salmon river restoration council newsletter, winter 2007

8/9/2019 Salmon River Restoration Council Newsletter, Winter 2007

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Greetings rom the Salmon River Restoration Council, TeannualcycleskeepturninghereonourbeautiulSalmonRiver.Springgreetsuswithsproutsonewgrowthromtheground,springsalmoncomingintotheriver,andamyriadorestorationactivi-tiesbubblingupromourProjectCoordinators,sta,crews,volunteers,community members, and our many partners.Were seeing new liebloomingromtheresthatburnedmanythousandsoacres(mostlywithlowintensity),othewatershedlastyear. Telocaleortstodevelopreplans,reduceuels,andcreate

resaeconditionsaroundourtownsandneighborhoodsreallypaidoduringlastyearsres,aswasnotedbythereghtersworkingatButlerCreek(PerchCreekFire),aylorCreek(RushFire)andthetownoCe-cilville.Allooureortsshouldbecommended,butjustasrewillbereturningrequentlytotheSalmonRiver,soshouldWEallcontinuetoimproveourreadinessorwildresandpreventionostructureres.TeSRRC,withtheFireandRescue,FireSaeCouncil,Karukribe,ForestServiceandothers,canonlyhelpsomuch.Teultimatesaetyoourhomesandwatershedslargelydependsonourpersonalreawarenessandreadiness.Aamily/neighborhoodeorttocreatesaeconditionsaroundhomesandaccessroutes,andourabilitytosupportandpromotearestrategyortheSalmonRiverwillkeepussae,protectourresources,andbringwildrebackinbalance.Tiswillhelpmanageourwatershedor

sh,waterandoresthealth. AstheSRRCentersits15thyear,werecontinuingtodevelopactionstoaddressthestrategicneedsoourwatershed,highlightingourattentionontheanadromousshspecies,andinparticularSpringChi-nooksalmonowhichtheSalmonRiverandtheSo.ForkrinityhavethelastwildrunsintheKlamath/rinitysystem.Wecurrentlyhavesev-eralintegratedProgramareaswithshortandlongrangeWorkPlans,andaseriesoprioritizedactionsweretakingwiththepartnersinvolvedwithmanagingandrestoringtheSalmonRiver.

Current SRRC Programs include:1)Fisheries;2)WatershedMonitoring;3)WatershedEducation;4)Fire,FuelsandForestry;5)VegetationManagement(NativePlantRiparian

RestorationandNoxiousWeeds);6)RoadRestorationandStewardship;7)RiverCleanUp;8)Coordination/Outreach/DevelopmentlargelytheWatershedCenter.Tisyear,wearehighlightingsomeactionsthatweareworkingonwithourmanypartners,whichinclude:

ContinuingtopromotetheSalmonLearningandUnderstandingGrouptobringallpartnerstogethertodevelop,adopt,andsupportcoordinatedAnnualWorkPlans;UpdatingtheSalmonRiverRestorationStrategyanddevelopingaLongRangeWatershedMonitoringandRestorationAssessmentPlanCompletingthersteditionotheSalmonRiverCommunityWildreProtectionPlan-includingattainingsaestructureconditions,saaccesstostructures,andaddressingtheneedsothelargerorestedlandscapeintheSalmonRiver;ContinuingtomoveorwardwiththeKlamathSpringChinookVoluntaryRecoveryprogram-highlightingstockidenticationandliehistoryassessmentstohelpcompletethecurrentLimitingFactorsAnalyses;ContinuingtoimplementourCommunityApproachtoManagingAllPriorityNoxiousWeedSpecies,withoutusingherbicides.Tisprogramisrecognizedasbeingoneothemostsuccessulprogramsoitstypebytheederal,stateandcountygovernmententities;

AssessingandEngineeringpriorityxesonPrivateRoadsandincreasingNeighborhoodRoadStewardshipactivities;ExpandingourWatershedEducationProgramintheschoolsandcommunity;Producinganewwebsite;DevelopinormationalbrochuresorSuctionDredgersidentiyinghighqualityrearingareas;CompletingRiparianAssessmentandPrioritization,PlantandRestoresitestolowerwatertemperatureasdirectedbytheMDL;ContinuetoparticipateinthedevelopmentoacoordinatedBasin-wideRestorationProgramtoaddressadaptivemanagementneeds.

Tisisjustasmallsnapshotoouractivitiesthisyear.IyouareinterestedinknowingmoreabouttheseorotherSRRCprojectsorwouldliketomoreinvolved,pleaseletusknow.WewanttothankeveryoneinourWatershedortheirinsightandortheenergythatyouhaveorhelpingmoveourwatershedtowardsabetteruture.Ittakesacommunitytomoveawatershedandworkingtogetherwestandachanceinsucceeding

TanksagainoryourhePeteyBruc

Salmon RiverRestoration Council

Spring 2007 Newsletter

Willow seedlings in the new native plant greenhouse at the Watershed Center. Well be plaing at prioritized sites to address MDL and benetting anadromous sh.


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News rom the Watershed CenterTeSRRCenjoyssharingourWatershedCenterwiththepublic.Weareopen5daysaweekwithpublicaccesstocomputer,internet,copymachineandax.Watershedinormationandcustommappingservicesareavailable.Duringthelonghardreezethiswinter,thepipesbroke.Weheldadancetohelpundrepairs.TankyoutoTeSupernesandWildBlueYonderorplayinggreatmusicthatevening.Communitysupportisalwaysgreatlyappreciated.OurannualBoardoDirectorsmeetinginmidMarchwaswellattended

andveryproductive.Excitingplansorouruturewerediscussed.OurannuaCommunityVisionmeetinginlateMarchgaveusinputandsupportromthecommunityregardingcurrentprogramsaswellasvisionsoutureprojects.TereisanewgreenhousebehindtheWatershedCenter.AHUGETankyoutoJakeMacIntireorvolunteeringhistimeandeortsbuildingit!Itisllingupwithnativetreesandbusheswhichwewillbeplantinginriparianareastocreateshadetocoolthewater.OurbeautiulSRRCteeshirtshavesoldwellovertheyears.Weveorderedmorecolorsandsizeswhichwillbeavailablesoon.Aewnewdesignsareonthedrawingtable,too.Beonthelookoutorthem!AsalwaystheWatershedCenteishereoryouruse.

