Action Alert!
Permanent protection for the Medicine Lake Highlands
California’s Medicine Lake Highlands are a unique area of public lands that serves as a vast natural water reservoir and the sole source of the Fall River and its famous trout fishery.
The Medicine Lake Highlands (“Sáttítla” to the Pit River Tribe) are a region of some 200 square miles in northern California, about a 90-minute drive northeast of Mt. Shasta. This area is mostly within Siskiyou County, and is managed as part of the Modoc, Shasta-Trinity, and Klamath National Forests.
Tell President Biden and Congress to designate the Medicine Lake Highlands National Monument to ensure this region’s unique water values, habitats, sporting opportunities and cultural significance are permanently protected.
The Medicine Lake Highlands (“Sáttítla” to the Pit River Tribe) are a region of some 200 square miles in northern California, about a 90-minute drive northeast of Mt. Shasta. This area is mostly within Siskiyou County, and is managed as part of the Modoc, Shasta-Trinity, and Klamath National Forests.
Tell President Biden and Congress to designate the Medicine Lake Highlands National Monument to ensure this region’s unique water values, habitats, sporting opportunities and cultural significance are permanently protected.
In 2023, the Pit River Tribe formally launched a campaign to permanently protect the Medicine Lake Highlands as a national monument. Trout Unlimited and other sportsmen and sportswomen’s groups support this campaign.
The State of California and Senators Alex Padilla and Laphonsa Butler have endorsed national monument designation for the Medicine Lake Highlands.
National monument designations help to permanently protect some of the finest sporting opportunities in America. As the warming climate continues to degrade aquatic and upland habitats, we must act now to better protect places such as the Medicine Lake Highlands that provide productive habitat and supply clean water for people and wildlife.
The State of California and Senators Alex Padilla and Laphonsa Butler have endorsed national monument designation for the Medicine Lake Highlands.
National monument designations help to permanently protect some of the finest sporting opportunities in America. As the warming climate continues to degrade aquatic and upland habitats, we must act now to better protect places such as the Medicine Lake Highlands that provide productive habitat and supply clean water for people and wildlife.
SCTU IN THE Lower LA River!
The big news... In news that was reported exclusively by Jim 'The Burner' Burns at LA River flyfishing, our South Coast Chapter of Trout Unlimited is now involved in ‘groundbreaking’ work along the lower LA River
The San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, in collaboration with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, has established the Los Angeles River Fish Passage Program and seeded that effort with $13 million for design and implementation work along the LA. The RMC and SMMC are State agencies that operate locally, reviewing, prioritizing, and funding regional projects with monies from the Proposition Bonds that we see on our ballots periodically, currently from Prop 1 and Prop 68. These agencies, their staff and local Boards, are the unsung heroes of local conservation efforts. Anywhere you come across a park, or river access, or other neat multi-use space or trail, odds are the RMC or SMMC had a hand in making it a reality. Now they’ve decided to take on what may be the toughest nut of all – bringing fish passage back to the mighty LA.
In what may once have been unthinkable, the LACo Department of Public Works has agreed to consider a conceptual design for altering the river bottom. The DPW effort on the lower LA has been led by practical professionals – prioritizing flood control while open to new ideas that will improve local neighborhoods for people and wildlife.
Our proposal for the Lower LA includes the redesign of the river bottom in a half mile reach of river, adjacent to Ralph C. Dills Park. The project will border both Paramount and Compton, parallel to the 710 freeway. The goal of the project is to design a naturalized river channel while maintaining flood capacity and improving existing open space in these underserved communities. And eventually provide steelhead holding habitat for their upriver migration.
The goal of steelhead in the LA may seem a crazy idea – our immediate goal is simply restoring wildlife habitat in the river channel. But I live along the LA near Griffith Park and I never thought I’d see huge mayfly and caddisfly hatches, osprey hunting the river, and big picky fish in my own little beat. We fisherfolk are nothing if not optimists – every day seems like THE day – and I can’t wait to see what happens.
In what may once have been unthinkable, the LACo Department of Public Works has agreed to consider a conceptual design for altering the river bottom. The DPW effort on the lower LA has been led by practical professionals – prioritizing flood control while open to new ideas that will improve local neighborhoods for people and wildlife.
