* Headwaters of the South Fork of the Pit River
A proposed hydroelectric power project would divert 100-150 cubic feet /second (cfs) of water from the headwaters of the Pit River. The section of river in question is at the base of the Warner Mountains, east of the tiny town of Likely on Highway 395. Here, average summer water flows drop to 30-50 cfs, which means the stream below the diversion dam would be dewatered, except for the proposed 7.5 cfs proposed minimum flow. The diverted water would be returned to its natural course about three miles downstream, after becoming significantly warmed and laden with silt in its passage through West Valley Reservoir. One of the principals in this development scheme is local developer Barry Swenson. A number of conservation groups, including NCCFFF, CalTrout, and Trout Unlimited have filed letters of protest to this plan. The Environmental Impact Statement for the project is due out soon and we will have the opportunity to voice our objections. This river is truly a gem and is worth our attention and efforts to preserve the high quality fishery. I will keep you posted on the status of the EIS. - Dougald Scott
* Proposed Slot Limit for Striped Bass
At their November 3rd meeting in Redding, the Fish and Game Commission will be considering a proposal to impose a 17-30 inch slot limit on striped bass. The new regulation is being proposed by the NCCFFF Bay-Delta Committee. It makes a lot of sense because it will provide the following:
* Better assurance for a long-term, self-sustaining fishery.
* Lower predation by striped bass on threatened and endangered salmon, steelhead, and smelt.
* Increased angler satisfaction, particularly for shore and pier anglers, youth, less experienced anglers, and catch-and-release anglers.
* Better protection for public health (larger stripers carry more Mercury, PCBs and other toxins).
* Less incentive for poaching and easier identification of illegal harvest.
If you can't attend the meeting in Redding to support the proposal, send a letter supporting it. Address the letter to: California Fish & Game Commission; 1416 Ninth Street; PO Box 944209; Sacramento; CA; 94244-2090. In the body of the letter just state that you support the "proposed 17-30 inch slot limit for striped bass." I will be asking for a motion to send a letter of support from SCFF at our September meeting. - Dougald Scott
* Striperfest is November 4th
The 10th annual Striperfest will be Saturday, November 4th. Mark your calendars. I'll follow-up with more details in the next Newsletter. - Dougald Scott
* Festival of Fly Fishing, October 6th-8th
The NCCFFF Annual Conclave and Festival of Fly Fishing will be held at the Redding Convention Center October 6th-8th. The event features Andy Burk, Tim Fox, Al Kyte, and Eric Sherar along with many other great fly fishers and fly tiers. It also includes: Live and Silent Auctions; Raffles; Fly Casting Instruction; Kids' Corner; Fly Tying; Fishing Techniques; Travel Programs; Artists; Manufacturers; Exhibitors; and a Banquet and Chili Feed. Go to www.goshingletown.com/HTLM/FlyFishers/ConclavePage.htm for more details. - Dougald Scott
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