Stopbyoravisit.-Kathy Du McBroom, Oce Manager2

SRRC Staff, Project Leaders and CrewsPeteyBrucker.............................................................ProgramCoordinatorJimVilleponteaux.....................ProjectCoordinatorandechnicalDirectorKathyDuyMcBroom.......................................................OceManagerLesHarling........................................................................StaAccountantShannonMonroe......................................................................BookkeeperChristiHadley...........................................................................BookkeeperNatPennington...........................................FisheriesProgramCoordinatorPamLauer..........................................................FisheriesProgramAssistant

LyraCressey......................ProgramSta&WaterMonitoringCoordinatorRobertWill............................................GPSechnician,FuelsMonitoringKarunaGreenberg....................................................GIS+GPSechnicianSarahHugdahl...............................................Outreach/echnicalAssistantShannonFlarity..................WatershedEd&NoxiousWeedProgramCoor.LaurieBellAdams........................................WatershedEducationAssistantLinusDarling.....................................NoxiousWeedProgramCo-ManagerJessicaHanscom............................................Fisheries/NoxiousWeedCrewPatOConnor..............................................................NoxiousWeedCrewClarenceHagmeier.............................................Fuels/NoxiousWeedCrewIrieSwit.......................................................Fisheries/NoxiousWeedCrewMilesRichardson.........................................................NoxiousWeedCrewLaurissaGough...........................................................................ScrewrapAdamJacobs.........................................................................FisheriesCrewKrisDenny............................................................................FisheriesCrewSteveGunther.............................................................................FuelsCrewSteveKamp................................................................................FuelsCrewRobertCousineau......................................................................FuelsCrewAlSzarkowski.............................................................................FuelsCrewOrrisWhite................................................................................FuelsCrewStanStrauss................................................................................FuelsCrewSteveAdams...............................................................................FuelsCrewColeNovotny.............................................................................FuelsCrewLauraSmith...............................................AmeriCorpsWatershedStewardBobAtwood...............................................AmeriCorpsWatershedSteward

LoreleiDiamond-Holzem...............................................MonthlyCalendarSteveAdams.........................................FuelsCrew/GeneratorMaintenanceBrettDeNight...........................................................................HandymanLindaKerrick..........................................................................Housekeeper

SRRC Board of DirectorsPeteyBrucker,PresidentozSoto,VicePresident

KathyMcBroom,Secretary/reasurerHaroldripp,KarukribeRepresentative

RhondaOlsonWillHarlingBillrippRonReed

ScottHarding

Salmon River Restoration Councilwww.srrc.org

25631 Sawyers Bar RDSawyers Bar, CA 96027

530-462-4665

Funding for the newsletter comes from the US Fish & Wildlife

Service, CA Fire Safe Council, US Forest Service, Bella Vista

Foundation, Dancing Tides Foundation, Bureau of Reclamation ,

Mountaineers Foundation and CA Department of Fish & Game


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By Nat Pennington and Pam LauSteelheadSpawningGroundSurveysoccurredagainthisyearMarch1stthroughmidApril.Tesesurveysarethetoughestorosheriestechniciansbecausesteelheadaresuchillusiveandskittishsh.Tisyearssurveyocusedprimarilyonndingthesteelhearedds(nests)ratherthanliveshorcarcasses.Tisyeartheassessmentwasocusedonobservingandrecordingtheeectivenessrestorationactivities.Inadditiontoourusualprotocol,weocusedonmonitoringplannedprojectsandthealreadycompleted

barrierremovalprojectsintheSalmonRiverbasin. TissummertheSRRC,incooperationwiththeUSFSandCDFG,isplanningtoremovetwodamsonWhitesGulch.removingthesedamsoveramileohistoricsalmonandsteelheadhabitatwillberestored.OursteelheadsurveyshavebeenmotoringthistributarytotheSalmonRiveroryearsandhavedeemedthesedamsworthyoremoval.TisisnotthersttimethatshbarriershavebeenremovedontributariestotheSalmonRiverinordertorestorehistoricpassage.Steelheadsurveysthisyearalsoocusedonmonitoringsimilarcompletedprojects,suchasthenewKellysGulchBridg

( photo, let o SRRC olks planting or riparian shade). KelGulchhadash-barrierculvertremovedinthesummo2006.Tereplacementothisculvertwithabridgewapprovedand implemented bytheCountyRoadsDeandtheri-CountyCohoRecoveryGroup.SteelheadsuveyorsmonitoredthiscreekandMerrillCreekaswell.AteronevolunteercreekmouthenhancementworkdayKellysin2004,thousandsojuvenilespringChinookweobservedrearinginthecreek.InresponsetothisdiscoveSRRCdid aKellysGulch creekmouth and rearingaenhancementproject,andplantedover300treesorcoandhabitatthisspring.TeshbarrieronMerrillCreek(highgradientcuvertwith7t.jump)wasidentiedasaproblembyKarukribeandtheSRRCin1999.SteelheadwereactallylmedbyKarukFisheriesBiologist,ozSototryi

tojumpintotheculvertandailing.Teculvertwasreplacedwithabridgein2000andtheollowingyear9reddsand4ad

steelheadwerespottedduringourannualSteelheadSurveys.MuchthankstotheKarukribe,SiskiyouCountyRoadsDept.,CountyCohoRecoveryeamandCDFG.AswemoveurtherintospringtheSalmonRiverwillagainhostwhatmaybetheKlamathsmostimportantimperiledsalmrun,theKlamathspringChinook.LastyearsspringChinookandsummersteelheadpopulation,althoughbetterthan2005slowestrunonrecord,waswellbelowaveragewithanestimated497springChinookand290summersteelhead.TisyearsSurveydatesaresetorJuly24th-26th.TeSRRC,theSalmonidRestorationFederation,MKWC,theKaruktribeUSFSandotherswillhosttheSpring Chinook Watershed Symposiuminconjunctionwiththedives.TisisaannualeventhiglightingspringChinookrestorationinCaliornia.TiseventwillbeaocalpointineortstorestoreSpringChi-nook-theoncelargestrunintheKlamathbasin.Speak-ersandorganizationsromaroundthestateandPacicNorthwestwillgathertonetworkandshareknowledge

aboutSpringChinookinForksoSalmononthe26thand27th.Registrationormsortheconerenceanddiveswillbedistributedsoon.Teconerencewillbeollowedbythegrowingtwodayannualbenetmusicandeduca-tionestivalJamminFortheSalmononthe27thand28th.PleasecontactNatPenningtonatsheries@srrc.orgorcall4624665ormoreino.Tenumbersseemtoprove,soar,thatbyrestoringthesetributariesandmoni-toringtheresults,wecanbringthesalmonhome.

photo, right o one o the dams up Whites Gulch

Can We Bring the Spawning Grounds Back?Restoration Effectiveness Monitoring / Steelhead Surveys


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AdministrativeJudgeMcKennaruledinAu-gust2006,thatshcouldbesuccessullyre-introducedintotheUpperBasinwheretheyonce lived and will not signicantly impactother native species suchasRedbandrout.Removal o the dams/reservoirs would alsoimprovewaterqualityorshandtheriver.

A sediment studyo the reservoirs indicatesthatotheover20millionyardsosedimentcurrentlyaccumulatedinthereservoirs,only4millionyardsareintheactiveriverchannel(uptohighwater/foodlevel).Tesesedimentswereoundtobenontoxic,withtheexceptionopetroleumresiduesaroundtheboatdocksinCopcoLake.TesedimentislargelymadeuponematerialslikelytofushthroughtheKlamathRiverandintotheocean,withoutset-tlingintheriver.Biologistshaveindicatedthat4millionyardsisnotthatlargeanamounto

sedimentortheKlamathRivertohandle.

TeCaliorniaEnergyCommissionhasiden-tiedthatPaciCorpgeneratesverylittlepow-erannually(approx.60megawatts)andthatremovalothedamsandreplacementothispowerwithotherrenewableenergywouldbemostappropriate.ArecentstudyromaUCDavis researcher concluded that reservoirscan produce large amounts o greenhousegasesdue todecompositiono organicmat-ter. Shasta Lakewas identiedas producingcarbondioxidedailyequalto14,000carsrun-ning40miles.Methane,amuchmorepotentgreenhousegas,wasnotquantiedbutisalsoemitted.Replacementothesedamswithre-newablepowerwilllikelybemuchbetterortheatmosphereandhaveapositiveeectonglobalwarmingandclimatechange.Tenu-trientrichKlamathRiverreservoirs,although

PaciCorp,nowa subsidiaryoWarrenBu-etsMid-AmericanEnergy,isinthe6thyearotheirprocesstorelicensetheirhydro-electricacilities(damsandreservoirs)intheKlamathRiver.Treeothesehydro-generation acili-tiesareinCaliornia(IronGate,Copco1&2)andoneisinOregon(JCBoyle).Inaddition,

PaciCorp usesKenodamand reservoir orstoragetoregulatetheirpeakingpoweractivi-tiesatJCBoyle.PaciCorphasindicatedthatthey want to abandon this potentially toxicsite, as well as decommission the East andWestSidepowergeneratorsnearUpperKlam-athLakeandturntheirmanagingresponsibili-tiesonLinkRiverdambacktotheUSBureauoReclamation.PaciCorpindicatedintheirapplicationprocessthattheirdams/reservoirsprovidelittleornofoodcontrolandprotec-tiontotheKlamathRiverdownstreamotheiracilities, duemostly to theirrelatively small

storagecapacity.

Tere are two processes currently underwayinwhichPaciCorpandallinterestedpartiesarenavigatingthislicenseprocesswhichcouldrelicensetheseacilitiesorupto50years.TerstisthepublicadministrativeprocessthatisundertheauthorityanddirectionotheFed-eralEnergyRegulatoryCommission(FERC).When PaciCorp completed and submittedits Final Application in 2004, it started theadministrativeEnvironmental ImpactAssess-ment(EIS)byFERCandtriggeredAdditionalInormationRequests to PaciCorp. FERCreleaseditsdratEISin2006,whichassessedour alternatives 1) Status Quo Manage-ment;2)InstallationoFishLadders,Screens,etc;3)FERCstarecommendation(ladders,screensandadditionalactionsorsh),and4)RemovalotheLowerwoDams/Reservoirs.FERCconcludedthatitwascheaper or PaciCorp andtheirratepayerstoremovethetwoDamsthantoinstallFishladders,screensetc.FERCis

due tocomeout with theirFinalEISandpreerredalter-nativelaterthisyear.Tetwostatesalsohavetoprovideawaterqualitycerticationothe proposed project priortoproceedingwithanewli-cense.

Klamath River Hydro-Electric License- The FERC Process and Settlement-Petey Brucker

notassessedinthestudy,havemuchgreateamountsoorganicmatter, algaeetc.,andarelikelytoproducelargeamountsothesegasesdaily.In addition to FERCs public administrativeprocess, PaciCorphas invited severa

keypartiestotryanddevelopanalternateresolutionprocessthroughacomprehensivsettlementthatsgoodoreveryoneinvolvedTissecondprocessisbeingconductedun-deracondentialityagreement,whichPacCorp required and the group developedandagreedto.Althoughthedetailsothiprocessarenoteasilymadepublic,manyinvolvedarehopingtoaddressthedamsanreservoirsownedandrunbyPaciCorpithe KlamathRiveras well asmanyo thlongstandingconfictoverresources.Tereisapushbyallothepartiestowardsettle

menttoarriveatenoughmutualresolvetohelp bring Peace to the Klamath Basinandtocreateamorecollaborativeutureothesh,wildlie,riversandourcommunities.

OurSalmonRiver SpringChinookwhosmigrations are known to be aected anddrivenbysnowmeltsandcoolerwatertemperatures,maybeakeyruninareintroduction eort or the Upper Basin. Historiinormation indicates that most (approximately70%)oSpringChinookrangewaabovethedamsintheSpragueandWilliam-son rivers.Without the developmentolargermeta-populationresidingthroughouthe Klamath Basin, many doubt that ouSalmonRiver run oSpringChinook cansurviveovertime.TisisalargereasonwhytheSRRChasbeenanactiveparticipantin

theFERCprocessandinthe settlement negotiations.Tesevariousprocessesmaybeculminatingthisyearandwewil

beactivelyengaged.

