State agency continues multi-year effort to establish permanent minimum flow requirements for critical salmon habitat
The California State Water Resources Control Board is moving forward with plans to establish long-term minimum instream flow requirements for the Scott River and Shasta River watersheds, according to an agenda item for its November 4, 2025 meeting.
The effort follows a resolution adopted by the Board on October 16, 2024, which directed staff to develop a scientific basis for permanent baseline flow requirements in both watersheds. The Board has been managing flows in these rivers through emergency regulations since summer 2021.
Three-Pronged Approach
The Division of Water Rights has been tasked with three primary objectives under Resolution No. 2024-0036:
First, staff are developing a scientific basis report for long-term baseline minimum instream flows, which will undergo peer review. Second, the agency is analyzing the economic impacts of implementing permanent minimum flows, including effects on both fishing and agriculture industries and their indirect economic consequences. Third, the division is continuing coordinated modeling and data collection efforts to inform the establishment of baseline flows.
Current Status
Division of Water Rights staff will provide updates on all three initiatives at the upcoming November meeting, where the Board will receive input on the progress of these efforts. The presentation will also cover current conditions in both watersheds and ongoing implementation of existing emergency regulations.
The Board directed staff to report back by the end of November 2025 to receive further guidance on the long-term flow management efforts and recent state legislation is expected to inform future work in the watersheds, according to the meeting materials.
