SISKIYOU COUNTY, CA — Assembly Bill 263 (AB 263), a measure to extend emergency water flow regulations for the Scott and Shasta Rivers, has passed both chambers of the California State Legislature and now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature. Championed by Assemblymember Chris Rogers (D-Santa Rosa), the bill aims to maintain minimum instream flows to protect salmon habitats in these critical Klamath River tributaries. For water users in Siskiyou County, particularly farmers and ranchers, the bill raises both opportunities and concerns as it seeks to balance ecological restoration with agricultural needs.
What is AB 263?
AB 263 would extend emergency drought regulations, first enacted by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) in 2021, to ensure minimum water flows in the Scott and Shasta Rivers. These regulations, set to expire on January 27, 2026, would remain in effect until January 1, 2031, or until the SWRCB adopts permanent flow rules, whichever comes first. The bill also mandates annual public updates from the SWRCB, including opportunities for community input, on progress toward long-term regulations.
The Scott and Shasta Rivers are vital to Siskiyou County, supporting agriculture, domestic use, and tribal and ecological needs. The Shasta River is the largest producer of wild Chinook salmon in the Klamath Basin, while the Scott River is a key nursery for wild Coho salmon. However, salmon populations have plummeted, with declines of up to 98% for some species, prompting urgent action to protect fish habitats.
Support and Opposition
The bill has strong backing from tribal groups, environmental organizations, and fishing communities. The Karuk Tribe, Yurok Tribe, California Coastkeeper Alliance, and Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Association partnered with Rogers to introduce AB 263. Karuk Chairman Russell “Buster” Attebery emphasized its importance, stating, “Klamath dam removal was just the first step in rebuilding our salmon fisheries. We must protect flows in key salmon nurseries like the Scott and Shasta Rivers.”
Humboldt County and environmental groups like California Environmental Voters have also voiced support, citing the bill’s role in sustaining salmon restoration efforts following the recent removal of Klamath River dams. Assemblymember Rogers highlighted the bill’s intent to provide “certainty to farmers, fishermen, and tribal communities alike” by maintaining consistent flow standards during the transition to permanent regulations.
However, local agricultural stakeholders, including the Siskiyou County Farm Bureau and water rights holders, have expressed concerns. They argue that codifying emergency drought measures could limit water access for irrigation, particularly in non-drought years, threatening the region’s livestock, hay, and crop operations. The SWRCB’s 2024 fiscal analysis estimated potential crop revenue losses in the Scott and Shasta watersheds at $5.9 million for an expected-range scenario and up to $10 million in an extreme-drought scenario. Siskiyou County representatives have called for a science-based, flexible approach that adjusts to annual water availability rather than locking in emergency thresholds.
A History of Tension
The debate over AB 263 reflects ongoing conflicts between agricultural and environmental interests in Siskiyou County. In 2022, the Shasta River Water Association (SRWA) defied state curtailment orders, diverting water for irrigation and triggering a sharp drop in river flows. The SWRCB imposed fines of $4,000, split among roughly 80 ranchers, a penalty critics argued was too lenient. New legislation (AB 460, signed in 2024) increases fines for such violations to up to $10,000 per day, raising the stakes for non-compliance.
Farmers like Gary Black, a Scott River restoration consultant, urge the SWRCB to prioritize science-driven solutions and collaboration. “We count on the board to ensure this is a well-driven, science-based process,” Black said at a recent meeting. Local water users are also engaging in facilitator-led discussions with tribes and environmental groups to explore compromises, such as habitat restoration and voluntary agreements, to support fish recovery without solely relying on flow restrictions.
What’s Next for Water Users?
If signed into law, AB 263 will maintain current flow restrictions, potentially affecting water availability for irrigation. The SWRCB is working on permanent flow standards, but this process could take years. In the meantime, the bill’s annual public updates offer a chance for water users to voice concerns and influence long-term regulations. The SWRCB has also encouraged voluntary measures, such as rotational fallowing and ditch lining, to improve flows while supporting agriculture.
For Siskiyou County’s farmers and ranchers, staying engaged is critical. The SWRCB’s website (www.waterboards.ca.gov) provides resources on water conditions, public meetings, and funding opportunities for projects like fish screens and flow monitoring. Local water users can also contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Watershed Restoration Grants Branch at [email protected] for support on conservation projects.
As AB 263 awaits Governor Newsom’s decision, Siskiyou County’s water users face a pivotal moment. The bill could shape the future of the Scott and Shasta Rivers, balancing the needs of agriculture with the urgent call to restore salmon populations.
Sources: Assemblymember Chris Rogers’ office, Karuk Tribe, California Coastkeeper Alliance, SWRCB documents, CalMatters
