope of visitor attractions toward family-centered activities in addition to Ocean Fishing and Boating. ALBION RIVER CAMPGROUND AND MARINA 34500 N. Albion River Rd., Albion CA Albion River Campground and Marina is a 16+ acre Campground, RV Park, Marina and Beach at the mouth of the Albion River on the Mendocino Coast. The Campground was built on the site of one of the first redwood sawmills on the West Coast, and is highlighted by the historic wood trestle bridge above the beach; the last of it’s kind in the state.
    [Show full text]
  • Pages 42-63 Hwy 1: Elk to Mendocino
    State Highway 1 from ELK to MENDOCINO at Big River Estero including Elk, Albion and Little River MAPS, Restaurants, Lodging, Art Galleries, Gift Shops, the Healing Arts and Points of Interest NEW COLOR FEATURES Visit the Home Page of the Main Travel Website: www.northofsf.com Visit the Elk Home Page Visit the Little River Home Page Back to eBook Download Page 42 Mendocino Coast Route 1/Elk Elk, also known as Greenwood was a lumber port at the turn of the century. This tiny community is perched on the cliffs above the Pacific overlooking rocky coves s e and sandy beaches. Many l a find it very healing here as G f f well as an ideal place to re- e J create! Restaurants, y b lodging, the healing arts o t and the great outdoors are o h all present. P THE ELK COAST: Manchester, Irish Beach & Elk MANCHESTER to ELK DINER'S CHOICE: Tele Area Code is (707) Bridget Dolan’s Pub & Dinner House ($-$$) 5910 S. Hwy 1 877-1820; Elk Cove Inn ($$-$$$) 6300 S. Hwy 1, Elk 877-3321 / 800-275-2967; Greenwood Pier Cafe ($$) 5928 S. Hwy 1 877-9997; Harbor House ($$- $$$) 5600 S. Hwy 1 800-720-7474; Queenie’s Roadhouse ($-$$) S. Hwy 1, Elk 877-3285. MANCHESTER to ELK LODGING: Elk Cove Inn ($$-$$$) 6300 S. Hwy 1, Elk 877-3321 / 800-275-2967; Elk Guest House ($$-$$$) 1990 Highway One, Elk, CA. (707) 877-3308; Greenwood Pier Inn ($$-$$$) 5928 S. Hwy 1 877-9997; Griffin House ($$) 5910 S. Hwy 1 877-3422; Harbor House ($$-$$$) 5600 S.
    [Show full text]
  • Review of Nmfs Draft Biological Opinion on the Effects of Russian River Flow Regulation on Steelhead, Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon and Their Critical Habitat
    REVIEW OF NMFS DRAFT BIOLOGICAL OPINION ON THE EFFECTS OF RUSSIAN RIVER FLOW REGULATION ON STEELHEAD, COHO SALMON, CHINOOK SALMON AND THEIR CRITICAL HABITAT by Richard A. Marston, Ph.D., P.H. 1214 Windsong Lane Manhattan, KS 66503-7535 For Center for Independent Experts (CIE) Executive Summary I was asked to read the NMFS Draft Biological Opinion (Draft BO) on the water supply, flood control, and channel maintenance operations (Project) conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), the Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA), and the Mendocino County Russian River Flood Control District in the Russian River Watershed. The cover letter for this report, with a stamped date of 11 June 2007, states that the “…draft Biological Opinion analyzes the effects of the proposed Project on Central California Coast (CCC) steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss), CCC coho salmon (O. kisutch), California Coastal (CC) Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha), and their designated critical habitat in accordance with section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). In the draft Biological Opinion, analyses are presented of the current operations of the Project for the next 10 years.” The effects of alternative flow regulation regimes were not considered because of lack of information at this time. It was further stated that “Ten years is the most likely scenario to fully analyze and develop permits and water rights agreements/decisions that may affect flow changes in the Russian River and Dry Creek.” The main points of my review are: 1) The site specific data for the Russian River, referenced supporting literature, and analysis in the Draft BO provide reasonable support for the conclusion that the regulated elevated inflows and systematic artificial breaching of the Russian River estuary collectively cause an adverse effect on rearing habitat for steelhead in the lower Russian River (i.e., in the estuary/potential lagoon system)? I agree with the Draft BO (pages 200-201) that these impacts will have adverse effects on rearing habitat for steelhead.
    [Show full text]