From what I have learned local problems are solved more efficiently when the community works together to solve the problem instead of top down legislation. Around the Scott River Basin it is obvious that there is little heed to the laws that are in place. I bet the farmers do care about the salmon, but they care about feeding themselves more. Has there been any effort for the farmers to work together to use less water intensive irrigation?
Katrina asked: "Has there been any effort for the farmers to work together to use less water intensive irrigation?"
Efforts to involve Scott Valley Ag folks in restoration began in the 1980s. Since then lots of money has been spent. Since 2002 there has been special funding in the millions for farmers to "improve irrigation efficiency." During all this time Ag irrigation water use has continued to increase and flows have continued to decrease.
All across the country habitat restoration on Ag lands has had mixed results. For restoration to succeed there must be a real commitment to address the key problem limiting fish habitat.
Fish need water; there is no commitment in the Scott River Valley to allow the fish to have the water they need.
It is the responsibility of Cal Fish & Game employees to make sure the fish get the water they need and to which they have a right under law. The agency refuses to do the job.
From what I have learned local problems are solved more efficiently when the community works together to solve the problem instead of top down legislation. Around the Scott River Basin it is obvious that there is little heed to the laws that are in place. I bet the farmers do care about the salmon, but they care about feeding themselves more. Has there been any effort for the farmers to work together to use less water intensive irrigation?
ReplyDeleteKatrina asked: "Has there been any effort for the farmers to work together to use less water intensive irrigation?"
ReplyDeleteEfforts to involve Scott Valley Ag folks in restoration began in the 1980s. Since then lots of money has been spent. Since 2002 there has been special funding in the millions for farmers to "improve irrigation efficiency." During all this time Ag irrigation water use has continued to increase and flows have continued to decrease.
All across the country habitat restoration on Ag lands has had mixed results. For restoration to succeed there must be a real commitment to address the key problem limiting fish habitat.
Fish need water; there is no commitment in the Scott River Valley to allow the fish to have the water they need.
It is the responsibility of Cal Fish & Game employees to make sure the fish get the water they need and to which they have a right under law. The agency refuses to do the job.