Our proposal for the Lower LA includes the redesign of the river bottom in a half mile reach of river, adjacent to Ralph C. Dills Park. The project will border both Paramount and Compton, parallel to the 710 freeway. The goal of the project is to design a naturalized river channel while maintaining flood capacity and improving existing open space in these underserved communities. And eventually provide steelhead holding habitat for their upriver migration.
The goal of steelhead in the LA may seem a crazy idea – our immediate goal is simply restoring wildlife habitat in the river channel. But I live along the LA near Griffith Park and I never thought I’d see huge mayfly and caddisfly hatches, osprey hunting the river, and big picky fish in my own little beat. We fisherfolk are nothing if not optimists – every day seems like THE day – and I can’t wait to see what happens.
SCTU is a Partner!
The Wetlands Restoration Principles Coalition (WRP)
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Contact: William Bowling
WRP Coalition Mission Statement
Our coalition brings organizations together to advocate collaboratively to support wetland restoration projects that follow our nine principles. Success starts by using these accepted best practices to maximize every opportunity for comprehensively and scientifically restoring our degraded wetlands. |
We are a coalition of environmental groups led by four key partners – Friends of Ballona Wetlands, Heal the Bay, Los Angeles Waterkeeper, and Surfrider Foundation – who came together to support the complete restoration of Southern California’s remaining wetlands as the best way to bring back their functioning ecosystems.
Fully restored wetlands expand essential habitat for the survival of native animals and plants.
READ MORE...
PUBLIC LANDS ENERGY BILL GAINS MOMENTUM
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. The Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act is gaining steam in Congress.
The Public Lands Renewable Energy Development bill would help balance solar and wind energy with protecting fish and wildlife populations. The Senate reintroduced a bipartisan bill that would ensure smart development of renewable energy resources from the start. |
While anglers may not immediately connect wind turbines and solar panels to the quality of their fishing, the passage of this bill could help sportsmen and women in three ways:
Trout Unlimited has been a supporter of this bill for nearly a decade, but we aren’t the only ones. Check out what others have to say about it:
“The Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act modernizes the leasing of federal public lands for development of solar and wind energy. This bill also directs revenues from these projects to impacted counties and critical wildlife habitat conservation projects. By streamlining renewable energy development, especially in a state with abundant wind and solar like New Mexico, we can create quality jobs and help make America more energy independent.” Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) cosponsor of the bill
“Energy independence is critical to our nation’s economic security and renewable energy plays an important role in achieving that goal,” McSally said. “Nearly 70 percent of land in Arizona is controlled by the federal government. This bill cuts through the bureaucratic red tape to deliver additional affordable and reliable energy for Arizonans, while allowing rural Arizona communities to share in the economic benefits that come from multiple use of public lands.” Martha McSally (R-AZ) cosponsor of the bill
“Our energy future is reliant on the development of renewable energy. That’s not a political statement, it’s simple economics. Solar and wind are now more cost effective than ever. But even renewable energy has an impact on public land and we must balance renewable development with the protection of fish and wildlife resources. This bill ensures smart development from the start, funding important conservation measures and giving back to the communities who shoulder these projects. TU has supported the concepts contained in this bill for nearly a decade and we’re grateful to the House and the Senate continuing to pursue its passage.” Chris Wood, president and CEO of Trout Unlimited
“Sportsmen and women are practical about the increasing demands of renewable energy development on our public lands, and we want to avoid impacts to wildlife habitat. PLREDA prioritizes development away from wildlife conflicts, proactively mitigates impacts from energy development and creates a royalty structure that will drive new revenue for impacted states and communities while also dedicating a separate conservation funding stream. We thank Sens. McSally (R-AZ) and Heinrich (D-NM) for introducing this bipartisan legislation that promotes responsible energy development and safeguards critical fish and wildlife habitat for future generations.” John Gale, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Conservation Director
“This bill would achieve a rare win-win scenario by thoughtfully balancing renewable energy development and habitat needs, while creating a consistent stream of revenue to fund essential fish and wildlife management projects. We’re heartened to see momentum behind this legislation, which will create opportunities to enhance sportsmen’s access, clean water resources, and critical habitat for important game species. This bipartisan bill and common-sense approach to conservation funding have TRCP’s full support.” Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
- It establishes a conservation fund that would direct royalty money to fish and wildlife projects to help offset the impact renewable energy projects have on public lands. These funds could go to things like habitat improvement projects or maintaining access for hunting and fishing.
- It provides money to states and communities where projects are located.
- It establishes an efficient framework for developing projects.
