2022 UPDATED REPORT - California Trout
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2022 UPDATED REPORT
FOREWORD
California has more than 1,400 large dams and tens of
thousands of smaller impoundments on its rivers and
streams. These dams have created barriers to fish
movement, altered natural seasonal flow patterns in Foreword by Ted Grantham,
rivers, and are a primary cause of native fish population Professor of Cooperative
Extension, UC Berkeley and
declines in the state. While dams will continue to play
former CalTrout/PPIC Fellow.
an essential role in managing water in California, many
aging dams have outlived their functional lifespan. These
include dams with sediment-filled reservoirs, those with
non-functional hydropower facilities, and those at risk
of failure, threatening downstream communities and
ecosystems. The removal of such dams has the potential
to bring substantial environmental benefits, while also
supporting the economic and recreational activities
associated with free-flowing rivers.
However, the removal of dams is time consuming,
expensive, and can be politically charged. That is why a
science-based approach for prioritizing dams for removal
is critical. In this report, CalTrout has identified 5 dams
that are ripe for removal. The selection of these dams
was informed by the review of past scientific studies,
understanding of their impact on salmon and steelhead,
awareness of their regulatory context, and sustained
engagement with the communities in which of the dams
are located. By strategically pursuing opportunities for
dam removal where economic, social, and environmental
interests strongly align, CalTrout offers a model for
restoring the health of the state’s rivers for the benefit
of fish and people.
Left: ‘Undam the Klamath’. Photo: Dominic Bruno. Cover: Copco #1, Klamath Dams. Photo: Dave Meurer
INTRODUCTION
The 1930s to the 1960s was an era of large-scale California Trout’s 2022 Top 5 California Dams Out Report Dams that are part of the State Water Project or federal “By strategically pursuing
hydroelectric dam building across the United States. The highlights five dams that are ripe for removal and that must, Central Valley Project were not considered for inclusion in
construction of these dams was important for electricity for the health of the ecosystem and communities around this report due to their vital role in California’s water supply opportunities for dam removal
production and flood control, but today, many have outlived them, come out. The five dams were selected by analyzing system. Similarly, dams designed to protect people and
their useful lifespans. We have now entered a new era in information found in several studies to assess the overall property from catastrophic floods also were not considered. where economic, social, and
which we must reevaluate the utility of aging infrastructure– benefits that removing the dam would present to native fish, environmental interests
and take down those dams that are no longer useful or safe. water, and people. The report highlights removal opportunities, such as dam
license renewal or new funding opportunities to support the strongly align, CalTrout offers
Dam removal is far from unprecedented. Between 1912 and Dams were selected based on the following criteria: removal process, and status of work being conducted to that
2020, 1797 dams were removed in the United States. In • The dam blocks access to habitat for salmon and end. It also identifies partners involved in removal efforts a model for restoring the
1999, the dam removal movement began with the removal of steelhead species listed as critical or high concern in and provides opportunities for the public to take action on
health of the state’s rivers for
Edwards Dam in Maine. In 2011, the giant Elwha River dams the State of Salmonids II Report (written by UC Davis and behalf of each dam listed.
in Washington state came down. In 2015, the 106-foot tall California Trout scientists). the benefit of fish and people.”
San Clemente Dam on the Carmel River was removed. The
• The dam no longer serves its original purpose, whether - Ted Grantham, Professor of Cooperative Extension, UC Berkeley
removal of these dams, and others that have outlived their
generating hydroelectric power, increasing water supply, and former CalTrout/PPIC Fellow
useful lifespans, can have tremendous benefits for fish
or managing flood control, and may now pose a public
populations, watershed health, and people.
safety threat.
Water supply and storage in California are crucial today in the • A dam removal opportunity is present.
face of extreme drought and widespread wildfires. However, • The primary purpose of the dam is not flood control or
maintaining a large number of dams and their subsequent water supply for people.
reservoirs is not always the best option.
In some California watersheds, when large dams were built
following the construction of smaller dams, this created KLAMATH DAMS
a redundancy: more storage space than water exists in
these watersheds. In this situation, more water is lost to
REDDING BATTLE CREEK DAMS
evaporation from the reservoir surfaces than would be lost
if the water storage were concentrated to fewer reservoirs. SCOTT DAM
This means that, for some watersheds, the most effective CHICO
way to supply and store water is to decommission some of
those dams.
SACRAMENTO
Instead of focusing solely on dams, there are many other
options for water storage. Recycling water, including SAN FRANCISCO
treated sewage, graywater, or stormwater can help meet
non-potable needs such as irrigation and fire protection.
Groundwater recharge is another water supply solution.
Many dams in California do provide benefits to Californians
including flood control, water supply, and hydroelectric BAKERSFIELD
power. However, the dams included in this report have
MATILIJA DAM
been carefully selected as dams that have outlived their
functional lifespans. The cost of leaving these dams in RINDGE DAM
place far outweighs the ecosystem and economic benefits LOS ANGELES
of removal. IRVINE
CalTrout begins work on Eagle Canyon barrier removal. Photos: Pusher
Sources for Introduction: 1. https://watershed.ucdavis.edu/files/biblio/Null%20et%20al_JEMA_
Optimizing%20the%20dammed.pdf 2. https://www.kcet.org/redefine/5-reasons-dam-removal-still-
makes-sense-despite-the-drought 3.https://www.americanrivers.org/threats-solutions/restoring-
Top: Eagle Canyon Dam. Photo: Damon Goodman. Above: Scott Dam. Photo: Darren Mierau damaged-rivers/dams-wont-solve-water-needs/
4 5
Copco #1, Copco #2, Iron Gate and J.C. Boyle (in Oregon) are four POTENTIAL FOR REMOVAL
aging hydroelectric dams on the mainstem Klamath River, which flows
through parts of Southern Oregon and Northern California. Removal All the pieces are in place for these
of the dams has been the subject of national attention for nearly two dams to be removed by 2023 pending
decades. Over 40 organizations, irrigation districts, and many tribes the license transfer. Funding for the
support taking the dams out. Tribal leadership has been a central projects is set, with up to $450 million
component of the dam removal effort. The Yurok, Karuk and Klamath secured from PacifiCorp ratepayers
KLAMATH DAMS River Tribes have led the effort to restore part of their cultural heritage and the state of California through
the 2014 Proposition 1 Water Bond.
and subsistence fishing for salmon and lamprey.
An independent group of expert
consultants have assessed whether
OWNER: Klamath River Renewal
Corporation upon federal license transfer
THE PROBLEM CURRENT SITUATION existing funding is sufficient for KRRC
(likely July 2022)
to complete the dam removal project. KLAMATH DAMS
The Klamath dams block salmon and A non-profit organization, the Klamath The consultants determined that the
COMPLETED: 1922 (Copco #1), 1925 steelhead from reaching more than River Renewal Corporation (KRRC), was KRRC’s methodology and approach to
(Copco #2), and 1964 (Iron Gate)
300 miles of spawning and rearing formed in 2016 to take ownership of assessing costs and risk is generally
LOCATION: Klamath River - the 4th dam, habitat in the upper basin. Historically, four PacifiCorp-owned dams (Copco sound and it is likely that there will be
JC Boyle, is located in Oregon the Upper Klamath-Trinity Rivers #1, Copco #2, Iron Gate and JC Boyle), sufficient funding within the cost cap
FISH SPECIES AFFECTED: 7 species spring-run Chinook salmon was the for the purpose of overseeing the dam of $450M to complete the project.
including: Upper Klamath-Trinity Rivers most abundant run on the river. Today removal process. That work will include
spring-run Chinook salmon, SOS II status: less than 3% remain, in large part restoring formerly inundated lands Removing the Klamath dams will be
CRITICAL; Southern Oregon/ Northern because they cannot access historical and implementing required mitigation the largest dam removal project in the
California Coast coho salmon, SOS II habitat in the Upper Klamath Basin. measures in compliance with all United States, restoring river health
status: CRITICAL; Klamath Mountains and fish abundance and providing
The four dams have been in a perpetual applicable federal, state, and local
Province summer steelhead, SOS II social justice to tribal people who have
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regulations. PacifiCorp will continue to
status: CRITICAL relied on salmon for subsistence for
(FERC) relicensing process since operate the dams until FERC approves
SIZE: Iron Gate H 189 ft./L 540 ft., 2000, originally started by then-owner a license transfer to KRRC. KRRC is thousands of years.
Copco #1 H 250 ft./L 415 ft., Copco #2
PacificCorp. currently working to secure permits,
H 63 ft./L 278 ft.
develop deconstruction plans, secure
CAPACITY: Iron Gate 58,000 acre ft., While there is broad support for the
bids for the work of removing dams
Copco #1 60,000 acre ft., Copco #2 removal of these defunct dams, there
and restoring the lands under the
73 acre ft. (diversion dam) is some local opposition to the project,
reservoirs, and contract with a design-
STAKEHOLDERS: Yurok Tribe, Karuk including from landowners around
build firm to run the majority of the
Tribe, Klamath Tribes, Trout Unlimited, the current reservoirs and some local
deconstruction project.
American Rivers, Pacific Coast Federation ranchers and farmers.
of Fisherman’s Association, Northern
One important remaining step is the
California Federation of Fly Fishers,
transfer of the FERC license from
Salmon River Restoration Council,
PacifiCorp to KRRC. This is currently
Sustainable Northwest, state and federal
pending before FERC and is expected TAKE ACTION
agencies, CalTrout, and more
to be completed by summer of 2022. • Subscribe to the Klamath River Renewal
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The Klamath Corporation newsletter on their website
dams are on the ancestral tribal lands of
klamathrenewal.org
the Yurok, Karuk, Klamath, Shasta, and
Hoopa Tribes • Follow KRRC on Facebook for the latest
updates facebook.com/klamathrenewal
• File a comment with FERC to support
removal of the Klamath Dams using
FERC’s eComment system
Top: Copco #1. Above: Copco Lake. Photos: Mike Wier Iron Gate Dam. Photo: Mike Wier Iron Gate Dam. Photo: Mike Wier
6 7
Scott Dam is one of two dams that make up the Potter Valley from the Department of Fish and
Hydropower Project. The Project, owned by PG&E, consists of Scott Wildlife to assess the feasibility of
and Cape Horn dams, two reservoirs, a diversion tunnel that sends removing Scott Dam and Cape Horn
Dam. From an engineering standpoint,
water south to the Russian River watershed, and a powerhouse.
removal of both dams is very doable and
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license for the
we will continue to advocate for their
Project expires on April 14, 2022, and will not be renewed. PG&E
removal in the License Surrender process.
will thus likely be directed by FERC to prepare a Surrender and
SCOTT DAM Decommissioning Plan for the Project. We enter this next phase more
informed about this complicated
project. We remain committed to
OWNER: Pacific Gas & Electric (put up for
auction in September 2018 then withdrawn;
THE PROBLEM In 2019, CalTrout teamed up with working with Congressman Huffman
Round Valley Indian Tribes, Sonoma and other stakeholders in this process
FERC license application withdrawn in Water Agency, Humboldt County, and so that we can return fish to the
January 2019)
Fish populations in the Eel River are
severely depressed. Although the Eel Mendocino County Inland Water and upper Eel River basin. The FERC
COMPLETED: 1921 Power Commission to file a Notice License Surrender process provides
River once boasted some of the best
LOCATION: Upper Mainstem Eel River salmon runs in California, the river’s of Intent to take over the project and a unique opportunity to restore the
FISH SPECIES AFFECTED: California Coast salmon and steelhead populations implement a Two-Basin Solution. Eel River and hold PG&E accountable SCOTT DAM
Chinook salmon, SOS II status: HIGH; are all listed as threatened under to remove unwanted and aging water
Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast the Federal Endangered Species The Two-Basin Solution, supported by infrastructure.