Ipeople would like tolearnmore about thestwoprocessesorgetinvolved, please contacPetey Brucker o thSRRC, pbrucker@srrcorg.

Iron Gate dam


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Ontheaceoit,shandwildremaynotseemtosharemuchincommon.Aterall,onepreersitcoldandwetandtheotherlikesitdryandhot.Teactis,though,thatwildresandeortstosuppressthem-cangreatlyaectqualityolieorash.

Probablythemostobviousconnectionbetweenwildreandsheriesissediment.Wildrecanincreasetheamountosedi-mentdeliveredtothestreamchannel.Firesremovethetrees,shrubsandgrasseswhichprotectthesoilromerosion,slowingthe rateatwhichgravitycanpullsoildown romtheslopesintocreeks,streamsandrivers.Whensoilenterswaterwaysataslowrate,thewatercancarryawaythesmallsoilparticles(sedi-ment)romthelargergravelsandcobbles.Whensoilerosionisincreased,thecapacityothewatertomovesedimentcanbeoverwhelmedoratime,allowingtheopenspacesbetweengravelsandcobblesinchannelbottomstobecomelledwithsediment.Sincethoseopenspaceshelpmoveoxygen-richwa-terthroughtheeggmasses,havingthemlledinwithsedimentcanseriouslyimpacthatchingsuccess.Dependingonthesizeandseverityothere,thetimeoyear,andtheterrainitoc-cursin,itcantakeawatershedanywhereromyearstodecadestoslowtherateosoilerosionbackdowntobaselinelevelsandfushtheexcesssedimentsromthesystem.Fortheperiodotimeittakesthewatershedtorecover,shproductioncanbesignicantlyreduced.Notallresproducecatastrophicresults,andsomecanresultinlong-termbenets,buttheriskposedbyrestosheriesisquitereal.Whereshpopulationsarealreadysubjectto signicantenvironmentalandbiological stresses,a

largereorseriesoresatcriticaltimesorlocationscouldbeseriousindeed.

Methodsusedtoghtreshavetheirownhazards.Manynec-essaryre-ghtingoperations,suchascuttinguelbreaksand

Fire and Fish Whats the Connection? MarcR.Horney,PhD,CRM.

operatingtrucks,dozersandotherequipmentonslopesandoerragilesites,willacceleratesoilerosiontosomedegree.Mre-ghtingagenciesdowhattheycantominimizedamagearepairsitesaterwards,butitisotendiculttoullyrestoreareinashorttime.Manychemicalsusedorsuppression(retardaand oams)havesomelevelo toxicityorsh,and/or or t

aquaticinsectsneededorood.Tesetoxiceectsarevariabhowever.Forexample,Gaikowski(1996)oundthatRainbtroutandChinook ryweremore sensitive toretardants ththeireggs.Inthesamestudy,twooamsusedinthetrialswrelativelymoretoxictoshthanthethreeretardantsbeingevuated.Itmaynotbepracticaltopickandchooserecontchemicalsortheirimpactsonsh,especiallyinthemiddleore,butitishelpultobeawareotheseissueswhendevelopiremanagementplansbeorehandinsensitiveareas.

Notalleectsorearebadorsh,however.Fires,orexaple,reeupnutrientsthatdrivetheoodchainusedbysh,thmaintainenvironmentswhereavarietyoplantsoallagesatypesfourish,andtheycanhelpcontroldiseasesandpests.Thealthystreamsandriversthatareneededbysharethemselvproducedbyhealthyuplandenvironments.Fireisanaturalpo that process.Te trick is in creating environments whewhenresoccur,theyaremanageableanduseul.Accomplishithatrequiresthatuelsbemanagedsothattheignition,growtandspreadowildrescanbesaelymanagedorthemostbeneandleastlong-termharm.Fish(andpeople)aremostthreatenwhereuelsareallowedtoaccumulatetohighdensitiesinarthatarediculttoreach,whichotenareon sitesthathave

higherosionriskandwhereroadsareewandeasilycuto,anwateraccessislimited.Isyourcommunityre-sae?Iitis,notonlywillyouramilyanriendsbesecure,buttheshwillthankyoutoo.-Originally published version appeared in the Scott River Watershed Council ne

letter. Mr. Horney works or Natural Resource Conservation Service.


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Ocourse,shladdersarenottheanswer;theydontaddressseriouswaterqualityissuesaboveandbelowthedams,andtheywillcontinueto blockupstreampassageor severalotherKlamathRiverspecies.Initially,aCAEnergyCommission(CEC)report(theocialreport,currentlyonlewithFERC)oundthatbreachingthedamswould cost$101million lessthan installingsh ladders. Unhappywith that estimate,PacicPowerhiredaprivate,independent,en-ergyconsultingrm,ChristensenAssociatesEnergyConsultingLLC,toreanalyzethecostoeachoption(damremovalvs.upgrades).TeconsultantsusedthesameeconomicmodelandshowedthatPacic

Powerwouldsave$46millionbyremodelingthedamsandcontinuingtheiroperations.Te$147milliondierenceinthetwoanalysesismainlybecauseintheiranalysisothedamremovaloption,thepri-vateconsultingrmincludingcostsassociatedwithremovingsedimentthathasaccumulatedabovethedams.SusanneGareld,anEnergyCommissionspokeswomansaystheCECreportdidntassesscostsorsedimentsbecauseanearlierstudyundedbytheCACoastalCommis-sionindicatedthatsedimentdepositsandtheirtoxicitywouldntaectthecost.TeyrerantheireconomicmodelusingPacicPowersownnumbers,excludingconsiderationosediments,andoundtheretobeanevenlargersavingsthanrstdiscovered;nowitisestimatedthatPacicPowerwouldsave$114millionbyremovingthedamsinsteadoupgradingthem.IsitjustgoodbusinesspracticethatPacicPowerhiredaconsultanttoreviewtheEnergyCommissionsestimate,ordidtheyhirethemtosaywhattheywantedtohear,thusgivingtheman-otherbargainingchipinamoneymakinggamethatcontrolstheateotheKlamathsalmon? Warren Buets company, MidAmerican Energy HoldingsCompany,recentlyboughtPacicPowerromScottishPower.Teyboughtitasaneconomicinvestment;alowriskinvestmentwitharela-tivelystablerateoreturn.Unlikemostbusinesses,whichearnprotbasedontheamountorqualityotheirproduct,electricpowerutilitiesandtheirdamscreateaprotdependingonhowmuchmoneytheiroperatorsinvestintheprojectsinrastructure;entirelyindependentohowmuchenergythedamproduces.Ineconomicjargon,thisiscalled

