The Fish Passage Improvement Program (FPIP) uses data collection to identify and evaluate the potential to modify or remove structures in waterways that impede migration of anadromous fish, primarily Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss), within the Central Valley and Bay Area. The program provides: environmental documentation feasibility studies (fish passage with reliable water supply) prioritization, evaluation, and development of fish passage enhancement projects coordination and consultation with stakeholders and the public interdisciplinary teams of fish biologists, hydrologists, engineers, and environmental scientists to conduct barrier inventories

Fish Passage Projects: FPIP plans and implements fish passage projects to modify or remove instream barriers which impede migration and spawning of anadromous fish. These barriers include: dams, road crossings, bridges, culverts, canal and pipeline crossings, flood control channels, and erosion control structures.

PROJECT UPDATES

On June 16, 2008, FPIP submitted the proposed Sutter Bypass East Borrow Canal Water Control Structures Project Mitigated Negative Declaration and Initial Study (MND/IS) to the State Clearinghouse for public review. The project is the replacement of two existing weirs with new structures that are safer and more efficient to operate, and replacement of the fish ladders associated with each weir with improved structures that should substantially improve salmon and steelhead passage in the Butte Creek watershed, a major spawning watershed for several runs of anadromous fish, including endangered Spring-run Chinook salmon. Construction will begin in May 2009 and will continue over two seasons. Comments on the proposed MND/IS can be submitted until July 22, 2008 to: Harry Spanglet, Staff Environmental Scientist, Division of Planning and Local Assistance, California Department of Water Resources, P.O. Box 942836, Sacramento, CA 94236-0001; spanglet@water.ca.gov

In 2005, an interagency team, including FPIP, prepared the Fish Passage Improvement Report - Bulletin 250, which contributes significantly to our understanding of how California can help revitalize our salmon and steelhead fisheries. The Fish Passage Improvement Report identifies artificial structures in the watersheds of the San Francisco Bay Area and the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers and their tributaries, and describes how structures impede fish migration. Additionally, the Report details selected projects and efforts to facilitate fish passage.

The Calaveras River Fish Migration Barriers Assessment Report, prepared by FPIP, in cooperation with Stockton East Water District, provides an overview and analysis of structures in the Calaveras River from New Hogan Dam downstream to the confluence with the San Joaquin River. The evaluation determines which structures may be barriers to migrating steelhead and Chinook salmon.

Northern Pike and Lake Davis! FPIP was involved in efforts to eradicate the northern pike from Lake Davis. FPIP prepared the Notice of Determination, Mitigated Negative Declaration, Addendum to the Mitigated Negative Declaration, and Initial Study, Addendum Number 2 to the Mitigated Negative Declaration, and Monitoring Plan for the Northern Pike Containment System at the Outlet of Lake Davis on Big Grizzly Creek. Continue to the Department of Fish and Game website for more information on Lake Davis fisheries management.