coho salmon, SOS II status: CRITICAL; Act. Water quality throughout the Congressman Jared Huffman, sought
to maintain winter diversion of water
Northern California summer steelhead,
SOS II status: CRITICAL; Northern California
Eel River is listed as impaired under
from the Eel River to the Russian River,
POTENTIAL FOR REMOVAL
the Clean Water Act for excessive
winter steelhead, SOS II status: MODERATE
sedimentation and high temperatures. while restoring migratory access
Our recently completed Feasibility
SIZE: Height: 138 ft, Length: 850 ft The river’s mainstem and estuary are for fish to prime habitat above Scott
Study, www.pottervalleyproject.
CAPACITY: Total designed capacity: also negatively affected by habitat loss Dam. The coalition worked together,
org, has demonstrated the best path
80,600 acre ft. Forms Lake Pillsbury from agricultural land conversions, the following FERC procedures, to identify
forward for the Potter Valley Project
introduction of non-native pikeminnow, and reference studies that support the
STAKEHOLDERS: PG&E, Sonoma Water, that meets the needs of water users
and poor water quality. plan and also find funding to complete
Mendocino County Inland Water and Power and conservation interests, as well as
Commission, Round Valley Indian Tribes,
relicensing.
enhancing the ecological resilience
Humboldt County, Wiyot Tribe, CalTrout, The 63 ft tall Cape Horn Dam has a of the Eel River. From analyzing the
Friends of the Eel River, Trout Unlimited, poorly functioning fish ladder; the Unfortunately, the $18 million of funding
water supply needs to evaluating fish
The Nature Conservancy, Russian 130 ft Scott Dam, which creates Lake needed was not able to be raised, in
passage technologies, these Studies
Riverkeepers, California Hydropower Pillsbury, has no fish passage and thus large part because PG&E was unwilling
have provided the necessary pieces for
Reform Coalition blocks 150 miles of potential salmon to help. At a crossroads, in January of
a negotiated settlement among all the
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Scott Dam and steelhead rearing habitat. Scott 2022, the coalition informed FERC it
interested parties and PG&E.
is on the ancestral lands of the Round Dam is the largest barrier to native would no longer be submitting a Final
Valley Indian Tribes and the Wiyot Tribe salmonid habitat in the Eel watershed License Application by April of 2022
While the removal of Scott Dam and
and throughout the entire north coast. and were effectively withdrawing their
modification of Cape Horn Dam will
Notice of Intent to take over the Potter
provide the foundation for major
Valley Project. FERC is now expected
improvements to our imperiled fish
TAKE ACTION
CURRENT SITUATION to initiate a License Surrender process
populations in the Eel River, all of • Support CalTrout’s Reconnect
with PG&E that will lay out a project Habitat Initiative
the participating parties will need
With PG&E’s decision to withdraw from decommissioning plan.
to work together to find a solution • Visit pottervalleyproject.org for more
relicensing the project CalTrout and
that accelerates this outcome in information
others recognize a unique opportunity Now, CalTrout is pivoting to work on
time to save these fish. As with many • Subscribe to CalTrout’s newsletter to
to steer the future of the Eel River the License Surrender process. And,
conservation efforts of this scale, receive updates on the project
toward robust fisheries and a healthy while no longer seeking to take over
resolving the fate of PG&E’s Potter
watershed. We also recognize the the license, the past two years have
Valley Project in a timely manner to
opportunity to reverse the long-lasting been extremely informative in helping
benefit the environment will also
impacts to Native American Tribes from a achieve our goal of getting fish into
improve the long-term water security
century and a half of habitat degradation the Upper Eel River. Our Two-Basin
for Russian River water interests.
