Sunday, June 18, 2006

San Joaquin Might Flow Again

And, as this article from today notes, that will be a good thing, seeing another salmon run restored and another river flowing to create the river ambiance, recreation, and sanctuary loved by so many. So much is possible when we use our knowledge to reach goals, and this one requires controlling the water we do have the knowledge to control and using it where it is needed.

On the American River, the Auburn Dam will control a large amount of water now flowing to the sea, some of which is needed by the Delta, but much of which is more needed here, and maybe even some for the San Joaquin.

Here is an excerpt.


Some see a deal to get river rolling
A long-sought pact for dry San Joaquin could become reality after Monday hearing.
By Michael Doyle -- and Mark Grossi -- Fresno BeePublished 12:01 am PDT Sunday, June 18, 2006


WASHINGTON -- The dried San Joaquin River might flow again, along with lots and lots of money, under a historic deal coming closer by the hour.

Long-warring parties who beat the odds to become negotiating partners will march once again before a federal judge in Sacramento on Monday. In their hands could be an accord that reshapes California's water future.

"The agreement is there," said Rep. George Radanovich, R-Mariposa.

Attorneys for farmers and environmentalists quietly concur, though the final haggling could well last all weekend. Negotiators are motivated. They know that if they fail, U.S. District Judge Lawrence Karlton will impose his own unpredictable solution -- which might hit farmers hard.

"The negotiators believe that it is possible to reach agreement in principle on the few remaining issues before June 19, and will continue to work between now and the status conference," attorneys advised Karlton on Thursday.

Details are cloaked and negotiators tight-lipped. Still, any deal will be heard loud and clear throughout the West.

It will be ambitious, as officials revive the San Joaquin for the first time since Friant Dam began constraining the river in the 1940s.