California water board nears decision on plan to save salmon
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A state water board is considering a contentious proposal to boost flows through a Central California river, increasing habitat for salmon but delivering less water for cities and farmers in the state's agricultural heartland.
The Water Resources Control Board is scheduled to vote Wednesday on the proposal to significantly alter the management of the Lower San Joaquin River and three tributaries.
State officials say water users along one of the tributaries, the Tuolumne River, have agreed to voluntary concessions that would improve fish habitat. But Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Chuck Bonham says water users along the Merced and Stanislaus rivers did not reach consensus.
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