Feds Push California To Ban Russian River Water For Frost Protection

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)  has called for an immediate ban on the use of Russian River water for frost protection.

In a recent letter to the California Water Resources Control Board (WRCB), NMFS official Steven A. Edmondson cited two 2008 fish kills as examples of why he feels emergency action is required.

“Last April our Office of Law Enforcement was notified of two episodes of fish stranding mortality,” Edmondson’s letter stated. “Steelhead fry perished along the mainstream Russian River near Hopland and coho salmon died in Felta Creek, tributary to Mill Creek, thence Dry Creek. These events occurred during a severe frost event that co-occurred with a dry spring.”

He asserted that the fish kills violate the Federal Endangered Species Act

The issue is likely to grow hotter with the revelation of a similar frost-linked fish kill last week in the Russian River near Healdsburg and the April 8 cancellation of salmon season in California and southern Oregon.

Edmondson’s letter ended by urging the board “to take immediate action, such as implementing emergency regulations, to protect this important public trust resource from further harm.”

EDMUNDSON LETTER PROMPTS PUBLIC WORKSHOP

The letter from Edmundson prompted the WRCB to hold a workshop on the issue in Sacramento on April 7.  Invited speakers at the workshop included:

• David Hines, NMFS
• Derek Roy, NOAA Office of Enforcement (NMFS is part of NOAA)
• Glenn McGourty, University of California Cooperative Extension, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Rick Macedo, California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG)
• Rick Macedo and Tracie Nelson, CDFG
• Pam Jeane, Sonoma County Water Agency
• Sean White, Mendocino County Russian River Flood Control and Water Conservation Improvement District
• Kevin Taylor, Department of Water Resources
• Drew Aspegren, Napa Valley Vineyard Engineering
• David Koball, Fetzer Vineyards

Written public comments on the issue came from both sides of the issue.

The WRCB gave no timetable for deciding on a course of action. Regardless, its decision will affect the entire Russian River watershed.