SIERRA REPORT BY BY MARTIN STRELNECK

TROUT STOCKING Sierra area looks at tentative agreement reached BY MARTIN STRELNECK / WON Staff WriterPublished: Nov 21, 2008

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FRESH SIERRA REPORT BY MARTIN STRELNECK SACRAMENTO--”What’s the future hold for Eastern Sierra trout stocking? All indications are an agreement has been worked out between environmental groups and DFG with the plan to be submitted for judicial approval Nov. 24.     As of last Thursday, the only information available from DFG was a “tentative agreement” had been reached. The agreement would be presented to Sacramento Superior Court Judge Patrick Marlette for approval Nov. 24. No further details were available from DFG.     However, on Thursday, Nov. 20, a press release from the plaintiffs in the action, Pacific Rivers Council and Center for Biological Diversity, set forth proposed conditions of the agreement      The release states as a condition of the agreement, “Fish and Game will still be able to stock hatchery fish, but  mainly in places where they won’t harm native species. The negotiated agreement allows several important categories of fish stocking carried out or permitted by the Department of Fish and Game to move forward in the coming year.”     The release states in the “permissible” stocking category were “large man made reservoirs” and “previously permitted private party stocking.”  Most would agree the Eastern Sierra will see major restrictions on waters planted by the DFG, but  it would appear restrictions would not apply to trout rancher Tim Alpers, local trout rearing programs at Bridgeport and Twin Lakes.     Twenty five native species were identified, incouding fish and amphibians.  Among thise on the list are the California golden trout, Owens speckled dace and Owens tui chub along with the mountain yellow legged frog, all Eastern Sierra residents at various locations.      It would appear, because of the golden trout and yellow legged frog, stocking high elevation backcountry waters would be suspended. The Owens speckled dace and Owens tui chub inhabit waters of the Owens River drainage. The future of some Owens Valley waters could be in question relating to DFG hatchery raised fish. At the present time stocking the Owens River and Pleasant Valley Reservoir are on hold.      The entire fish planting  issue relates to a 2007 court order requiring DFG to complete an Environmental Impact Report regarding the hatchery raised fish stocking program. and the possible impact on native species.The EIR was to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. DFG was unable to meet the deadline date and requested an extension to 2010. The only way the plaintiffs would agree to the extension was to cease stocking until the EIR was completed. At a Nov. 7 hearing Judge Marlette instructed DFG to negotiate with the plaintiffs and seek an agreement on terms how and where DFG could continue stocking and return to the court in two weeks.     The judge’s decision on Nov. 24 will determine the final outcome of the issue. At this point no specific waters have been identified. It’s this writer assessment that the majority of Eastern Sierra waters will remain on the DFG stocking menu. However there exists the possibility that there could be future restrictions at certain locations.     Further details are available at www.pacrivers.org, www.dfghatcheryeir@dfg.ca.gov.