Friant Water Authority outlines $1 billion plan to restore San Joaquin River flows and salmon

The future of the San Joaquin River hangs in the balance as discussions at the State Water Resources Control Board meeting on December 12, 2024, spotlighted the ongoing challenges and potential solutions for restoring vital fish habitats. Central to the conversation was the Friant flow proposal, which aims to release an average of 250,000 acre-feet of water annually from the Friant Dam, a structure that has historically blocked river flows since its construction in the 1940s.

The dam's operations, which ceased in 2009 following a significant legal settlement, have had devastating effects on the river's ecosystem, including the extinction of the spring-run Chinook salmon fishery. However, a glimmer of hope emerged in 2017 when the first spring-run Chinook salmon returned to the river after a 70-year absence, signaling that restoration efforts could bear fruit.

Despite this progress, the implementation of the flow releases has faced significant hurdles, including landowner disputes and the impacts of drought. Over $1 billion in projects are needed to fully restore the river and facilitate fish passage, but delays have hindered these efforts. The State Water Resources Control Board has issued permits to protect in-stream flows, yet the actual release of water remains uncertain.

The Friant proposal is seen as a critical step in ensuring that future flows are effectively managed to benefit the Delta ecosystem. Discussions highlighted the importance of integrating these flows into broader water management strategies, emphasizing that while the goal is to recapture as much water as possible before it reaches the Delta, some flow will inevitably contribute to Delta outflows.

As the board continues to navigate these complex issues, the outcome of the Friant flow proposal could significantly impact the ecological health of the San Joaquin River and the surrounding Delta region, making it a pivotal moment for California's water management and environmental restoration efforts.