and overharvesting impacts. Partership received a $1 million grant
Scott Dam. Photo: Kyle Schwartz Scott Dam. Photo: Kyle Schwartz
8 9
Matilija Dam, located in the Ventura River watershed on Ventura County also is in the process of
Matilija Creek north of Ojai, is a concrete arch dam built in finalizing funding awards with the State
1947. Infamous for the scissors painted on the dam by graffiti Coastal Conservancy and the Wildlife
Conservation Board to fully fund final
artists in 2011 that have become an iconic symbol for dam
designs to update Camino Cielo. This
removal, it was originally designed for water storage and
part of the project will replace an
flood control.
undersized box culvert with a full span
MATILIJA DAM bridge, achieving similar ecologic and
community benefits as the Santa Ana
Bridge replacement.
OWNER: Ventura County Watershed
Protection District
THE PROBLEM CURRENT SITUATION POTENTIAL FOR REMOVAL
COMPLETED: 1947 The reservoir behind Matilija Dam Spanning 20 years of effort, a broad With no uncertainty, Matilija Dam is
LOCATION: Ventura River is nearly completely clogged with coalition of community groups and set to come down; with each of the
sediment, significantly reducing resource agencies have advocated for construction projects downstream,
FISH SPECIES AFFECTED: Fish species MATILIJA DAM
affected: Southern California steelhead, storage capacity to the point that the Matilija Dam removal, working together we are creating the pathway to achieve
SOS II status: CRITICAL, federally listed dams is rendered non-functional. With to develop a comprehensive strategy to total dam removal. Removing Matilija
endangered species no fish ladder or bypass structure restore the Ventura River. Dam will restore a free-flowing river
SIZE: 168 ft, Length: 620 ft, present, it is a complete barrier to the from the headwaters to the ocean,
Total designed capacity: 7,018 acre ft. migration of endangered Southern Today’s Matilija Dam Ecosystem re-establish access for steelhead
California steelhead. The dam also Restoration Project will cost millions trout to required habitat, revitalize a
CAPACITY: Currently less than 500 acre ft.
causes degraded water quality, an of dollars and lacks dedicated funding, healthy, native ecosystem, and expand
Projected capacity by 2020: 0 acre ft.
altered flow system, and a disorder a major impediment to action. Other opportunities for outdoor recreation.
STAKEHOLDERS & PARTNERS: Ventura County made the decision
to the sediment flows going to factors, such as determining an
Ventura County Watershed Protection
the lower watershed, the estuary, appropriate release strategy for all the in 1998 to officially remove the dam.
District, California Department of Fish
and beaches, which they need to sediment build-up, needing to modify In March 2016, a removal plan
and Wildlife, Matilija Coalition, Patagonia,
CalTrout, State Coastal Conservancy, replenish themselves. Matilija Dam has downstream roads, levees, and bridges, was approved.
Surfrider Foundation, National Marine impounded approximately 8 million and impacts from the Thomas fire on
Fisheries Service, Wildlife Conservation cubic yards of sediment; the physical the surrounding landscape, have all The removal plan will use two bore
Board, Pew Charitable Trust, Resource condition of the dam continues added to the challenges of the dam holes at the base of the dam to
Legacy Fund, Ojai Valley Land Trust to deteriorate. removal undertaking. remove and transport the impounded
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Matilija Dam sediment. This concept represents
is on the ancestral lands of the Chumash Historically inhabiting the Ventura In 2021, however, we saw immense a “natural transport” alternative
Tribe including the Barbareño Band of River watershed, Southern California progress. With funds from California that concentrates the downstream
the Chumash Tribe and the Barbareño/ steelhead are an incredibly important Department of Fish and Wildlife movement of the built-up sediment
Ventureño Band of Mission Indians species because they evolved in (CDFW), construction began to replace during the first storm events that
seasonally disconnected river systems Santa Ana Bridge, a downstream follow. This alternative will minimize
and are an adaptable species, able to structure that must be modernized ecological impact downstream and
survive in warmer waters than other before the river can be set free. lower the overall project cost by TAKE ACTION
steelhead populations. With only an The new bridge will improve the ability reducing the need to truck material • Sign and support the Southern Steelhead
estimated 500 individual species to transport the sediment, while also in and out of the reservoir. In 2020, Petition for endangered status listing
remaining, this unique life history trait expanding fish migration opportunities Ventura County was awarded $5 million
• Help expand the Matilija coalition by
makes them a particularly valuable for Southern steelhead at a critical from the Wildlife Conservation Board
signing on as a group or individual at
population to protect in the face of location and providing greater flood to fully fund securing Final Designs www.matilijadam.org
climate change and shifting weather flows passage. This pre dam removal and engineering approval. Current
projections estimate that once the • Vote for Natural Resource Funding and
patterns. Removal of Matilija Dam will work is moving forward and on- contact your local representative
reconnect access for steelhead to their schedule for completion in 2022. bore holes are opened, complete dam
important prime habitat, 17 miles in removal and a free-flowing river will be
fact of spawning, rearing, and foraging achieved in 2 to 5 years.
