News Release Archive

Reclamation highlights tools used to evaluate improvements for fish in the Yolo Bypass

Media Contact: Erin Curtis, 916-978-5100, eccurtis@usbr.gov

For Release: August 31, 2017

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Reclamation will be presenting methods used to develop the Yolo Bypass Salmonid Habitat Restoration and Fish Passage Project to the Delta Stewardship Council’s Delta Science Program at a two-day public workshop next week.

The Bureau of Reclamation and California Department of Water Resources are currently developing the Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for the project, which will identify potential alternatives to improve fish passage and increase floodplain rearing habitat in the Yolo Bypass. This project would benefit Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon, Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon, Central Valley steelhead and Southern Distinct Population Segment green sturgeon. The draft EIS/EIR is anticipated to be released in late October.

In May, Reclamation and the California Department of Water Resources requested the Delta Stewardship Council conduct an independent scientific review of the analytical methods and models used in the study. The goal of the review is to have a panel with expertise in fishery, population biology and hydrodynamic modeling determine if the best available science is being used to evaluate the alternatives.

The request was granted and a panel from the Delta Science Program will discuss the scientific assessment at the workshop, which will include presentations on the various tools used, question and answer segments, and a period for public comment.

The meetings will be held at the Park Tower – Second Floor Conference Room, 980 9th Street, Sacramento, California, 95184. The meeting date and times are:

• Sept. 7, 2017 – 8:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.
• Sept. 8, 2017 – 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.

The Delta Stewardship Council announcement and more information on meeting specifics can be found at: http://deltacouncil.ca.gov/event-detail/14848 . For more information on the project visit https://www.usbr.gov/mp/BayDeltaOffice/yolo-bypass.html or contact Ben Nelson at 916-414-2424 or email bcnelson@usbr.gov.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.