Russian River steelhead trout have been listed by the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service as threatened under the protection and provisions of the federal Endangered Species Act. The applicant and the Division of Water Rights should consult with the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service to determine the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects to steelhead trout and their habitat in the Russian River watershed resulting from these applications, other pending water right applications, including existing water right permits and licenses. The proposed permits should contain mandatory daily streamflow requirements below all points of diversion under Application 29760 and 30656 to protect steelhead trout, aquatic resources, fish species, and other beneficial uses of the state's water pursuant to Section 782, California Code of Regulations, Title 23, and other applicable statues and regulations. No diversion of the state's water under Applications 29760 and 30656 should be allowed during dry, and critical dry water years to protect Coho salmon and steehead trout habitat in the Russian River unless expressly approved by the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service. The four existing reservoirs and the proposed reservoir may sustain fish species.
Fish are the property of the people of the state of California.
The four existing reservoirs and the proposed reservoir may be in-stream reservoirs. There are four existing reservoirs associated with the proposed project. The public notice did not clarify whether the four reservoirs have water rights to store and divert the state's water. Water diversions in the Russian River watershed are highly controversial among the public. Consequently, these applications should be treated accordingly.