locations above the dam.
Matilija Dam. Photo: Mike Wier Matilija Dam from above. Photo: Bernard Yin
10 11
The 100-foot-tall Rindge Dam in Malibu Creek is located in the Santa Approximately 76,000 cubic yards
Monica Mountains, about three miles upstream from Southern of sediment would be placed along
California’s Malibu coastline. Construction of the concrete dam the Malibu shoreline and nearshore
areas. The remaining sediment will be
and spillway structure was completed in 1926 on the Rindge family
transported to a local landfill.
property and provided water for irrigation and household use in Malibu.
The reservoir filled entirely with sediment by the 1940s, and the dam
was decommissioned in 1967. It was purchased shortly thereafter by POTENTIAL FOR REMOVAL
RINDGE DAM California State Parks and is now part of Malibu Creek State Park.
The Malibu Creek Ecosystem
Restoration Study Final Integrated
Feasibility Report was completed
OWNER: California Department of Parks
and Recreation
THE PROBLEM CURRENT SITUATION in November 2020 and signed by
Commanding General Scott Spellmon RINDGE DAM
COMPLETED: 1926 Rindge Dam has altered the natural The removal of Rindge Dam represents in December 2020. The design phase of
LOCATION: Malibu Creek geomorphic, riparian, and aesthetic a unique opportunity for systemic and the project will begin in 2022. The 2021-
DECOMMISSIONED: 1967 character of Malibu Creek. The dam sustainable ecosystem restoration 2022 California State Budget allocates
has trapped over 780,000 cubic in highly urbanized Southern $12.5 million for CDPR to advance
FISH SPECIES AFFECTED: Southern
yards of sediment that was naturally California. Rindge Dam was deemed planning, design, and technical studies
California steelhead, SOS II status:
CRITICAL, federally listed endangered destined for the coastline, where it obsolete due its lack of function as leading to removal of the dam. Over
species would support beach nourishment a water storage facility and has been the next four years, CDPR will lead the
and reduce coastal erosion. After the subject of removal planning design phase of this project, which will
SIZE: Height: 100 ft.
the reservoir behind Rindge Dam for decades. include additional technical studies;
CAPACITY: 600-acre ft. completely filled completely filled with sediment less dam removal design; environmental
with sediment
than 30 years after its construction, While there is little disagreement permitting; and public outreach and
STAKEHOLDERS: California Dept of it was decommissioned 54 years ago. about the need to remove Rindge Dam, education.
Parks and Rec, Santa Monica Mountains progress has been incremental given
National Recreation Area, Santa Monica The lower three miles of Malibu Creek the science and engineering Trucking the impounded sediment to
Mountains Resource Conservation District,
below Rindge Dam are designated complexities of the project. The dam its end destination is a particularly
City of Malibu, Mountains Restoration
critical habitat for the federally removal process was formalized when complex piece of the project.
