On November 12, 2024, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals (DC Circuit) ruled on Marin...
Russian River Biological Assessment and Essential Fish Habitat Assessment
The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Sonoma Water collaborated to prepare an updated Biological Opinion for Sonoma Water’s operations within the Russian River watershed. The updated document will help set guidelines for the restoration and protection of threatened and endangered species in the watershed.
Why does this project matter?
Sonoma Water’s operation and maintenance include flood control and water supply operations, estuary and hatchery management, channel maintenance, and associated monitoring and restoration. These activities require federal oversight to ensure operations adhere to the Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA). The Russian River is home to a diverse assemblage of protected fish species including Central California Coast steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Central California Coast Coho salmon (O. kisutsch), Longfin smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys), and California Coastal Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha).
What is ESA doing to help?
ESA is working with Sonoma Water, and their partners at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to develop a Biological Assessment characterizing the state of the Russian River watershed and analyzing effects from their operations on Federally-protected species. Sonoma Water, with its various partners, have a wide range of responsibilities in the Russian River watershed including flood control and water supply operations, estuary and hatchery management, channel maintenance, and associated monitoring and restoration. ESA is currently assisting Sonoma Water on their consultation with NMFS which will result in a new 10-year Biological Opinion to cover their operations into the future.
In tandem with the Federal Endangered Species Act consultation, ESA is also assisting Sonoma Water with the development of an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) for coverage under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA).
Connect with our team
Details
Client Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA)
Location Sonoma County, California
Market Water
Services
Biological Resources
Land & Resource Management
Watershed Assessment & Management
Fish and Aquatic Sciences
Climate Change & Resilience
Climate Change Adaptation
Sustainability Planning
Adaptive Management
Agency Consultation & Coordination
Permitting Assistance
Environmental Review & Documentation
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Flood & Stormwater Management
Coastal Zone Engineering & Management
River Engineering & Management
Restoration
River & Floodplain Restoration
Coastal Restoration
Wetland Restoration
Technology
Geospatial
Website Development
Water Resources
Water Quality
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