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Show maintained for power production. However, a potential conflict is developing on certain reservoir projects (Pine Flat and Isabella in particular) where only seasonal storage is contemplated, and the reservoir will be emptied practically every year and sometimes will remain empty for extended periods. Agricultural interests desire tc utilize the full reservoir capacity and all of the water supply for irrigation, on the grounds that one-half of the project cost was paid by the State and that they pay one-half of the cost of upkeep and operation. Recreation interests on the other hand desire the maintenance of a permanent pool. Fishery interests have objected to the proposed Table Mountain Dam because of potential damage to salmon. If the dam were constructed, salmon would be excluded from some of the best spawning grounds in the upper Sacramento Basin. The State director of natural resources has also suggested that approval of the Yuba River projects be withheld until the Corps of Engineers has proven its interest and ability to care for migratory fish. The fish ladder on the Daguerre Dam is inadequate, and thus far no provision has been made to correct it. The State has also pointed out that rocky spillways like those at Keswick Dam should be avoided. A frequent conflict in water development pro- grams is that of marsh drainage and its effect on migratory waterfowl. Extensive areas of marsh- land have been reclaimed for agriculture. Much of the San Joaquin Valley and the rice-growing areas of the Sacramento Valley was formerly marsh- lands. Recently, in connection with the Yolo- Solano Project, some consideration was given to draining a portion of the Suisun marshes. The marsh area consists of about 43,000 acres, 10,000 of which are in State-owned wildlife-management areas. No definite recommendations for drainage of any of this marsh area have been advanced. The problem of preserving fish and wildlife re- sources in many cases involves more than installing protective devices or modifying operational criteria on Federal water projects. For example, many small salmon migrating down the Sacramento River after the spawning season are lost through unscreened diversions. The responsibility of con- struction agencies to take appropriate measures for maintaining fishery values is generally recognized, but the fishery interests have an equal responsibility for seeing that the fish thus saved are not later destroyed or damaged through other circumstances. The same general principle applies to wildlife. Conclusions (1) If the fish and wildlife resources of the basin are to be safeguarded and perpetuated, steps must be taken to prevent harmful effects and to improve conditions where feasible, in order to offset adverse effects. (2) Water control projects should, insofar as possible, be planned and operated in such a way as to provide maximum benefits for fish, wildlife, and recreational uses. (3) Where construction projects would conflict with important fishery, wildlife, or recreation in- terests, the projects should be deferred as long as feasible and appropriate investigations made of pos- sible alternative sites. (4) State and local interests should recognize their responsibility, along with the Federal Govern- ment, to see that maximum fishery, waterfowl, and recreational values are obtained from water proj- ects, and that fish and wildlife habitat is protected. (5) Where conflicts between fishery or recrea- tion use and other types of use cannot be resolved, the decision should be made on the basis of greatest beneficial use to the public. 2. Principles for Planning and Construction of Facilities in Areas Previously Dedicated to Scenic Values The Problem Where previously accepted scenic values, like those of national parks, are in conflict with use of water resources for other purposes, what principles should prevail in resolving such conflicts? The Situation Central Valley water projects are gradually press- ing upon areas that because of their scenic or rec- reation values have been set aside for public enjoyment. The problem of encroachment on scenic areas was an important issue some years ago in connection with the construction of the Hetch Hetchy Project within Yosemite National Park. The Hetch Hetchy Valley was held by many to have scenic values equal to Yosemite Valley, yet scenic values were held to be a lesser use, and the Hetch Hetchy facilities were constructed. Each year hundreds of thousands of people visit Yosemite Valley. If the Hetch Hetchy Valley had not been used for 121 |