Trust, California Trout, Surfrider, Army
Corps of Engineers, National Marine
endangered Southern California the U.S. House of Representatives Approximately one-third, or 276,000
Fisheries Service, California Department steelhead. The dam is a barrier to commissioned the “Malibu Creek cubic yards, of the impounded
of Fish and Wildlife, Las Virgenes Southern California steelhead and Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility sediment would be trucked to Ventura
Municipal Water District blocks their access to high-quality Study” in 1992, which requested a Harbor, placed on barges, and
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Rindge Dam
spawning and rearing habitat. solution to improve the Malibu Creek deposited along the Malibu shoreline
is located on the ancestral lands of the Moreover, Rindge Dam prevents watershed and Malibu shoreline. The or nearby areas that have been
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and steelhead from accessing more than 18 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and sediment-starved since Rindge Dam
the Gabrielino-Tongva Indian Tribe miles of historic spawning and rearing California Department of Parks was built. The remaining two-thirds
habitat in Malibu Creek and tributaries. and Recreation co-led this study
to evaluate ecosystem restoration
of the sediment would be deposited TAKE ACTION
at a local landfill. The timeframe
opportunities to improve aquatic and • Sign and support the southern
to transport all the sediment is
riparian ecosystem habitat connectivity steelhead petition for endangered
estimated eight years due to seasonal
and restore more natural sediment status listing
construction and daily trucking
transport to the coast. restrictions. The estimated total • Attend public meetings about
cost of the LPP is $279 million, with the project
The Locally Preferred Plan (LPP) was significant cost savings if sediment • Contact federal and state legislators
selected as the preferred alternative for transport costs can be economized. with support for Rindge Dam
dam removal. The LPP calls for the removal
removal of the concrete arch dam and
spillway; removal or modification of
eight smaller upstream fish passage
barriers; and removal of ~780,000 cubic
yards of impounded sediment.
Malibu Creek. Photo: Bernard Yin Rindge Dam. Photo: Mike Wier
12 13
The project was originally developed to support the power demand of The hatchery is currently reliant on
mineral extraction in Shasta County including Iron Mountain Mine near water delivery from the Battle Creek
Redding. The drainage was seen as an ideal drainage for hydropower Hydroelectric Project. CalTrout in
collaboration with USFWS, BOR and
generation due, in part, to its spring-fed water supply. The project
others are working together to find
included 8 low-head dams within anadromous reaches, an additional 4
ways to secure the water supply needs
BATTLE CREEK dams outside of the anadromous habitat, and a complex network of 20
diversion canals and pipelines.
of Coleman Hatchery independently
DAMS from the project and paving the way
for improved fisheries in Battle Creek.
OWNER: Originally built by Keswick Power
Company and now owned by Pacific Gas
THE PROBLEM CURRENT SITUATION
& Electric (PG&E)
Historically, Battle Creek was home to There is new hope on the horizon
COMPLETED: Hydroelectric development a diverse assemblage of anadromous to provide volitional passage to all
began in the early 1900’s with the first
and resident fishes adapted to its historical fish habitats in Battle Creek
power produced in late 1901. PG&E acquired BATTLE CREEK DAMS
specific hydrology and habitats. North and restore it’s natural hydrograph.
the facility in 1919 and the fifth and final
powerhouse was added in 1980
Fork Battle Creek is spring-fed with PG&E was in the process of renewing
water originating from the flanks of Mt. a federal (FERC) hydropower license
LOCATION: Battle Creek, tributary to the
Lassen and provided ideal spawning, before its expiration on July 31st,
Sacramento River near Red Bluff, CA
holding and rearing habitats for winter- 2026. Over 2 decades of planning and
FISH SPECIES AFFECTED: Central Valley run Chinook salmon. This run or ecotype restoration efforts were underway to
spring-run Chinook salmon, SOS II status: is unique to California and is one of the balance the needs of native fishes
CRITICAL; Central Valley winter-run Chinook
most endangered salmon. with hydropower generation.
