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AFRP - Restoring fish habitat in California's Central Valley

Fish populations in California’s Central Valley have declined for many reasons.  One set of problems is related to habitat degradation related to the water re-distribution project known as the Central Valley Project. The Central Valley Project was constructed in the 1930’s and 1940’s and plays a key role in California's powerful economy, providing water for 6 of the top 10 agricultural counties in the nation's leading farm state.

In 1992, legislation was signed (Public Law 102-575) which included the Central Valley Project Improvement Act CVPIA. The CVPIA directed the Secretary of the Interior to amend previous authorizations of California's Central Valley Project to include fish and wildlife as priorities, as well as irrigation and domestic use of water.

The legislation also established a fish restoration program to increase naturally produced populations of anadromous fish in California's Central Valley streams on a long-term, sustainable basis.  This program is known as the Anadromous Fish Restoration Program (AFRP). Since 1995, staff working under the guidance of the AFRP have implemented over 195 projects to restore natural production of anadromous fish.
Definition of anadromous fish (hyperlink?)
In California, the best-known anadromous fish are salmon and steelhead which hatch in small freshwater streams, migrate to the ocean to live for a few years, then return to the same streams where they were hatched, spawn, and die shortly thereafter. Sturgeon are also anadromous. Salmon, steelhead and sturgeon are capable of migrating hundreds of miles upriver.

The AFRP works with partners and willing landowners to fund projects which will help to protect and restore natural channel and riparian habitat values through habitat restoration actions. For example, high priority projects would be those that promote natural channel and riparian habitat values and natural processes, such as those affecting stream flow, water temperature, water quality, and riparian areas.

AFRP Documents

Environmental Assessment - Orwick Diversion Fish Screen Improvement Project (5.38 MB)

Finding of No Significant Impact - Orwick Diversion Fish Screen Improvement Project