This year juvenile coho salmon face the daunting challenge of surviving the fourth year of the worst drought in recorded California history. The length and severity of this drought have moved their fight for survival into uncharted waters. Winter rains have not been sufficient to alleviate drought conditions and as such, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) are asking your assistance in taking important actions that may protect sensitive aquatic ecosystems. Partnerships with landowners for habitat restoration in these watersheds have been incredibly important over the years for the conservation of coho salmon. Now we are asking landowners to participate in voluntary drought agreements to help ensure enough water remains instream for this endangered species. Recommendations for Conservation Actions to the State Water Board (May 28, 2015) (PDF) Vineyard and Winery Best Management Practices (June 12, 2015) (PDF) Vineyard and Winery VDI Agreement (June 12, 2015) (PDF) Residential Landowner VDI Agreement (June 12, 2015) (PDF) VDI Public Meeting for Mill Creek and Mark West Creek (May 19, 2015) (PDF) Russian River Watersheds Voluntary Drought Initiative Agreement Presentation (PDF) CDFW to Host Public Meetings to Initiate Partnership with Sonoma County Landowners (press release) VDI Announcement Flyer (May 5, 2015) (PDF) VDI Public Meeting for Dutch Bill and Green Valley Creeks (May 5, 2015) (PDF) VDI Public Meeting for Mark West and Mill Creeks (May 5, 2015) (PDF) Voluntary Drought Initiative Request to Maintain Flow for Coho Salmon in Russian River Tributaries (April 21, 2015) (PDF) Joint NMFS / CDFW Voluntary Drought Initiative (PDF) Governor's Drought Proclamation (April 25, 2014) (PDF) 2015 Voluntary Drought Agreement Letter (PDF) 2014 Voluntary Drought Agreement Letter (PDF) Partner Resources Salmonid Restoration Federation Emergency SDU Brochure (PDF) Salmonid Restoration Federation Water Rights Education website A House the thumbs its nose at the drought (news story) Graywater Action website Salmonid Restoration Federation website Russian River Coho Partnership Flow-For-Fish Rebate Program website
Map of priority Russian River Coho areas affected by drought in 2015 CDFW Drought Response Efforts Contacts Drought Hotline: (707) 944-5555 Want to help? Email bdrdrought@wildlife.ca.gov Andrew Hughan, Information Officer