Trout Unlimited has been a supporter of this bill for nearly a decade, but we aren’t the only ones. Check out what others have to say about it:
“The Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act modernizes the leasing of federal public lands for development of solar and wind energy. This bill also directs revenues from these projects to impacted counties and critical wildlife habitat conservation projects. By streamlining renewable energy development, especially in a state with abundant wind and solar like New Mexico, we can create quality jobs and help make America more energy independent.” Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) cosponsor of the bill
“Energy independence is critical to our nation’s economic security and renewable energy plays an important role in achieving that goal,” McSally said. “Nearly 70 percent of land in Arizona is controlled by the federal government. This bill cuts through the bureaucratic red tape to deliver additional affordable and reliable energy for Arizonans, while allowing rural Arizona communities to share in the economic benefits that come from multiple use of public lands.” Martha McSally (R-AZ) cosponsor of the bill
“Our energy future is reliant on the development of renewable energy. That’s not a political statement, it’s simple economics. Solar and wind are now more cost effective than ever. But even renewable energy has an impact on public land and we must balance renewable development with the protection of fish and wildlife resources. This bill ensures smart development from the start, funding important conservation measures and giving back to the communities who shoulder these projects. TU has supported the concepts contained in this bill for nearly a decade and we’re grateful to the House and the Senate continuing to pursue its passage.” Chris Wood, president and CEO of Trout Unlimited
“Sportsmen and women are practical about the increasing demands of renewable energy development on our public lands, and we want to avoid impacts to wildlife habitat. PLREDA prioritizes development away from wildlife conflicts, proactively mitigates impacts from energy development and creates a royalty structure that will drive new revenue for impacted states and communities while also dedicating a separate conservation funding stream. We thank Sens. McSally (R-AZ) and Heinrich (D-NM) for introducing this bipartisan legislation that promotes responsible energy development and safeguards critical fish and wildlife habitat for future generations.” John Gale, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Conservation Director
“This bill would achieve a rare win-win scenario by thoughtfully balancing renewable energy development and habitat needs, while creating a consistent stream of revenue to fund essential fish and wildlife management projects. We’re heartened to see momentum behind this legislation, which will create opportunities to enhance sportsmen’s access, clean water resources, and critical habitat for important game species. This bipartisan bill and common-sense approach to conservation funding have TRCP’s full support.” Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
CLEAN WATER ACT
Comments are due to EPA on Monday, October 21st.
It's time for action South Coast TU members and fishing friends! Tell the EPA to Defend Clean Water Protections
(401 Water Quality Certification Rulemaking)
Use this simple form to send comments before Monday!
(401 Water Quality Certification Rulemaking)
Use this simple form to send comments before Monday!
What is proposed? The EPA proposed rule would dramatically weaken the Clean Water Act by taking aim at the authority of States and Tribes to protect water resources through the Section 401 water quality certification process.
Why does it matter to TU? Section 401 is a tool used by states and tribes to protect water resources from impacts of federally permitted development, such as ensuring fish passage or minimum instream flows at hydropower projects or protecting streams and wetlands from impacts related to pipeline projects.
How can you help? Comments are due on October 21st.
To learn more: Visit this blog to learn more about the proposal and how you can take action to defend these critical protections.
Why does it matter to TU? Section 401 is a tool used by states and tribes to protect water resources from impacts of federally permitted development, such as ensuring fish passage or minimum instream flows at hydropower projects or protecting streams and wetlands from impacts related to pipeline projects.
- In Maine, the 401 program was a critical tool during the relicensing process for hydropower operations on the Penobscot River, allowing the state to protect its water resources and pushing parties to develop creative solutions that support hydropower energy development while also protecting water quality. The result was one of the greatest watershed restoration projects in the country, with 1,000 miles of habitat opened to use by Atlantic salmon and other fish, while all of the hydropower lost to removal of two obsolete dams was replaced by upgrades at other dams in the watershed.
- In Alaska, we are in the early stages of a Clean Water Act permitting process for a proposed mining operation at the headwaters of the Bristol Bay region, home to some of the most ecologically significant waters in the state and the greatest salmon producing waters in the country. It is essential here, as with projects across the country, that the state permitting agencies are able to obtain necessary data, are given the time to conduct a meaningful review, and are empowered with the authority to deny or place conditions on project activities to ensure that protection of water resources.
How can you help? Comments are due on October 21st.
To learn more: Visit this blog to learn more about the proposal and how you can take action to defend these critical protections.