Thursday, June 9, 2011

News articles and links from June 9, 2011

Pumps’ fish slaughter alarms conservationists

Story

From SF Chronicle – Thursday, June 9, 2011

Coalition response...State and federal fishery and water officials recognized that current conditions would result in high numbers of splittail, proving that protection under the Endangered Species Act is unnecessary. Officials responded to the take of salmon by reducing the pumping levels according to pre-established protocol. The take numbers of fish at the pumps could have likely been avoided if a peripheral canal was in operation to move water around the Delta. Protection of fish and improvements to the Delta ecosystem has been touted as benefits of a canal, which would also help ensure reliable water deliveries to 25 million Californians not only south of the Delta but also in the Bay region. Reliable water deliveries also mean millions of acres of farmland could continue to produce food and fiber products as well as provide jobs California needs for it's economic recovery.

Delta death pumps kill over 6 million splittail, 51,000 imperiled salmon

Blog

By Dan Bacher

From IndyBay Media – Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Coalition response...Scientists with the Fish and Wildlife Service determined in 2010 (not during the Bush Administration) that natural fluctuations of population numbers demonstrated a pattern of successful spawning during wet years followed by reduced spawning during dry years. Further, the Service reported that a number of habitat restoration actions benefiting the splittail are underway. There is nothing illegal about not placing the splittail under ESA protection.

It is ironic that groups calling for enhanced protection of the splittail have adamantly opposed construction of a peripheral canal around the Delta, a facility that would benefit fish and the Delta ecosystem.

Fisheries have equal claim to water

Editorial

From Monterey County Herald – Thursda, June 9, 2011

Coalition response…It is important to note that water supply cuts since 1991 have primarily affected farmers and add up to a loss of more than 4 million acre-feet per year. All of that water has been redirected to environmental purposes. While the overall affect of Nunes' bill has yet to be seen, his recognition of the losses farmers have endured is correct.

WATER SUPPLY

Snow, rain and regulatory drought

Opinion

From SD Union-Tribune – Thursday, June 9, 2011

From Visalia Times-Delta – Wednesday, June 8, 2011

DELTA

A big water pipe that’s usually not full

Blog

By Tom Philp

From SF Chronicle – Wednesday, June 8, 2011

RIVERS

Administration, farmers hold talks on river restoration

Story

From Fresno Bee – Wednesday, June 8, 2011

From Sacramento Bee – Wednesday, June 8, 2011

From The Record – Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Anti-environmental Nunes

Letter

From Fresno Bee - Thursday, June 9, 2011

CONGRESS

Senate Democrats Declare Water War

Blog

From Rep. Nunes – Wednesday, June 8, 2011

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