Comments requested on the San Joaquin River Restoration Program to help guide fish restoration

On behalf of the San Joaquin River Restoration Program, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has released the “Draft Fisheries Framework: Spring-run and Fall-run Chinook Salmon” for public review and are asking for public comments on the plan. Originally, the program’s Revised Framework for Implementation established a realistic schedule and guidelines for implementation of fisheries management actions covered under the program and was based on the best science and information available. The Fisheries Framework builds upon that plan.

In helping to meet the fisheries Framework and the program’s Restoration Goal to restore and maintain self-sustaining fish populations in good condition in the main stem of the San Joaquin River, the Fisheries Framework outlines four targets: 1) goals and objectives for establishing spring-run and fall-run Chinook salmon populations in the Restoration Area; (2) habitat and ecosystem conditions that will support naturally reproducing, self-sustaining salmon populations; (3) the scientific foundation for the planned management actions; and, (4) a proposed Adaptive Management process and implementation plan.

Reclamation, along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, California Department of Water Resources and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are the participating agencies in a comprehensive, long-term effort to restore flows to the San Joaquin River from Friant Dam to the confluence of the Merced River. Additionally, they are working to restore self-sustaining Chinook salmon populations in the river while reducing or avoiding adverse water supply impacts from those flows.

The San Joaquin River Restoration Program is the result of the Stipulation of Settlement in Natural Resources Defense Council, et al., v. Rodgers, et al., and the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act (Title X of Public Law 111-11).  The Draft Fisheries Framework may be viewed at: http://www.restoresjr.net/restoration-goal/fisheries-reintroduction/. For more information on the San Joaquin River Restoration Program, please visit www.restoresjr.net or contact Josh Newcom, Public Affairs Specialist, at 916-978-5508 or [email protected].

Written comments are due by close of business Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017 to:

Donald Portz

Bureau of Reclamation

2800 Cottage Way, MP-170

Sacramento, CA 95825

Comments can also be faxed to 916-978-5469 or emailed to [email protected]. For additional information, please contact Portz at 916-978-5461.