Fish Habitat Enhancement

Yuba Water Agency is deeply committed to the preservation and enhancement of fish habitat in the lower Yuba River, a vital ecosystem supporting iconic species such as Central Valley Chinook salmon and steelhead. Despite historical challenges stemming from hydraulic gold mining, our agency remains steadfast in its efforts to restore and rejuvenate this crucial aquatic environment. Through a series of comprehensive studies and initiatives, including fish passage and reintroduction studies, we are actively exploring innovative strategies to bolster the recovery of Chinook salmon and steelhead populations in the Yuba River watershed.

One noteworthy endeavor is the Hallwood Fish Habitat Project, focusing on the restoration of the Hallwood Side Channel and floodplain on the lower Yuba River. Additionally, our involvement in the Lower Yuba River Accord has yielded significant benefits for both Yuba County and California, earning recognition for its impactful contributions to fisheries enhancement. Moreover, through voluntary agreements and collaborative frameworks, Yuba Water Agency continues to spearhead initiatives aimed at improving fish and wildlife habitat conditions in the San Francisco/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary watershed, with a particular emphasis on enhancing fisheries along the lower Yuba River. Partnering with esteemed organizations such as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, we are actively engaged in a comprehensive restoration agreement for the Yuba River, including innovative projects designed to facilitate the passage of salmon and other threatened fish around Daguerre Point Dam. Through these concerted efforts, Yuba Water Agency remains at the forefront of conservation, working tirelessly to ensure the long-term sustainability of our cherished aquatic ecosystems.