SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – State officials are planning to build a channel around a dam on the Yuba River to help spring salmon survive and reproduce.
For more, stream KCBS Radio now.
Dams across California have prevented salmon from reaching their spawning ground, causing the numbers of fish on the yearly migration to wane. On Tuesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a landmark framework agreement that will reopen miles of habitat to multiple native fish species.
As part of an effort towards river restoration, the state will build a fish ladder — a rocky channel that goes around a dam so fish can swim upstream. The ladder will cost $60 million and will be positioned at a dam on the North Yuba River near Marysville.
"Salmon have been impacted by 150 years of infrastructure," said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot.
The Yuba River dam holds back debris leftover from the Gold Rush and hydraulic mining. "Dams, reservoirs across the state allowed for California to grow, but also disconnected salmon from 90% of its historical habitat," stated Crowfoot.
One fisherman's group is warning that there's a salmon emergency, encouraging Newsom to do even more to help endangered salmon runs. Some environmental groups believe it would be more effective to take down dams altogether.
"California is taking action to restore vital habitats and return fish to their historic home – turning the page on outdated water infrastructure that has blocked passage for these fish for over a century," Newsom said. "Together with historic investments, we're restoring crucial waterways across our state and laying the groundwork for a salmon resurgence."
Climate change has also hurt salmon populations, making it difficult for the fish to find cool pools that will allow their eggs to mature.
DOWNLOAD the Audacy App
SIGN UP and follow KCBS Radio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Related
