Agreement in Principle to Remove Klamath Dams

On November 13, 2008, PacifiCorp, the United States, California and Oregon signed an Agreement in Principal (AIP) that defines a path for what would be the largest dam removal in U.S. history and the focal point for the largest habitat restoration project in U.S. history.

The AIP describes a series of specific actions and obligations leading to the transfer of four dams from PacifiCorp to a government designated dam removal agent which would then effect the removal of those dams. Final approval for such a transfer is pending a final assessment by the Secretary of Interior to confirm the preliminary view of the United States, California, and Oregon that dam removal is in the public interest.

In addition, the AIP provides the requisite missing element for the historic Klamath Basin Restoration Basin Agreement (KRBA) to become effective.  The more comprehensive KRBA was reached among Tribes, farmers, fishermen and conservation groups to restore the Klamath River and resolve long standing water disputes between basin communities.

Advancing the AIP and KRBA will require an even greater effort by NOAA to ensure that: 1) the needs of our trust resources are adequately addressed; 2) authorizing legislation and appropriations take into account NOAA resources necessary to advance and implement the agreements; 3) the need to establish, in partnership with the other parties, an apparatus for public and congressional outreach; and 4) high level coordination with other parties in crafting and finalizing the Final Agreement called for in the AIP.

For more information on Klamath projects, click here

Gypsy Moth Found in Ojai, Ventura River Watershed

Joe Dillon received a call from the California Department of Food and Agriculture asking for information regarding NOAA trust resources in the Ventura River watershed and for a quick review of planned eradication methods for the gypsy moth on Oct. 23, 2008.  Joe provided the species information and reviewed the bacterial pesticide proposed for use, Bacillus thuringiensis, subsp. kurstaki (Btk), which is highly specific to Lepidoptera.  It is known as Dipel DF.  Joe also reviewed the product labels and MSDS sheets, as well as an EPA ecological assessment for the product.  No surfactant is added to this product.  Btk has a long history off use in the eastern U.S. for gypsy moth control and does not seem to pose a problem for steelhead trout.  The half life of the compound is less than 1 week.  A buffer of 200 feet from the river was established through the coordination and the application will be directed away from the river and only take place during periods of low wind.  The Ventura River is currently dry which will allow for multiple applications if needed.  For more information, please contact Joe Dillon at 707-575-6093.

Items of Interest

02/25/09