acostoservicemodelcomparedtothemorecommonprotmod-el. PacicPowersKlamathdamshavean establishedrateoreturno9%,andtheirdamsarevaluedatabout$37million.SoeveryyearPacicPowerearns$3.3million,whichis9%othe$37millionvalue.Inotherwords,everyyear,PacicPowerearns$3.3million9%othevalueothedamsregardlessotheamountopowertheyproduce.Wheredoesthismoneycomerom?Itsromratepayers,throughthePublicUtilitiesCommission(PUC).TePUCisa stateagencythatoverseesprivatelyownedutilitiesinthenameothecustomers.Teirwebsitestates:TeCPUCisresponsibleorassuringCAutilitycustom-ershavesae,reliableutilityserviceatreasonablerates,protectingutilitycustomersromraud, andpromoting thehealthoCAs economy. TePUCwillnotautomaticallygivePacicPowerthemoney

it spends ora prot on itsinvestments.PacicPowerhastorequestcostrecoveryromthePUC.TePUCwillreviewthecostsandthendecidewhetherornottogivePacicPowertheratepayersmoney.SolongasPacicPowercanjustiythatitspentmoneyintheinterestoprovidingpowerorratepayers,thePUCislikelytograntitcostrecovery.TmostassuredwaythatPacicPowercanearnthat9%rateoreturnoncapitalthattheyinvestinthedamsisitheycanshowthatthosexpenseswererequiredorthemtocontinuetooperatetheirpowergeneratingdams.SincehydrodamsmustbelicensedbyFERC,it

essentiallyguaranteedthatPacicPowerwillearn9%interestonthmoneythattheyspendgoingthroughtheFERCrelicensingprocessItisestimatedthattheywillspend$35milliononthatalone.TeniFERCrequiresthemtoupgradethedamsatanestimatedcosto$350million,PacicPowerwillhavespentanestimatedtotalo$385millionorthenew50yearlicenses.Withthe9%rateoreturn,thatinvestmentwouldearn$34.65millionortheirshareholders.Tatismorethan10timeswhatPacicPowerhasbeenearningromthdams.Itwouldincreasethevalueothedamsand,thereore,increasetheannualreturn.AllothisnumbercrunchingleadstowhyPacicPowermaynotcareiinstallingshladdersismoreexpensivethantakingoutthedams.SolongasPacicPowercanshowthePUCthatheyincurredexpensesintheinterestomakingpowerorratepayers,theymakeaprot.Temoremoneytheyspend,themoremoneyotheirsthatyieldsthathighdividend.TiscommissionedstudythatshowsupgradingthedamsasthemostcosteectiveoptionwoulsupportPacicPowerwhentheygotothePUCandaskorcostrecoveryonthemillionstheywanttospendtoinstallshladders,tore-licensethedams,andtocontinuetooperatethosesh-blocking,waterqualitydegrading,toxicalgaecreating,inecientKlamathdam Giventheormatoeconomicincentivesandpayos,howcanweencouragetheremovalotheKlamathdamsandsaveratepay-ersmoneyintheprocess?Assumingthatthisisyourposition,youcanwriteto theCAPublicUtilitiesCommissioninSanFranciscosayingthatyousupporttheremovaloPacicPowersKlamathdams

andthatyouurgethePublicUtilitiesCommissiontoreusespendingratepayermoneyon costlyimprovementstodamswithlowenergoutput.Reiteratethatremovingthedamsisestimatedtocostlesthantherequiredimprovements.Inadditiontomakingeconomicsense,removingthedamswillhelprepairthehealthotheriver,wilremedytheproblemwithtoxicalgaeaccumulationsinreservoirs,andwillopenupmorethan300milesohabitatorsalmon,whoseconsecutiveyearsolowreturningadultscausedaclosureotheoceansheryinpartsoOregonandCaliornialastyear.IPacicPowergoesaheadwithinstallingshladdersontheKlamathdams,theyshouldnotassumecostrecoveryortheassociatedexpenses.

AsmostpeopleintheNorthwestareawareo,PacicPower,adivisionoPaciCorp,isnowinitssixthyearoreviewoverrelicensingouroitssevenhydroelectricdamsontheupperKlamath.Tecompanys30-50yearoperationallicenseontheourdamsexpiredin2006andiscurrentlyoperatingonrenewableone-yearextensionsuntiltheFederalEnergyRegulatoryCommission(FERC)grantsthecompanyanewlicense.BowingtotheFebruarydecisionotheUSFish&WildlieServiceandtheNationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministra-tion,FERCmustrequirePaciCorptoinstallshladdersandscreensonallourprojectsasaconditionorelicensing,opening350milesohabitatintheupperKlamathbasintoreturningsalmonorthersttimeinahundredyears.

Te Economics o Dam Relicensing


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TeCaliorniaPUCsaddressis:CAPublicUtilitiesCommission/ConsumerAairsBranch/505VanNessAve./SanFrancisco,CA94102-3298.Youcanalsogivethemacalltoll-ree,MondayFri-day,9a.m.3p.m.at1-800-649-7570.Besuretoincludeyouraddressandphonenumber.WhilethePUCissupposedtokeeptheratepayersinterestsintheoreront,thereareutilitywatchdoggroupsthatreinorcethatmission.InCA,wehaveagroupcalledowardUtilityRateNormalization(URN),whodonothingbutlobbyandorganizeorutilityconsumers.Teyhaveexperienceand

successcommunicatingcitizensviewstotheCAPUC.Youcanjointhem,orjustwritethemwithasimilarmessage.Teiraddressis:HEUILIYREFORMNEWORK/711VanNessAve,Suite350/SanFrancisco94102.Teirphonenumberis:415-929-8876,andtheire-mailaddressis:turn@turn.org.TehopeisthatiPacicPowergetsthemessagethattheywillnotrecovercostsassociatedwithupgradingthedams,thentheywillchoosetheoptionthatmakespracticaleconomicsense:damremoval.

