Bills would create Stanislaus River predator fish pilot program and restore local control at New Melones
April 29, 2015 - WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) today introduced two pieces of legislation designed to help the Central Valley cope with ongoing drought by examining ways to protect native fish and restoring local control of the New Melones dam. The first, H.R. 2086, establishes a pilot program on the Stanislaus River to protect native salmon and steelhead fish populations. The second, H.R. 2085, establishes a process for local organizations to regain control of New Melones, ensuring agencies with the best understanding of the Valley’s needs will be able to manage the reservoir.
“Anyone concerned about protecting native fish in our rivers should be supportive of this legislation,” said Rep. Denham of the first bill. “Research from our fishery agencies and the broader scientific community clearly shows that predator fish pose an ongoing threat. We’re spending far too much money and prioritizing far too much water towards these fish to let them be killed off by non-native species. This pilot program should be part of the ongoing conversation about protecting fish.”
The program would be jointly conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the Oakdale Irrigation District (OID) and the South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID). It would also be scientifically-based, developed in consultation with federal and state fish agencies and include a rigorous monitoring and reporting program. The measure requires the OID and SSJID to pay for the cost of the pilot program and produce a peer-reviewed document at the conclusion of the program recommending best practices for additional efforts on the Stanislaus River and other streams in California. The pilot program will take place solely on the Stanislaus River and last for 5 years.
The second piece of legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior to enter into negotiations with local water and power providers to transfer ownership and control of New Melones dam to interested parties.
“Our local irrigation and power districts are more than qualified to manage our water resources in a way that protects agriculture, families and the environment,” said Rep. Denham. “The bill I introduced today would empower local public agencies to better serve the needs of their Central Valley customers and allocate water appropriately, especially in drought-stricken months.”
Bill text is available here and here.
