4j) Adoption of Resolution Reaffirming Support for the Co-Equal Goals of the Two-Basin Solution and the Water Diversion Agreement for the New Eel-Russian Facility
(Sponsor: Supervisor Williams)
My name is Craig Bell. As background; I served for fifteen years as Chair of the Mendocino County Fish and Game Commission, twenty five years as a licensed fishing guide on the Eel River, I have formal intervener status in the PVP FERC licensing process represeting the Northern California Association of River Guides, I have been working on Potter Valley project impacts on the Eel River directly and behind the scenes for thirty years. Out of consideration that the Eel River was once the third largest producer of Salmon and Steelhead in California, it is now time to move forward on the "Two Basin Solution". This will open up over two hundred miles of spawning and rearing habitat, provide for Winter surplus flows to the Russian River, and over time lead to the Eel River producing a harvestable surplus that will feed local residents, provide Salmon in the ocean for sport and commercial harvest for the ports of; Point Arena, Albion, Fort Bragg and Trinidad harbors. Lake Pillsbury is the source of illegal and ongoing contribution of predatory Pike Minnow. Larry Week former head of CDF&G Anadromous Division estimated the Pike Minnow consume one third of all Salmon and Steelhead smolts in the Eel River. Eliminating this source and comprehensive eradication will contribute to recovery.
The studies that have been completed show that a fish ladder is not feasible, rebuilding the seismically dangerous dam is not economically feasible.
So again urge you support the long stakeholder and science driven process to support the "Two Basin" solution.
Chair Haschak and Members of the Board,
My name is Craig Bell. As background; I served for fifteen years as Chair of the Mendocino County Fish and Game Commission, twenty five years as a licensed fishing guide on the Eel River, I have formal intervener status in the PVP FERC licensing process represeting the Northern California Association of River Guides, I have been working on Potter Valley project impacts on the Eel River directly and behind the scenes for thirty years. Out of consideration that the Eel River was once the third largest producer of Salmon and Steelhead in California, it is now time to move forward on the "Two Basin Solution". This will open up over two hundred miles of spawning and rearing habitat, provide for Winter surplus flows to the Russian River, and over time lead to the Eel River producing a harvestable surplus that will feed local residents, provide Salmon in the ocean for sport and commercial harvest for the ports of; Point Arena, Albion, Fort Bragg and Trinidad harbors. Lake Pillsbury is the source of illegal and ongoing contribution of predatory Pike Minnow. Larry Week former head of CDF&G Anadromous Division estimated the Pike Minnow consume one third of all Salmon and Steelhead smolts in the Eel River. Eliminating this source and comprehensive eradication will contribute to recovery.
The studies that have been completed show that a fish ladder is not feasible, rebuilding the seismically dangerous dam is not economically feasible.
So again urge you support the long stakeholder and science driven process to support the "Two Basin" solution.
Thank you