TeinormationorthisarticlecameromanenlighteningtalentitledIncentives,Costs,andProcessesInvolvedinFERCRlicensingProceedings:ACautionaryPerspectivegivenbyGuyPhillips,PhDEconomics,attheSalmonidRestorationFederationConerenceinMarch2007.AdditionalinormationcamromtheCaliorniaEnergyCommissionswebsite:www.energyca.gov/klamath,theCaliorniaPublicUtilitieswebsite:http:/www.cpuc.ca.gov/,andan article in theHighCountryNewentitledTeKlamathDamsbytheNumbersbyErinHalcombwhichcanbeoundonlineathttp://www.hcn.org

- Laura Smit

KlamathRiver SedimentandDam Investigation,Gathard Engineing,November2006,submittedtotheFERCrecordbytheCACoasConservancy.

map by Sarah HugdahlSalmon River Restoration Council


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TeSalmonRiverCooperativeNoxiousWeedsProgramisworkinghardthisyear.Weareoutinullorce,workingnotonlyonthehighpriorityweedslikeSpottedKnapweed,ItalianTistle,andWhiteopbutalsoon lowerpriorityweedssuchasMarlahanMustard. Wednesdaysarebeinghighlighted ascommunitywork-daysinourscenictowns.Teimpactoourworkcontinuestoshowwhatpeoplecandowithacommunityeort.SomeotheareasthatwerecarpetedwithItalianTistlelastyearcannowbedescribedassparse.TerelativelyshortseedlieoItalianTistlemaybewhatmakesitquickertocontrolthanKnapweedwas.Ocourseknap-weedwillbecontinuetobesoughtinupcomingyears,butweexpect

toseelessthanathousandplants,inthesameareasthat,in1999,

contained200,000.Keepyoureyespeeled-anynewSalmonRiversightingsoknapweedreportedtotheSRRCwillearnareward!NoxiousWeedControlisanarenathatisullyinterconnectedwiththemultiplesystemsatworkin thewatershed.Althoughrelationsbetweenvegetation,thewatershed,shandremayseemdistinct,theirintegrationoverlapsinNoxiousWeedsbehaviorandmanage-ment.

ANoxiousWeedsuelcharacteristicisoneothecriteriaweusetodetermineaweedspriorityoreradication.Someburnhotterthanothers.Oil-richScotchbroom,whichishighlyfammableandalsoormsaladderuel,isaweedwevebeenremovingsince1994.Weedslikethebeautiulsweetpeas,growquicklyinthespringthendiein

summer,leavingveryfashyuelsbytheroadside.

Disturbanceandmovementarewhatgivenoxiousweedstheedgetheyneedtoopportunizetheirwayintothearea.Tiskindoim-pacttoecosystemsisstandardoperatingprocedureinawildlandresituation.WelooktoFireFightersasacrucialvectororprevention.Educationandoutreachwithourpartner,theU.S.ForestService,in-creasesawarenessandenlistssupporttohelppreventseedtransport.Protocolsareinplace,andactionsaretakentomitigatethethreatocontaminatedequipmentbringingininvadersromotherareas.

Noxious Weeds on FireFirecanalsobeusedinacontrolledwayornoxiousweedman-agement.Individualplantsmaybesingedwithapropanetorch.Burningpilesontopoexistingweedsandseedbanksisamethodalsoinuse.Fireandbroadcastburningmayultimatelybealong-termcontrolmethodtoincorporateintolandmanagementinsomeareas,butwildremanagementdoesnotcurrentlyallowthis.

I you want more ino orwould like to get involvedplease contact [email protected] or call theWatershed Center 462-4665

ItalianTistlecarduss pycnocephalus

SpottedKnapweedcentaurea maculosa

Whiteopcardaria draba

AlloNorthAmericacontainsapproximately18,000nativeplantspecies.Othose,Caliorniahostsover5,000.Tecountis7,200whencountingsubspeciesandvarieties.OveronethirdoCaliornianativeplantsareoundnowhere

elseonearth. - Caliornia Native Plant Society


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Ceanothus

TeSalmonRiverwatershedcontainsmanymembersotheChaparralplantcommunity-oneothemostreproneplantcommunities.Teyhaveevolvedmanyadaptationstoactuallythriveinhighheat,ullsun,poorrockysoils,uptosixmonthsonorainandorestrestoboot.Toughmanysee orestresasadestructiveprocess,theamazinglyhardyChaparralplantswouldeventuallydieoutiitwasntorre.

SomeotheChaparralplantsonecanseeintheSalmonRiverWatershedare:Manzanita(Arctostaphylosspp.),Cali-ornialilac(Ceanothusspp.),Scruboak,CaliorniaCoeeber-ry (Rhamnus caliornica),Chaparralhoneysuckle (Lonicerainterrupta), oyon (Heteromeles arbutiolia), Mountainmahogany(Cercocarpusspp.),andSilk-tassel(Garryaspp.).Chaparralplantcommunitiesaremostlymadeupoevergreenplantswithsmallwaxyleatheryleaves.Teyotenhaveverystibrachesandgrowuptotwometers.CowboysotenworechapsinthewesttoprotecttheirlegsromthestiChaparralbranchescoveringabout8.5%otheCaliornialandscape.Chaparral isalsoound inother places intheworldwhereMediterraneanclimatesareound.Chaparralplantshavemanyphysiologicaladaptations.Teleatheryleavedplantsarecalledsclerophyllous.InsomeManzanitatheleavesgrowperpendiculartotheraysothesuntoreducewaterloss.Tesesclerophyllousplantsalsohaveewerstomatathanotherplants.Stomataaretinyporesintheleavesthatregulatetranspiration.PlantssuchasManzanitahaverootcrowns.Tesecrownshavetheabilitytoresproutaterarehasburnedthematureplant.

