Issues and Causes

Harm from striped bass at the Daguerre Point Dam Nature-Like Fishway Project
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Harm from striped bass at the Daguerre Point Dam Nature-Like Fishway Project

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SYRCL, along with American Rivers, California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, California Dam Removal, Gold Country Fly Fishers, and Northern California Council of Fly Fishers International recently signed on to a letter to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service, and Yuba Water Agency.

The letter, dated April 11, raises concerns about the potential harm from striped bass at the Daguerre Point Dam Nature-Like Fishway Project.

PG&E Powerhouse Failure on the Yuba — CPUC to Decide on PG&E’s Proposal to Transfer Hydroelectric Projects
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PG&E Powerhouse Failure on the Yuba — CPUC to Decide on PG&E’s Proposal to Transfer Hydroelectric Projects

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On March 6th and 7th , a significant leak was found at the PG&E Spaulding Powerhouse. About two weeks later, the community learned that there was significant additional damage — columns in the powerhouse had crumbled.  Pipes that divert water to the South Yuba and Bear River were also damaged in an earlier storm, leading to a significant cut-off to water flow.  These events have raised concerns about the reliability of this aging infrastructure and highlighted the urgent need to address these vulnerabilities. 
In the wake of the damage to the Drum Spaulding Powerhouse and the ALJ recommendation, the CPUC is poised to make a final ruling regarding PG&E’s asset transfer.  As the CPUC deliberates, the public has a chance to weigh in. With a deadline for a final CPUC decision set for September 2024, there are four opportunities for a Commission vote to accept and finalize the ALJ decision at regularly scheduled voting meetings, the next being on April 18th.  

Water Use in Agriculture: Exploring Residential and Cannabis Water Consumption  
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Water Use in Agriculture: Exploring Residential and Cannabis Water Consumption  

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As we navigate California’s water usage landscape, it’s essential to understand how different sectors contribute to our overall demand for water. A recent study by the Berkeley Cannabis Research Center conducted across 91 Humboldt and Mendocino Counties watersheds brought to light interesting findings regarding residential water use and licensed cannabis cultivation. The study was released in February 2024. 

CCKA Advocacy Day: SYRCL’s Impactful Dialogue with Key California Decision Makers
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CCKA Advocacy Day: SYRCL’s Impactful Dialogue with Key California Decision Makers

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On March 5th Aaron Zettler-Mann, SYRCL’s Executive Director, and Traci Sheehan, SYRCL’s Policy Manager, represented SYRCL at the California Coastkeeper Alliance’s (CCKA) annual Advocacy Day, engaging in meaningful conversations with key state-level decision-makers and agencies. 

During Advocacy Day, our meetings centered around pressing issues that affect the Yuba River watershed, including water and instream flows needed for salmon and protections that ensure our rivers are swimmable, fishable, and drinkable.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Wade Crowfoot, Director of the California Natural Resources Agency, and Chuck Bonham, the Director of California Fish and Wildlife, among others, to discuss potential collaborative efforts and advocate for much needed river flows in the Yuba for the survival of salmon and our fisheries.