September 2007 Update
The Save Lake Almanor Committee, like everyone else, is still waiting as the SWRCB slowly grinds its way though the 50-plus temperature modification alternatives. They've missed deadline after deadline, which we are told is "normal" for them. When they do identify a final alternative it will most likely demand a large percentage of Lake Almanor's coldest water, during the summer, when the lake temperature is critical and the potential for ecological harm is the greatest. Although we hope that the thermal curtain will not be selected, it is still very much in the mix.
While we are forced to wait, we've used the time to prepare for the SWRCB mandate by joining the Plumas County Water Conservation District in the costly effort of funding an independent scientific study of Lake Almanor by a noted fisheries biologist. His work will be phased, the first phase being to gather all known science about the lake from a variety of sources and put it into a comprehensive report. He'll then identify what isn't known about the lake and conduct research for that missing science. The objective of the study is to gather evidence for a defense against any damaging alternative (s) by providing science that the SWRCB cannot arbitrarily refute. This important work is underway now.
Our committee, in conjunction with the Lake Almanor Fishing Association, has mailed out a fishing survey to fishermen and guides who have years of experience with the lake and its seasonal changes. Their replies are being shared with the fisheries biologist in hopes that their anecdotal knowledge of the lake will aide in speeding up his studies.
Although not currently in the headlines, the process moves along and the threat to Lake Almanor remains. The Save Lake Almanor Committee is chartered as an educational 205 (c)3 non-profit organization and will continue to be vigilant and keep you informed as well as urging appropriate action when necessary. Thank you for you continuing interest and support.
FOR ADDITIIONAL INFORMATION........
There is a wealth of additional information on the federal relicensing effort and related topics at the Project 2105 website.
If you would like further information on specific aspects of the matter, or would like to become more actively involved in local efforts to stop the cold water extraction plan, you can contact one of the coordinators by sending them an e-mail: www.savelakealmanor.org
