Russian River - Fish v. Vineyards?

[bonish]

To be discussed by Water Quality Control Board:
http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/board_info/agendas/2009/apr/notice_russian%20river%20frost.pdf

S.F. Chronicle - Coho killed after water diverted to protect crops:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/04/04/state/n183111D14.DTL&hw=russian+river&sn=001&sc=1000

There was also mention earlier this week in the news that ag groups are seeking to severely diminish water releases into the Russian River in order to save water due low reservoir levels.
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090402/news/904020304

[Darian]

From the info provided, it seems that growers draw from the river at will to solve their problems with potential frost damage. On one hand I sympathize with their need. On the other, vineyards are responsible for heavy soil and insecticide polluted run-off into coastal rivers and streams. Now, they propose to be allowed to, essentially, de-water tributaries to the Russian and reduce flows in the river itself.... :sad:

Fish kills have already occurred in the river and tribs and will occur in Lake Mendocino if current water management practices continue in combination with the petition for reduced flows. :confused:

Maybe an emergency diversion of flows from Lake Pillsbury (unless it also is low) would provide temporary relief.... Is Van Arsdale Dam still operational or was it removed :question: Are groundwater sources available to down stream users :question:

This situation is ludicrous. :angry:

[Darian]

Hi Carl,.... I used to fish the Russian during the late '60's thru the end of the 70's (before the dam on Dry Creek).... I loved fishing at Brown's Pool and Austin Creek Riffle. 8) The only problem, then, was the annual flooding that would dirty up the water and take over a month to clear. :|

I've read all of Chatham's books and agree that he has a great perspective about the condition of all of the coastal rivers/streams (past/current). I feel your pain. Haven't fished the coast in about 10 years. :sad:

[wjorg]

8) The only problem, then, was the annual flooding that would dirty up the water and take over a month to clear. :|


The old guys who fished the Russian before the late 20th century said the river never used to get muddy. That was a result of 20-30 years of gravel mining right on the riverbanks, where the silt from gravels mined, dirtied up the river and blew it out, even years where there was little or no rain.

The Rivers current state of aquatic hell been created by a multitude of factors. There is not enough water for all of ALL of the vineyards, people, and fish.