San Joaquin River Restoration Program State of the Rivers Symposium San Joaquin County Ms. Alicia Forsythe May 2, 2011

2 Settlement History Friant Dam Sacramento Fresno Merced River San Francisco San Joaquin Friant Dam Completed Lawsuit filed challenging Reclamation’s renewal of the long-term contracts with Friant Division contractors Federal Judge rules Reclamation violated Section 5937 of the California Fish and Game Code Settlement negotiations reinitiated to avoid remedy phase Settlement reached, implementation begins Federal legislation enacted; Interim Flow releases began October 1

Settlement Goals Restoration Goal –To restore and maintain fish populations in “good condition” in the main stem of the San Joaquin River below Friant Dam to the confluence of the Merced River, including naturally reproducing and self-sustaining populations of salmon and other fish. Water Management Goal –To reduce or avoid adverse water supply impacts to all of the Friant Division long-term contractors that may result from the Interim Flows and Restoration Flows provided for in the Settlement. 3

Study Area 153 miles of the San Joaquin River –Friant Dam to the Merced River Confluence Fresno Firebaugh Newman Los Banos

Major Milestones 2006Began work on planning, design work, and environmental reviews 2009Began Interim Flows October Issued Draft Program EIS/R April Issue Final Program EIS/R and Record of Decision 2012 (late)Begin re-introduction of salmon 2013Complete first phase of channel and habitat improvements (some delays) 2014Initiate full Restoration Flows 5

Major Channel and Structural Improvements Settlement requires 10 specific channel and structural improvement projects to address: –Channel capacity limitations –Fish habitat limitations –Fish passage and entrainment issues Combined into 4 major projects 3 underway, 1 to start in late 2011 All targeted for completion by end of

Site-specific Projects Underway Mendota Pool Bypass and Reach 2B Channel Improvements Project –Draft EIS/R – mid 2012 Reach 4B, Eastside Bypass and Mariposa Bypass Channel and Structural Improvements Project –Draft EIS/EIR - mid 2012 Arroyo Canal Fish Screen and Sack Dam Fish Passage Project –Draft EA/IS – late 2011

Interim Flows – Increased Releases from Friant Dam Began October 1, 2009 Purpose is “... to collect relevant data concerning flows, temperatures, fish needs, seepage losses, recirculation, recapture and reuse.” Reconnected the upper San Joaquin River with the Delta in 2010 Reach 2 in July 2009Reach 2 in November 2009

Alicia Forsythe Program Manager