Fort Bragg Wave Energy Forum 

On January 19, NMFS Southwest Region HCD participated in the Wave Energy Forum in Fort Bragg, CA.  Also participating were FERC and the Minerals Management Service (MMS), resource agencies, industry, interest groups and 150 members of the public.  NMFS was invited to participate in the event by Congressman Mike Thompson’s office in order to address the concerns of the local community regarding proposed projects. 

Staff presented NOAA’s concerns, relevant authorities and practical experience on the Makah Bay Project licensing.  Staff also presented a GIS poster indicating the proposed project footprints and important information concerning our trust species and habitats of concern including a total of 28 species of marine mammals and the primary gray whale migration corridor and pinniped haul-outs and rookeries.  This represents the first time that much of this information has been mapped.  Staff are currently in discussion with MMS regarding a joint project to provide this information in a publicly available web based format.  [Contact: David White (707) 575-6810.]

Klamath Basin Agreement

NMFS Southwest Region along with representatives of diverse communities in the Klamath Basin, working with federal, state, and county governments, have developed a Proposed Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement to rebuild fisheries, sustain agricultural communities, and resolve other longstanding disputes related to the allocation of water resources. The non-Federal parties released the Proposed Agreement on January 15 to inform the public and to provide public review and comment before taking final action. This is an important first step in a collaborative effort to seek solutions with the key stakeholders in the Klamath Basin on an environmental restoration strategy.

The Klamath Settlement Group is presently negotiating with PacifiCorp in an effort to reach agreement on the removal of the utility’s four lower dams in the Klamath Basin, referenced as the "Hydropower Agreement." Dam removal is a necessary part of the overall restoration effort, and the Hydropower Agreement along with the Proposed Agreement released today has the potential to provide a comprehensive solution for the Basin. The group is working to finalize both agreements in February.

For more information on Klamath projects, click here

Items on Interest

07/18/08