ManyChaparralplantsproduceveryfammableresins,oilsandalcoholswhichmakeoraveryhotre.Tisveryhotreismore

apttokillnonChaparralseedsurtherensuringthedominanceotheChaparralcommunity.TeManzanitaseedsotenneedscaricationtogerminate.InManzanita,thisisprovidedbytheheatothereandchemicalsandsmokereleasedbytheburningotheadultplants.IyouhavehikedinChaparralinthepastyoumayhaveno-ticedthattherewaslittletonovegetationgrowingunderneath.Terearetwomainreasonsorthis.TerstreasonthisoccursisAllelopathy-theleachingochemicalsromoliageandlealitterromtheChaparralintothegroundthatinhibitsgrowthootherplantspecies.TesecondreasononendslittleundergrowthisthatthedenseChaparralplantsoerasaehavenormammals

andbirdsthateatseedsandsmallplants.Predatorssuchascoy-otes,hawksandowlshaveadiculttimeseeingorgettingtotheanimalsprotectedunderthebranchesoaChaparral.Chaparralisoneothemanyascinatingplantcommunitiesoundinnature.Fireecologyisintimatelyintertwinedwiththewellbeingothisplantcommunity.Oten,aterawildrehasburnedChaparral,theollowingspringonecanndavirtualseaosproutingplants.Withconditionstoohotanddryomostplantsandmanyoriginalplantsresproutingromtheirrootcrowns,theChaparralcommunitywillrejuvenateitselbacktoitsormerglory.- Bob Atwood

Manzanita

Mountain Mahogany

Silk tassel

oyon

Chaparral: Master of fire adaptation

acorn o aScrub Oak

Coeeberry


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sentinMarch2007DearSalmonRiverCommunityMembers,

Withthesummermonthsandreseasonapproaching,thiswillbeariendlyreminderoreveryonetodohisorherpartinbeingresaeandstayingprepared.Despitethecoolandtherainywinter/springwehavehad,uelsaredryingoutast.Itiseasytoloseocus,becomecareless,ororgetgoodpractices.Hereareaewreminderstohelpusallget

throughthe2007reseasonsaely:

Burnbarrelsanddooryardburningpermitsarerequired.

Camprepermitsarerequiredthiscomingseasonexceptindevelopedcampgrounds.Watchormorerestrictiveregulationsasredangerincreases.

Rememberlastyear?Teresstartedandmanyouswerescramblingtocleanaroundourhouses.Dontwaituntiltheresarehere.Makesuredeadanddryvegetationiscutandclearedromaroundhomesandoutbuild-ingsaminimumoa100ootdeensiblespacearoundyourhomeandoutbuildings.TeSalmonRiverFireSaeCouncilwillhaveagranttohelpyoucreatethe100ootdeensiblespacearoundyourhomeandoutbuild-ings.Iyouareinterestedinparticipating,pleasecontactusat462-4665.

Keepguttersandrooscleanoallenleavesandneedles.

Checkgeneratorsandmakesuretheyarerunningproperlyandsparkarrestorsareinplace.Checkoroilspillsandremovewasteoilcontainers.Makesuretheareaaroundthegeneratorisclearoanyuels.

Tinkaheadandcleanchimneysandwoodburningstoves.Saelydisposeoallashes.Checkentiresystemorexcessivewear.Checkandcleanelectricalandgasappliancesinyourhome.Remembertobesaewithcandles.

Haveyourreextinguisherscheckedandcharged.Watchorpostersoropportunitiestodothisorcontactthereequipmentcompanieswithinthecounty.

Besaeduringwoodcuttingseasonbycheckingthesparkarresteronyourchainsawandalwayshaveashovelandwaterwithyou.Besureyouarecomplyingwithanyrestrictionsonchainsawusecall530-842-4588tocheckcurrentregulations.

Stackrewoodsaelyawayromyourhouse.

Checkyourwatersystemandtopoemergencytanks.

Kayaking/mountainbiking/miningseasonwillsoonbeherebringinginalotoorestusers.Keepaneyeoutorabandonedcampres.

Althoughcampresarelegalonprivateproperty,considertherisk.Iyoumusthaveacampremakesureyouhavegoodclearancearoundthere.Alwayshavewaterandashovelonsite.Useonlysmallwood.Drenchwithwaterandstirtoputthereout.

Iyousmoke,snuallsmokingarticlesbeorethrowingthemaway.

Iyouhaveanyquestionsorneedhelpwiththeseresaetips,donthesitatetocallSalmonRiverVolunteerFireandRescueat462-4706,theSalmonRiverRestorationCouncilat462-4665ortheSalmon/ScottRiverRangerDistrictat468-5351.Tesereminderscanhelpalloussaelygetthroughthe2007reseason.

Sincerely,

JimBennett,Chie,SalmonRiverVolunteerFireDepartmentJimVilleponteaux,Facilitator,SalmonRiverFireSaeCouncilKathyMcBroom,Secretary,SalmonRiverRestorationCouncilRayA.Haupt,DistrictRanger,Salmon/ScottDistrictRangerKellyBlake,CDFSiskiyouChie,Battalion1


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Salmon River Volunteer Fire and Rescue Update!A new ambulance has come to the Salmon River. Ater an October collision let the local ambulance inoperable, the Salmon River VolunteerFire and Rescue was in dire need o an ambulance. Etna Ambulance Company graciously contributed their extra ambulance, which was greatlyappreciated and put to good use. However, only a our-wheel drive ambulance is really suitable or this area.

ina Bennett ound an ideal new ambulance. It is a 2002 Ford E350, with a 7.3-liter diesel engine. It has our-wheel drive and many otheramenities, such as an inant seat and adjustable gas and brake pedals. A proessional paint job with custom lettering clearly identies the ambu-

lance as Medic 11, part o the Salmon River Fire and Rescue feet.

Fire and Rescue has also outtted the ambulance with a new gurney. Tis is the very latest in rugged gurneys and promises the smoothest ridepossible in and out o the ambulance. Tere is an added benet in that it is identical to the one used by Etna Ambulance Company. Patientsno longer need to be transerred to a dierent gurney when meeting up with Etna Ambulance or Advanced Lie Support.