salmon, SOS II status: CRITICAL; Central
Valley steelhead, SOS II status: MODERATE
The South Fork Battle Creek In 2020, PG&E filed notice of its intent
SIZE: 12 to 56 feet in height hydrograph is storm driven and has to not file an application for a new
CAPACITY: Water storage capacity totals deep holding pools that provide license and no other party filed a notice
3,827 acre-feet (range by reservoir from habitats for spring-run Chinook of intent to assume responsibility
15 to 1,827 acre-feet) salmon which are listed as threatened of the project, which will likely lead
STAKEHOLDERS: Battle Creek Watershed on the Endangered Species Act. to decommissioning. Restoration
Conservancy, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Anadromous steelhead trout, Pacific efforts have now pivoted to preparing
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA Lamprey and a host of native resident for project decommissioning and Top: Eagle Canyon Dam. Above: North Fork feeder dam.
Fisheries, California Department of fish species reside in the drainage. maximizing the benefit for native fishes.
Photos: Damon Goodman
Fish and Wildlife, PG&E, California Bay- The construction of the Battle Creek
Delta Authority, California State Water
Resources Control Board, FERC, The
Project virtually eliminated access to CalTrout is a member of a team that is POTENTIAL FOR REMOVAL
42 miles of anadromous habitat leading the way to restore Battle Creek.
Nature Conservancy, California Wildlife
Conservation Board, Greater Battle Creek
as well as connectivity for resident In 2021, CalTrout and others completed There is a high likelihood that
Watershed Working Group and CalTrout fish populations. a project on North Fork Battle Creek anadromous fish access could be
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The Battle
to restore access to 4 miles of winter- restored to Battle Creek. This will TAKE ACTION
Creek Dams are on the ancestral lands of run Chinook Salmon habitat. This include multiple dam removals.
• Subscribe to CalTrout’s newsletter to
the Yana Tribe and the Paskenta Band of project created a foundation for future Removal of several dams are already
stay up to date on project developments
Nomlaki Indians progress in Battle Creek and other underway through the Battle Creek
rivers in California. Salmon and Steelhead Restoration • CalTrout’s expansion into the Battle
Project. The first dam removal Creek watershed is funded by our
50th Anniversary Impact Fund.
The USFWS Coleman National Fish occurred in 2010 with the removal of
Support this work by donating today
Hatchery is the largest federal Chinook Wildcat Dam on the North Fork which
to CalTrout’s Impact Fund
Salmon production facility in the opened miles of anadromous fish
lower 48. Coleman’s fish production habitat. Efforts are now in progress
compensates for the loss of production to initiate the removal all dams in
in the Sacramento River caused by the South Fork as well as provide
extensive hydropower and water passage beyond the remaining North
Coleman Dam. Photo: Damon Goodman delivery infrastructure. Fork Dams. North Fork feeder dam. Photo: Damon Goodman
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THE RECONNECT HABITAT INITIATIVE
Reconnecting Habitat is one of California ABOUT CALIFORNIA TROUT
Trout’s five key initiatives in its effort Founded in 1971, California Trout
is a non-profit conservation and
to return native fish to resilience. The
advocacy organization that is
initiative focuses on giving salmon and dedicated to solving California’s
steelhead access to diverse habitat by complex resource issues while
removing barriers and getting obsolete balancing the needs of wild fish
and people.
DAMS OUT. Dams and barriers block
migration upstream to high quality habitat The organization focuses
and restrict migration of juvenile fish to on science-based, scalable
solutions to California’s most
the ocean. complex water management
challenges. CalTrout has six
We are working to remove barriers and get regional offices throughout the
state with headquarters in
obsolete dams out to give native salmon
San Francisco.
and steelhead access to the clean, cold
water of their native spawning and rearing Donate today to
habitats once again. reconnect California
rivers and get DAMS
With over 15 projects in four regions across
OUT. Scan the QR
California, CalTrout values our Reconnect
code below.
Habitat work and we hope you will aid us
in this work by supporting the initiative
today. Together, we can get DAMS OUT.
To learn more visit caltrout.org.
Ensuring healthy waters and resilient
wild fish for a better California.
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