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California Department of Water Resources updates allocation of State Water Project supplies for 2024
- Details
- Written by: Lake County News reports
The forecasted allocation has increased to 40%, up from 30% last month.
The State Water Project provides critical water supplies to 27 million Californians and farmers served by 29 public water agencies.
Tuesday’s increase would provide an additional 420,000 acre-feet of water, enough water to serve an estimated 1.5 million households for a year.
The allocation update is based on an 800,000 acre-foot increase in storage at Lake Oroville and the latest snow survey data from the all-important April 1 measurements. April 1 is typically when California sees peak snowpack and the start of the snowmelt season.
Statewide, the snowpack remains near average at 99 percent of average for this date. The spring forecast in the latest snow runoff report, known as Bulletin 120, also anticipates above average runoff this spring.
The State Water Project is working with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to manage flood releases and maximize the capture and storage of water from the winter storms and spring runoff in its reservoirs. Since Jan. 1, storage has increased by 917,000 acre-feet at Lake Oroville and by 178,125 acre-feet at San Luis Reservoir. Oroville is currently at 124 percent of average and 94 percent of capacity and is expected to reach capacity next month.
During the spring, the ability to move water supply south through the system will continue to be impacted by the presence of threatened and endangered fish species near the State Water Project pumping facility in the south Delta.
The presence of these fish species has triggered state and federal regulations that significantly reduce the pumping from the Delta into the California Aqueduct. This reduction in pumping has limited the ability to move and store water into San Luis Reservoir. This reduced pumping is expected to continue into late spring.
The State Water Project anticipates increasing its pumping significantly this summer as soon as the fishery conditions and our State and federal operating permits allow.
“This year highlights the challenges of moving water in wet periods with the current pumping infrastructure in the south Delta. We had both record low pumping for a wet year and high fish salvage at the pumps,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “We need to be moving water when it’s wet so that we can ease conditions for people and fish when dry conditions return. It’s one more reason the Delta Conveyance Project, which would move water when the flows are high in a manner safer for fish, is a necessary climate adaptation project for California.”
Had the Delta Conveyance Project been in place this winter, the State Water Project would have been able to capture an additional 909,000 acre-feet of water since January 1. That’s enough water for 9.5 million people, or 3.1 million households, for a year.
The updated State Water Project allocation forecast announced Tuesday anticipates delivery of 40 percent of requested supplies to contractors south of the Delta, which accounts for the majority of contractors; 65 percent of requested supplies to contractors north of the Delta; and 100 percent allocation to Feather River Settlement Contractors.
Allocations are updated monthly as snowpack, rainfall, and runoff information is assessed, with a final allocation typically determined in May or June.
“While we are glad to see this modest allocation increase for public water agencies who rely on SWP supplies, it is still far below the amount of water we need,” said Jennifer Pierre, general manager of the State Water Contractors, a nonprofit association of 27 public agencies from Northern, Central and Southern California that purchase water under contract from the California State Water Project.
“Water deliveries should be far higher in a good water year like we've had — there is a lot of water in the system, California reservoirs are full, and runoff from snowpack melt is still to come. Today's modest allocation highlights just how difficult it is to operate within current regulatory constraints and with infrastructure in need of modernization. Even in a good water year, moving water effectively and efficiently under the current regime is difficult,” Pierre said.
Pierre said that, earlier this year, water operators reduced the amount of water they could divert from the Delta to protect endangered salmon and steelhead near the pumps. In a year with great hydrology, the unprecedented and significant export restrictions between January and March cost over a million acre-feet of water supply for the SWP, likely hampering our readiness for the next drought.
In addition, Pierre said that had the Delta Conveyance Project been operational this year, it could have captured and moved about 909,000 acre-feet of water between Jan. 1 and April 4 while keeping endangered species safe. That’s enough water to supply about 9.5 million people, or 3.1 million households — 35% of the SWP’s service population — for an entire year.
“While the presence of these fish hampered our ability to move and capture water for the entire winter and early spring season, it is important to note that water operators were able to protect many of them despite reports to the contrary. Most winter-run Chinook salmon and Central Valley steelhead categorized as captured or ‘taken’ at the pumps survive, are transported downstream, and then released to continue migrating to the Pacific Ocean,” Pierre said.
