As we approach the end of 2024, your board is once again seeking to impose emergency regulations (E-regs) on the Scott and Shasta Rivers. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has yet to provide factual, scientific data regarding minimum flow requirements for both watersheds. No comprehensive three- to five-year biological study, as mandated under the North American Model for Wildlife Conservation (the standard in the United States), has been conducted. The most recent study, conducted by McBain-Trush in 2013/2014, did not cover the entire Shasta River for minimum flow recommendations, focusing only on Reaches 1-3, which end at Parks Creek. Yet, the minimum flow recommendations are based on measurements taken at the Yreka gauge, much farther downstream. The SWRCB is requesting excessive minimum flow amounts. Both the Shasta and Scott River watersheds have adequate flows at 20 cubic feet per second (cfs), and a reasonable buffer of 5 cfs (totaling 25 cfs) should be considered more realistic.
Several important factors are being overlooked as the SWRCB continues to impose curtailments on ranchers and farmers. Upland management should be a top priority in both watersheds, as well as across the rest of the state. In particular, the Shasta River watershed is overgrown with Juniper trees, which consume a tremendous amount of water, affecting wetlands and stream flows. Additionally, there has been a lack of focus on recharge projects and efforts. During the fall and winter, excess flows in rivers and streams should be directed toward filling ponds, ditches, fields, and rejuvenating wetland habitats. The SWRCB cannot continue to harm Siskiyou County’s farmers and ranchers without addressing these major underlying issues.
Emergency regulations are not necessary for Siskiyou County at this time. Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to continue the drought emergency declaration in Siskiyou County does not justify the SWRCB imposing harmful regulations on the citizens of the county. The SWRCB’s actions give the impression of an out-of-touch, authoritarian, unelected agency that is overstepping its authority. A Kings County judge expressed a similar sentiment in recent litigation. The SWRCB should focus on serving the people of Siskiyou County and finding real solutions to water-related issues, rather than pandering to special interest groups that hold private, non-public meetings with staff. I urge you to decline reinstating the E-regs and allow local watermasters and groups to work toward a resolution.
Jess Harris
Siskiyou County Resident
530.643.90**
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