Action Alert: Show Your Support For The Mccloud River

[Phil Lilley]

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/11/26/18552940.php

California Trout, California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA), Northern California Council of Federation of Fly Fishers (NCFFF) and Trout Unlimited (TU) are currently engaged in the dam re-licensing process on the McCloud River.

Action Alert: Show your support for the McCloud River

California Trout, California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA), Northern California Council of Federation of Fly Fishers (NCFFF) and Trout Unlimited (TU) are currently engaged in the dam re-licensing process on the McCloud River. Our focus is to protect and enhance fish populations and habitat in the long-term and ensure the extraordinary angling opportunities the McCloud River provides.

We need your help! Study results are coming in this fall and winter. TAKE ACTION by simply CLICKING HERE http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5642/t...etition_KEY=176 to sign on to our activist mail list to show your interest in the McCloud River and to receive regular updates. There are strengths in numbers, so please sign up today and pass it along to all your angling friends who share your concern for the health and accessibility of the famed McCloud River.

Pacific Gas and Electric is in the process of renewing its license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to operate McCloud Dam. McCloud Dam diverts approximately 80% of the McCloud River's flow to the Pit River for hydroelectric generation. Intensive studies are taking place this year to determine hydro-project impacts to the Lower McCloud River and to, among other issues, provide information to assess the potential need for new instream flow standards.

The McCloud River ranks as one of the most famous and revered trout streams in the world, and is one of the few remaining great wild trout rivers in California. The McCloud is a designated Wild Trout Stream by the Department of Fish and Game and is home to the renowned rainbow trout that was stocked around the world and continues to be notable for its beauty. Anglers come from around the world to fish in the pristine waters and remote, rugged canyon of the McCloud and its world famous fishery is of great economic benefit to the local economy.

Maintaining and enhancing the McCloud's wild trout fishery is our primary goal. To determine what management actions will best meet our goals we will analyze the extensive study results to help answer three questions: 1) What flows seasonally optimize fish habitat for different life stages? 2) How does the dam and flow management influence spawning gravel recruitment and cleanliness? 3) How does dam management influence glacial turbidity events in the Lower McCloud River?

CalTrout, CSPA, FFF and TU's approach in these re-licensing proceedings is to recommend flows that are best for the fish and their habitat. We believe these resources need to be the focus for any changes being considered. Collectively we have extensive experience working on FERC hydro project re-licensing proceedings around the state through our collaborative work with the California Hydropower Reform Coalition. Together we work within a complex regulatory environment to advocate what is best for fish and anglers in these proceedings.

We recognize the popularity and importance of the McCloud River to the angling community. Over 90% of the visitors to the Lower McCloud River are there to fish the extraordinary wild trout waters. We will place special emphasis on flow management issues that enhance and protect the extraordinary recreational fishing experience, including the ability to wade, because of the unique characteristics and special status of the McCloud River in the angling community.

Please sign up today and if you have any questions about the McCloud River or the dam relicensing process please contact:

Curtis Knight, California Trout: (530) 926-3755 or cknight [at] caltrout.org.

Chris Shutes, California Sportfishing Protection Alliance: (510) 421-2405 or blancapaloma [at] msn.com.

Mark Rockwell, Northern California Council Federation of Fly Fisherman: (530) 432-0100 or summerhillfarmpv [at] aol.com.

Brian Johnson, Trout Unlimited: (510) 528-4772 or bjohnson [at] tu.org.