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Inyo County water staff report tamarisk removal season and near-average runoff prediction; public input scheduled on LADWP operations plan
Summary
Water Department reported tamarisk removal progress, snowpack/runoff metrics and scheduled two public opportunities for input on the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power annual operations plan.
Inyo County—s Water Department briefed the Board of Supervisors on April 15 about the county—s tamarisk (salt cedar) treatment season, recent snowpack/runoff data and upcoming chances for public input on the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Annual Operations Plan.
Water Department representative Holly Albert said crews finished the tamarisk treatment season on March 31 using two staff members (one permanent research assistant and one seasonal tamarisk technician) who worked 63 days in multiple locations, including MacGyver Ditch, the west side of the river from Mazurka to two culverts, Collins Road/Arkansas Flat and Diaz Lake (in partnership with the parts department). The work also included mapping tamarisk stands near Hidden Pond and other sites, and Albert said staff are developing a prioritized list of treatment areas for future seasons and expect to hire additional seasonal staff next year to expand treatment capacity.
Albert provided snow and runoff data based on April 1 measurements: automated snow pillows for the Owens Valley registered 91% of average while manual snow surveys showed about 84% of average; runoff prediction for the year was approximately 92% of average. Albert characterized the year as roughly an "average water year." She said the county will receive LADWP—s Annual Operations Plan on April 20 and the county then has 10 days to respond.
Albert outlined two public opportunities for input on the county—s response to the LADWP plan: a Water Commission meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, April 28 at the Water Department, and a county board meeting on Tuesday, April 29 when staff will present the operations plan and hold a workshop with the Water Commission.
The board received the report; no formal action was taken. Albert encouraged the public to submit mapping suggestions and asked anyone with prioritized treatment ideas to contact the Water Department.