Tese exciting new developments enhance the saety o everyone in the Salmon River area. Tey also are costing Fire and Rescue a substantialamount o money. Local und raising has been very helpul. Te Forks Community Club continues to support Fire and Rescue with undraising eorts such as calendar sales, dances and a games night. Cecilville Community Club has also contributed money. Te Karuk ribe

generously contributed most o the cost o the new Gurney. Personal contributions are always welcome at any time. Keep an eye out or upcom-ing events to help keep the Fire and Rescue up and running. Tank you to everyone who has given so much to Salmon River Volunteer Fire andRescue. - Shannon Flarity

Tislastreseason,theForestServicetookadierentapproachtobattlingthemanyresthatstartedinthewatershed.Inthepastwehaveseentheremanagersusedirect,aggressivesuppressiontechniquesandbackburningtocontrolres.Wehaveseenmanybackresresultinmoredamagethentheoriginalres.LastseasontheForestServiceusedatoolthatgavethemmorefexibilitytoactuallyusetherestodosomegoodbyreducinguelswith

mostlylowintensityre.TistooliscalledAppropriateManagementResponse(AMR).

AMRallowsoraullrangeostrategiestobeapplied,romanintenseullsuppressionresponsetomanagedwildlandreuse.Terstdecisiontobemadeiswhethertohaveasuppression-orientedresponseortoallowtheretoburntoulllthelandmanagersobjectives(reuse).AnAppropriateManagementStrategyisusedtodevelopaplanordirectiontakenbyanagencyadministratortoguidewildlandremanagementactionsandmeetprotectionandreuseobjectives.TeollowingcomponentsareavailableinAMR:

Full ResponseAsuppression-orientedresponseactionthatcaninclude:controllinessurroundingtheentireperimeter(hotspotandcoldtrailmaybeconsideredcompletedline)includinganyspotres,protectionointeriorislands,burn-outouelsadjacenttocontrollines,andmop-uptoastandardadequatetoholdunderhighreintensityconditions.Fullresponseobjectivesarebasedonsaeyetaggressiveapproachtoachievecontainmentothereatthemostpracticalsizebythebeginningothenextburnperiod.Firebehaviormaydictate,atleastemporarily,theutilizationonaturalbarriersorindirectstrategies.Tesestrategiesandtacticswouldincludedirectcontrol.

Confnement ResponseTesuppression-orientatedstrategyemployedinAMRwherearesperimeterismanagedbyacombinationodirectandindirectactionsanduseonaturaltopographiceatures,uels,andweatheractors.Tesestrategiesandtacticscouldincludeperimetercontrol.

Wildland Fire Use (WFU)Temanagementonaturallyignitedwildlandres,inpre-denedgeographicareas,toaccomplishspecipre-statedlandownerobjectives,asoutlinedintheFirePlan.Strategiesandtacticsemployedinareuseactionmayrefectperimetercontrolandwillincludeprescriptioncontrol.

Maximum Management Area (MMA)Termlimitsomanagementcapabilitytoaccommodatethesocial,political,andresourceimpactsoawildlandre.OnceanapprovedWildlandFireUsePlanisestablished,duringtheStageIIIprocesstheMMAisxedandnosubjecttochange.IMMAdeterminationisexceeded,therewillollowtheWildlandFireSituationAnalysis(WFSA)process.

Initial Management Area (IMA) TeinterimlimitsomanagementowildlandresplacedunderaStageIorIIimplementationplanandbeorecompletionobestsciencerebehaviorpredictionsorStageIIIimplementation.TesizeoanIMAmaybeadjustedbasedonrebehaviorpredictions,weatherorecasts,siteanalysis,andriskassessment.TeIMAbecomesxedasanMMAonceawildlandreisplacedunderastageIIIimplementationplan.

A New and Appropriate Management Response to Fires by the USFS


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AddressServiceRequested

Salmon River Restoration Council

P.O. Box 1089Sawyers Bar, CA 96027

(530) 462-4665 fax- 4664

e-mail [email protected] www.srrc.org

NONPROFIT

ORGPOSTAGE PAID

FORKS OF

SALMON, CA

PERMIT #1

SALMON RIVER FIRE WEEK - MAY 14th through MAY 18th

May14th-ChainsawWorkshop10amattheForksCommunityClub.Update your knowledge or Learn anew about Chainsaw maintenance, Sae chainsaw practices, Saety, Equipment needs, and Falling &bucking up a small tree. RSVP the SRRC Watershed Center ASAP 462-4665 or [email protected] Bring: Your chainsaw i you have one,in good working order, your saety equipment, gloves, etc. and a lunch. Sponsored by the Fire Sae Council o Siskiyou County and the

Salmon River Fire Sae Council.May15th-FireSaetyrainingLevel1,WatershedCenter@8am-4pmMay16th-FireSaetyrainingLevel2,WatershedCenter@8am-4pm

May17th-CommunityFireSaetreatmentworkday,meetatForksPark@9:30amMay18th-CommunityFireSaetreatmentworkday,meetatKathy+DeanMcBrooms@9:30am

related date -May29th-SalmonRiverFSCMaymeetingwillbeinCecilville@1pm.opicis100DeensibleSpace

SALMON RIVER SPRING CHINOOK/SUMMER STEELHEAD SURVEY - JULY 24th TO JULY 26th

July24th-SurveyDiverainingJuly25thand26th-SpringChinook&SummerSteelheadSurveyDivesJuly26thand27th-Spring Chinook Watershed Symposium.

Tis is an annual event highlighting Spring Chinook restoration in Caliornia, hosted this year by the SalmonRiver Restoration Council, the Salmonid Restoration Federation, MidKlamath Watershed Council, the Karuk

tribe, USFS and others. Tis event will be a ocal point in eorts to restore Spring Chinook - the once largest run

in the Klamath basin. Speakers and organizations rom around the state and Pacic Northwest will gather tonetwork and share knowledge about Spring Chinook in Forks o Salmon. Registration orms or the conerenc

and dives will be distributed soon.July27thand28th-JamminFortheSalmon a benet music and education estival.

PleasecontactNatPenningtonatsheries@srrc.orgorcall530-462-4665ormoreino.

salmon river restoration council newsletter, winter 2007

Documents