Pierre said scientific research indicates that salmon and steelhead salvaged at the pumps and released downstream are more likely to survive as they travel to the ocean than those that approach intake facilities but are not entrained. While there is a lot of evidence that salmonids this year experienced good survival conditions, there is no evidence that the significant salvage experienced this year had any meaningful effect on the salmonid population.
Protecting species is critically important, as is ensuring the 27 million people, 750,000 acres of farmland and countless businesses who rely on SWP supplies continue to receive affordable, high-quality water required to live and work, Pierre said.
“Infrastructure like the Delta Conveyance Project and updated regulatory rules like the Agreements to Support Healthy Rivers and Landscapes will allow us to better manage our water supplies for both people and fish. We must upgrade our decades-old infrastructure to keep pace with California’s rapidly changing climate and modify our regulations to reflect the best available science to ensure we can move excess flows efficiently with minimal impact on fish and capture precipitation when we get it for use when we don’t,” Pierre said.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The board will meet for a closed session at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, before the public portion of the meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the Dr. Peter J. Quartarolo Board Room at the district office, located at 4410 Konocti Road. The meeting could move to the Tom Aiken Student Center at Kelseyville High School, 5480 Main St., if there is a large audience.
The full agenda can be found on the district’s website.
While the practice of offering proclamations is extremely common for all levels of local government, the proclamation being brought forward this week at Kelseyville Unified is viewed by opponents as a coordinated attack on the name of Kelseyville.
The proclamation comes as a group calling itself “Citizens for Healing” has a pending application before the U.S. Board of Geographic Names seeking that the name of Kelseyville be changed to “Konocti.” The district, however, has insisted that the two matters are not connected.
The minutes of the district’s March 19 regular board meeting show that the proclamation honoring Indigenous people and lands originally was proposed by Trustee Gilbert Rangel, who is the clerk of the board.
“Clerk Rangel discussed the idea to generate this proclamation stemmed from high school graduation and its public speakers, wanting to carry more depth and significance to represent the indigenous land and Native American demographics. He indicated it is not a political issue, not to cause a division with the populations, rather to unite. He made an open invitation to fulfill the proclamation by fellow KVUSD Board Members, the Superintendent, and the Public.”
Rangel’s presentation was followed by comments from seven individuals, some identifying as Native American, some not, who offered support for the idea, and emphasized they were not taking sides.
One of the speakers, Beniakem Cromwell, a former Kelseyville Unified Board member who now serves as tribal chair of the Robinson Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians, thanked Rangel and said, according to the minutes, that the proclamation “is not to fight, rather only to heal.”
Following the discussion and public input, board members said they felt the draft proclamation was “well written and thought out. The Board discussed to provide [sic] feedback regarding the Proclamation statements and individually report to Clerk Rangel with any statement recommendations,” the minutes said.
The belief that the proclamation and the name change are connected appears to have arisen because that initial version of the proclamation, discussed at the March meeting, has language that can be interpreted as suggesting that the district was supporting changing the town’s name.
In reference to the several tribes native to Lake County, that initial version of the proclamation stated in its next-to-last paragraph, “let it be recognized that this district will not be able to fully and truly honor the citizens of these nations and their ancestors who lived here for generations for as long as it bears a name that for those citizens and their ancestors represent a painful past.”
Additionally, that original proclamation ended by urging “positive action on this proclamation by residents, local businesses, educators, community and faith-based organizations, and district employees.”
Numerous community members, discussing the matter on the “Save Kelseyville” Facebook page, have posted emails they’ve sent to board members in the weeks since opposing the proclamation as it was originally worded and rallying community members to attend this week’s board meeting.
The controversy led the school district on April 17 to post a graphic that said “Correcting misinformation,” along with the following message on its Facebook page: “At its April meeting, the Kelseyville Unified School District board will discuss whether to adopt a resolution that recognizes, expresses appreciation for, and honors indigenous peoples who have an historic relationship with the lands of the district. The resolution also respectfully invites our community to join in this effort towards healing and reconciliation. The resolution does NOT address the issue of whether to change the name of our town. KVUSD does not take sides on political issues. We serve all Kelseyville students.”
Along with that post was an updated version of the proclamation that shows that the paragraph about the district not being able to “fully and truly honor” Indigenous peoples while the town bears a name that represents a painful past has been removed.
A new paragraph was inserted that says “this district acknowledges that its name represents a painful past for citizens of these nations and their ancestors who have lived here for generations.”
The new document, like the former version, commits the district to conducting a land acknowledgement “at every major event of importance including graduations.”
