Chico Enterprise Record Staff
[2005-05-18]

RED BLUFF - The Tehama-Colusa Canal Authority is voluntarily delaying the diversion of water from the Sacramento River to enhance conditions for migrating fish.

Canal officials chose to maximize fish passage until water user demands increase over the next several weeks.

"In light of the extraordinary weather and water supply conditions this year, we have a unique opportunity for the local farmers and ranchers to demonstrate their commitment to enhance the fisheries in the Sacramento River by utilizing a flexible management approach to meet our water needs," authority chairman Ken LaGrande said.

The authority supplies water to more than 130,000 acres of farmland in Tehama, Glenn, Colusa, and Yolo counties.

A federal biological opinion under the Endangered Species Act limits the authority to diverting water at the Red Bluff Diversion Dam on the Sacramento River for four months each year, starting on May 15.

This year, the authority is willing to accept the risk to the farmers and ranchers by further delaying its water diversions to later in the spring.

"Our directors felt strongly that the environmental benefits associated with the delay will more than compensate for the risks," said authority General Manager David Bird.

"Copyrighted article reprinted with permission."

Source: http://www.chicoer.com/Stories/0,1413,135~25088~2875353,00.html