Stockwater for Chinook-Scott Valley Irrigation Ditch

摘要

The prominent diversion from the Scott River in Scott Valley is the Scott ValleyIrrigation District (SVID) ditch. This ditch is used for irrigation and stockwater. The Scott River is an important spawning tributary for fall chinook salmon and steelhead trout. During the past ten years (1985-1995) the Scott River fisheries, as well as other users, has been in a serious declining state. One of the reasons have been continued drought conditions and low flows in the Scott River. Being the largest diversion from the Scott River, the SVID initiated a study to determine the feasibility and desirability of converting the SVID water source from a surface water diversion from Scott River to a ground water supply. The basic premise was to use underground sources of water for stockwater requirements in order to leave more surface water in the river during low flow periods that are critical for anadromous fish. The study include a survey of all SVID users to help determine the extent of use of SVID water, collect opinions of users, and address the many questions and speculation regarding water rights and anadromous fisheries. The objectives of the study were to promote constructive and cooperative attitudes, determine feasibility of an alternate stockwater, source, and provide information that could possibly lead to a plan that would mutually benefit water users and fish habitat.