Re-watering of the Owens River

[Tracy Chimenti]

Just read in the Bee yesterday that they are going to re-divert more LA-bound canal water back into the Owens River. The flow will apparently be boosted for over 62-miles. Imagine the concept... rivers being used to move water. What will they think of next.

Does anyone know the details on amount of water to be added and what sections of the river this will affect? I'm anticipating that I too may some day get the chance to experience hay-days of the past on the Owens.

[bigtj]

http://www.inyowater.org/LORP/default.htm

http://lorp.info/

Check it out. There is a map in the second link. Looks like the 60 mile just upstream of the lake (very lower end of the river).

By the way they're adding the water for wildlife/recreation not conveyance. They can pump a bit back into the canal or leave it in the lake for dust supression. And, for what it's worth, according to the website, the goal is for a warmwater fishery in the river, not a coldwater one.

[Digger]

I wouldn't get too excited just yet. this is the same story that's been told for over a decade. Lawsuits and counter suits, environmental impact reports, air quality measurements, memorandum of agreements, throw in some feet dragging, then more lawsuits.

We've had 2 great winters back to back to flood the area but DWP missed out on using the runoff. Most of that section of the lower 'O' is inhabited by catfish and bass anyway.

[Bernard]

This may be of interest: In Owens Valley, water again flows - LA Times - Dec. 7. Should be interesting to watch. Good points btw Digger.

B.