PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Since 1996 Family Water Alliance (FWA) has been the program manager in cooperation with several state and federal agencies, and private contributors, in spearheading research, development and installation of fish screens on small agricultural diversions. This good-faith effort has been of key importance in obtaining a common sense application of the Endangered Species Act with regard to Sacramento and Feather River diversions. Family Water Alliance has a proven track record regarding the instillation of small fish screens. To date, FWA has installed 24 successful fish screens (two in progress) using the most innovative screen technology, cumulating in over 563 cfs. This fish screening effort has resulted in over 21,600 acres of land that is fish friendly.
FWA in cooperation with several state and federal agencies, and private contributors have been the team leaders in spearheading research, development and the installation of fish screens on small agricultural diversions. This good-faith effort has been of key importance in obtaining a common sense application of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) with regard to Sacramento and Feather River diversions, and their tributaries. The success of this program has culminated in the delivery of fish-friendly water (water diverted through fish screens that protect fish) to fields and farms, thus protecting both the fishery resource and the local agricultural community.
FWA has received special recognition of the work accomplished in this fish screen program from the National Marine Fisheries Service. On May 25th, 2004, Steve Edmondson, Northern California Supervisor for the NOAA Habitat Conservation Division, NOAA Fisheries Southwest Region presented FWA with the NOAA Fisheries Environmental Stewardship award. This award acknowledges and gives recognition to pro-active, volunteer, fish screen efforts and other good acts of stewardship. The receipt of this award exemplifies the value of this program and the need for its continuance.
For full details of the Fish Screen Program visit our Fish Forum web site at: www.fwafishforum.com
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