News Release Archive

Reclamation and DWR to restore floodplain habitat for endangered salmon in the Yolo Bypass

Increased habitat for juveniles improves passage for salmon, sturgeon

Media Contact: Jeff Hawk, 916-978-5100 , jhawk@usbr.gov

For Release: September 10, 2019

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation, in coordination with the California Department of Water Resources, today announced its decision to move forward with a restoration project to improve fish passage and increase floodplain fisheries-rearing habitat in the Yolo Bypass.

“This is a major milestone for habitat restoration in the Central Valley and an important part of working toward improving conditions for salmon and sturgeon and water supply reliability in California,” said Reclamation Mid-Pacific Regional Director Ernest Conant. “We appreciate the work of our local and state partners as we’ve moved toward this crucial goal. We look forward to coordination with landowners in the bypass.”

The project will reconnect the floodplain for fish during the winter season and improve connectivity within the bypass and to the Sacramento River by allowing up to 6,000 cubic feet of water per second to flow through new east side gates on the Fremont Weir. The project seeks to benefit juvenile salmon on their way out to the ocean and adults moving upstream to their spawning grounds. Juvenile salmon will be able to feed on the food-rich floodplains and grow. Improvements will also reduce stranding and migratory delays of adult salmon and sturgeon due to passage barriers.

The ROD was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act after completing thorough environmental review, public outreach and required permitting. The documents are available at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=30484.

To request a copy of the documents, contact Ben Nelson at 916-414-2424 (TTY 800-877-8339) or bcnelson@usbr.gov. Hard copies of the documents can be reviewed at the Bureau of Reclamation, Bay-Delta Office, 801 I Street, Suite 140, Sacramento, CA. Call to make an appointment (916-414-2400).

For additional information on the Yolo Bypass Salmonid Habitat Restoration and Fish Passage Project, visit https://www.usbr.gov/mp/bdo/yolo-bypass.html.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.