Eight Tier 1 Priority Projects
A.1 Fall Closure of the Cross Channel Gates and or an Electronic Blocking Barrier
The barrier is actively being worked on by the USBR for those years where the BOR won’t close the DCC during the October Mokelumne return.
B.1 Gravel Additions to the Upper Sacramento River
15,000 tons of gravel were placed at the Keswick release site in the summer of 2013. More sites in the upper Sacramento River have been identified for gravel injection. GGSA is actively advocating for the permits needed to move forward and expects action in 2015.
B.8 Water Temp. and Flow Improvements in the Feather River
The FERC Oroville relicensing agreement requires major salmon improvements but it has been stalled since 2006. GGSA proposes that steps be taken to solve some of the current serious problems including gravel augmentation, reducing spawning temperatures downstream of the Thermalito Outlet and improved flows.
B.9 Water Temp. and Pulse Flow Improvements in the Upper Sacramento
Under active evaluation by GGSA, Water Board, water contractors and USBR for potential implementation in the spring of 2014.
B.10 Open Painters Riffle Spawning Grounds in the Upper Sacramento
Completed in December, 2014. Done! This project restored a spawning and rearing channel that had become disconnected from the river near Redding.
B.11 Smooth Keswick Releases from Oct. – Dec. to Eliminate Stranding Redds (salmon nests)
GGSA, Water Board, USBR, GCID and RD108 were working for completion in 2013. Some problems have developed and completion will not take place in 2013 but the project is now scheduled for the fall of 2014.
D.2 Support for Barging Smolts Around the Delta
Third year movement of 100,000 smolts was completed in 2014. Analysis of tagged returning fish will proceed and inform future actions.
D.6 Eliminate or Reduce Lighting at In-River Structures
The Redding Sundial Bridge was dimmed in 2013. Other lighting hot spots need to be identified. GGSA will work with the state on developing a lighting standard.