It also speaks about building awareness of Indigenous people and promoting the “continued unification of the community.”
The updated proclamation now ends by stating, “the Kelseyville Unified School District Governing Board invites our community to join in this effort towards healing and reconciliation.”
The full text of the updated resolution follows.
RESOLUTION 23/24-19
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE
KELSEYVILLE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
FOR HEALING AND RECONCILIATION WITH INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AND LANDS
WHEREAS, the Kelseyville Unified School District’s jurisdiction as an educational institution along with its administrative and educational facilities sits on the land that is the ancestral and traditional territory of diverse indigenous nations and we strive to honor these peoples; and
WHEREAS, the Kelseyville Unified School District acknowledges the painful, tragic, and traumatic history of genocide and forced removal from this land, we honor the indigenous people still connected to this land where we live, work, and learn; and
WHEREAS, the Kelseyville Unified School District sits in the land of what was known to the indigenous people as the sacred mountain of Kno’Qoti, and this area Kelseyville Unified School District occupies, comprises in part the lands originally cared for by and home to the Elemi, Habematolel, Shigom, Wilokyomi, Xa-Ben-Na-Po, and Ye-Mah-Bax; and
WHEREAS, this district acknowledges that its name represents a painful past for citizens of these nations and their ancestors who have lived here for generations; and
WHEREAS, Kelseyville Unified School District extends our deepest respect to citizens of these nations who live here and elsewhere today and their ancestors who lived here for generations; and
WHEREAS, The Kelseyville Unified School District will announce a Land Acknowledgement at every major event of importance including graduations; and
WHEREAS, the Kelseyville Unified School District will seek to build the district’s cultural richness by fostering and promoting education and awareness of our indigenous peoples; and
WHEREAS, Kelseyville Unified School District recognizes that in the pursuit of honoring healing and reconciliation, we commit to promoting the continued unification of the community, together.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Kelseyville Unified School District formally recognizes, expresses appreciation for, and honors indigenous peoples who have a historic relationship with the lands of the district; and
FURTHER, the Kelseyville Unified School District Governing Board respectfully invites our community to join in this effort towards healing and reconciliation.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
- Details
- Written by: Lake County News reports
“I am proud to have been on hand when President Obama finalized the original designation of Berryessa Snow Mountain, which is one of the most scenic and diverse landscapes in all of Northern California,” Sen. Dodd said. “Now, it makes sense to include this additional piece, which was home to native tribes for thousands of years. We can recognize the land’s cultural significance while protecting it for generations to come. I appreciate my Senate colleagues for giving this proposal their support.”
In 2015, Sen. Dodd authored Assembly Joint Resolution 4, the first time a state Legislature passed a measure asking the president to create a national monument.
Following the extensive campaign by state, local, tribal and federal representatives, President Barack Obama on July 10, 2015 designated 330,780 acres in the California Coastal Range in Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Solano and Yolo counties as Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.
The rugged land boasts abundant wildlife, plants and other natural resources, and is a haven for outdoor recreation. It is managed by the Mendocino National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management.
The designation comes at a time of vanishing wildlands around the world. Nationwide, natural land is declining at a rate of one football field every 30 seconds, threatening plant and animal species and contributing to climate change.
In response, both President Joe Biden and Gov. Gavin Newsom have championed the so-called 30X30 goal, which sets aside 30% of natural and coastal waters by 2030 to protect habitat, preserve history and maintain recreational opportunities.
The new measure, Senate Joint Resolution 10, helps fulfill state and federal goals by supporting proposals before Congress to expand Berryessa Snow Mountain Monument by 3,900 acres in Lake County.
It also supports renaming the area commonly known as Walker Ridge to Molok Luyuk, which means Condor Ridge in the Patwin language, reflecting the area’s cultural significance to many federally recognized tribes in the region.
By doing so, it would also provide opportunities for partnerships between the tribes, BLM and the U.S. Forest Service. The resolution also supports the legislative efforts of U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla and Congressmen John Garamendi and Mike Thompson.
SJR 10 passed the Senate floor Monday on a 35-0 vote. It heads next to the Assembly.
“The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument is home to rare plants and animals found nowhere else on earth,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena. “Expanding this national monument to include Molok Luyuk is an important step to safeguard public lands that are sacred to the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and further conserve beautiful and diverse land. Thank you to Senator Dodd and the California Legislature for supporting our Congressional efforts to get the expansion signed into law and to ensure that this land is protected for generations to come.”
“I welcome state Sen. Dodd’s support for expanding the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument in Lake County for future generations to enjoy,” said U.S. Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, former deputy secretary of the Interior during the Clinton administration. “Conserving California’s special places has been a lifelong passion throughout my tenure in the state legislature, as deputy secretary of the Interior to President Clinton, and now as a member of Congress. Our proposed expansion supports President Biden and Gov. Newsom’s goal to conserve at least 30 percent of the lands and waters nationally and in California by 2030. Once again, California can lead the nation and the world.”
“The establishment of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument was the result of a historic collaboration by the environmental, business and agricultural communities, recreational interests and tribal, local, and state government,” said Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters. “Expanding the national monument to include the traditional tribal region known as Molok Luyuk in Lake and Colusa Counties will protect this incredibly valuable cultural and environmental resource and help our state reach our goal of protecting 30% of California’s lands by 2030. I was very proud to be a leader in winning the original federal designation and am excited to lend my support to this expansion effort. I thank my colleague, Sen. Dodd, for authoring this Resolution to add the support of the California Legislature to this campaign by Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, Robinson Rancheria, and the Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians.”
Dodd represents the Third Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties.
- Details
- Written by: Lake County News reports
On Monday, Earth Day, the states of Illinois, New Mexico and Vermont each announced the creation of its own state-level Climate Corps in partnership with California Volunteers, Office of Gov. Gavin Newsom.
They join 10 states already providing volunteer and paid service opportunities to take climate action. With this announcement, state-level climate corps programs are now available in states representing a third of America’s population — a huge milestone for climate action.
These new states represent a powerful network of leaders committed to engaging more Americans in climate action. The state-level Climate Corps will engage people through a variety of activities and create job pathways for careers in sustainability.
Current states that have launched state-level Climate Corps include Arizona, California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Utah and Washington. Many of these programs have already experienced early success, officials said.
Monday’s announcement comes as the Biden Administration announces thousands of new paid service positions now available through the American Climate Corps.
Positions range across a number of fields including energy-efficiency, disaster response and preparedness, and wildfire mitigation. Up to 20,000 people are expected to join in the program’s first year. To learn more and apply, visit www.climatecorps.gov.
While at an event last year in California, President Joe Biden expressed his optimism about Climate Corps. “When I think of climate, I think of jobs. When I think of climate, I think of innovation. When I think of climate, I think of turning peril into progress,” Biden said.
Fellows in state-based climate corps programs will earn a living stipend and, after completing a term of service, will be eligible for a scholarship to pay for college or to pay off student loans. Some participating fellows will earn up to $30,000 (prorated for those serving in a less than full-time capacity) by serving their communities. Each state will tailor the program to its specific needs and will determine additional climate activity priorities.
The state-level Climate Corps are supported through a public-private partnership between philanthropy and AmeriCorps. These states will work with the American Climate Corps as implementing partners to ensure participants gain new skills and earn money while serving their community.
“We can’t go it alone in tackling the climate crisis. With these three states launching their own Climate Corps, we’re making climate action a reality in communities representing millions of Americans. Together, we’re mobilizing and organizing citizen climate action at a scale never seen before — and now we’ll begin to see its impact across the nation,” said California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“Climate change is a crisis that requires coordinated action," said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. "California's Climate Corps network inspires a new generation of leaders to pursue volunteer and paid opportunities in sustainability. We deeply appreciate this partnership with Gov. Newsom, as our efforts are most powerful when we build coalitions."
“New Mexico is committed to doing its part to mitigate the climate crisis, and we’re proud to join in this growing, collective effort that will help protect our planet and produce new economic opportunities,” said New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “I have no doubt that New Mexicans will enthusiastically participate in Climate Corps and help make this important new White House initiative a success.”
"Climate change is already having significant impacts on Vermont and states across the nation. It's critical we continue to do our parts to combat it," said Vermont Governor Phil Scott. "We are all better off when we do this work together and it's good to join with other states who are stepping up."
“Vermont’s American Climate Corps will mobilize young people who care deeply about the future of our planet and who are ready to take on the existential threat of climate change,” said Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. “Addressing climate change isn’t just a moral imperative — it’s good economic policy that will create millions of good jobs and transform our communities toward sustainability and energy efficiency. It is good news that Vermont will be at the forefront of this important work.”