Russian River Weekly Update 3/18/24

Russian River at Riverside Park on March 17, 2024 by CJ Watt

Reservoir Storage & Operations:

Water supply information provided by Sonoma Water (find more water storage info here).

A table showing storage data for Lakes Mendocino, Pillsbury, and Sonoma, including current storage, target storage, storage curve percentages, and changes.

A graph showing Lake Mendocino storage levels for various years and zones for flood control and water supply.

Lake_Mendocino_Storage_3-18-24.pdf Lake_Sonoma_Storage_3-18-24.pdf Lake_Pillsbury_Storage_3-16-24.pdf

2024 Flows from Eel River to Russian River

In response to PG&E's flow variance filing (see below), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a notice of comment period on February 29, 2024. Deadline for filing comments, motions to intervene, and protests: April 1, 2024. For more information, review the document linked on the District’s website: RRFC Updates Page

Eel River to Russian River Trans Basin Diversion Updates

The Eel-Russian Project Authority (ERPA) is a joint powers authority formed by a joint exercise of powers agreement between the County of Sonoma, Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water), and the Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission.

ERPA will have the power to negotiate with the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) as the utility moves ahead with plans to surrender operations of the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project and to decommission the Scott and Cape Horn dams on the Eel River. The new authority will also have the legal capacity to own, construct and operate a new water diversion facility near the Cape Horn Dam.

The next meeting of the Board of Directors of ERPA will be on Tuesday, March 19th, from 3 - 5 p.m. at the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors Chambers in Ukiah. There will also be a remote participation option via Zoom. More information: https://www.eelrussianauthority.org/events

The following was published in the Press Democrat “Let the Public Speak” on 3/13/24:

This image contains text from a PG&E Vice President discussing their commitment to the Potter Valley Project and addressing concerns regarding the decommissioning process.

Ukiah Valley Water Authority

MendoFever: New Water Authority Unites City of Ukiah, Redwood Valley, and Millview Water District to Navigate the Next Era of Water Challenges, 3/11/24

Nature-based Solutions for Climate Resilience Webcast

Registration is now open for EPA’s Watershed Academy webcast on Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience, which will take place on March 26, 2024. This webcast features professionals from across the country that are conducting nature-based projects to promote climate resilience. Join us to hear speakers discuss a variety of work related to the restoration, protection, and management of natural and modified ecosystems. For more information on this webinar and to register visit: https://www.epa.gov/watershedacademy/nature-based-solutions-climate-resilience-webcast

Office Hours with Anecita Agustinez, DWR's Tribal Policy Advisor

Join the next Office Hours session on March 25 from 12pm to 1pm featuring Anecita Agustinez, DWR's Tribal Policy Advisor. Discussion will include Tribal consultation and interacting with Tribes. This webinar is for government agencies, groundwater agencies, members of the public, or anybody who seeks to deepen their understanding and foster respectful engagement with Tribal governments. Registration information here.

California Climate Investments is excited to announce a new funding resource for California Tribes

The Funding Workbook for All California Tribes (Funding Workbook) guides Tribal leaders and Tribal staff through assessing which California Climate Investments funding opportunities may be a good fit for your Tribe’s needs and priorities. The Funding Workbook is designed for everyone from previous grantees to Tribal leaders and staff who are exploring State climate programs for the first time. The Funding Workbook is meant to serve all Tribes, regardless of federal recognition, and includes Tribes who operate as nonprofits. Visit the California Climate Investments website to learn more . View the Funding Workbook here

California Climate Investments is excited to offer support to Tribes who have questions while working through the Funding Workbook. Whether the content is worded in a confusing way or you’d like more details, reach out. Understanding what questions come up as you use the Funding Workbook will help tailor engagement and improve this resource over time. You can reach them at info@caclimateinvestments.ca.gov or 1-800-757-2907 (hablamos español).

2023 Tribal Affairs Annual Report from the California Water Boards

The Water Boards have just released a Tribal Affairs Annual Report for 2023. The Tribal Affairs Annual Report serves as a dynamic snapshot, capturing the essence of the Water Boards' tribal engagement and consultation throughout 2023. The report is not an exhaustive inventory but a glimpse into the collaborative initiatives shaping the water management landscape. For those eager to delve deeper into the details, program websites are provided in the report. We want to express gratitude to all of the Tribes and tribal representatives who have engaged and partnered with the Water Boards over the last year, and we look forward to continued collaboration. Read the 2023 Tribal Affairs Annual Report here.

Additional Resources and Information

North Coast Resource Partnership Request for Proposals: Technical Assistance for Project Development

The North Coast Resource Partnership (NCRP) is pleased to offer a Request for Proposals for Technical Assistance to Tribes and economically disadvantaged communities to support project development for the NCRP CAL FIRE Forest Health Pilot Grant Program. EXTENDED DUE DATE: Proposals will be accepted & awarded on a rolling basis through MAY 1, 2024

Conservation As a Way of Life

“Drought or no drought, California water regulators are pushing ahead with a new conservation policy that could force some communities to cut water use upward of 30% permanently — though on more lenient terms than originally proposed. The first-of-its-kind regulation is intended to help the state confront chronic water shortages as climate change makes for hotter, drier weather. The initial draft of the regulation, released last year, was widely criticized for asking roughly 400 cities and water agencies to cut back too much too quickly. The cost of compliance was also a concern. Acknowledging the burden, the State Water Resources Control Board on Tuesday unveiled a revised set of rules that would allow some communities to use more water than originally planned as well as extend deadlines for meeting the conservation mandates.” CA Water Education Foundation

More information:

Summit for Equity and Resilience in Water, March 26-27, in person and online

Successes and Lessons Learned from the Integrated Regional Water Management Disadvantaged Community and Tribal Involvement Program -Join water equity champions from across California for the triennial DACTI Lessons Learned Summit to showcase and celebrate programs that engage communities in making key decisions that impact their access to safe and affordable water. See flyer below for more information.

In the press: