California Hydropower Reform

In the next 15 years, the licenses for 50 of California’s hydropower generating projects will expire.  These licenses affect 150 dams and hundreds of stream miles, more than in any other state.  Hydropower licenses are important not only because the projects include invaluable habitat, but also because hydro dams frequently divert 95% or more of a river’s summer flow out of its channel.  TU is among the nation’s leading experts on hydropower reform, and our record in California is strong.

• Watershed Stewardship.  Trout Unlimited’s leadership in the PG&E bankruptcy case led to an historic agreement to protect 140,000 acres of watershed land in the Sierras and the Cascades.  The resulting Stewardship Council has become the largest provider of grant funds for youth outdoor activities in California. 
• Pit River.  TU, PG&E and other groups reached an agreement that provides for an increase of minimum stream flows, a flow regime that mimics natural river processes, a reduction in rapid flow fluctuations that harm fish, enhancement of recreational opportunities, a long-term monitoring program with a fund of up to $500,000 a year, and additional resources for the famous Hat Creek wild trout fishery. 
• Stanislaus River, American Rivers, South Cow Creek.  TU and its partners brokered agreements to protect fish flows and restore habitat in and along the Middle and South Forks of the Stanislaus, including the Spring Gap area, and the South Fork of the American River.  On South Cow Creek, we are working with PG&E and others to remove a small project and restore habitat for Chinook salmon, steelhead, and native trout.
• McCloud River, Yuba River.  We are gearing up for the upcoming relicensing projects for both the McCloud River, one of California’s greatest fishing destinations, and the upper Yuba River system, where several inter-related licenses control the operation of 40 dams and 200 miles of river.

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