Butte Creek Salmon and Steelhead Restoration

Dear Secretary Nichols,
We, the undersigned members of the public, request that the Resources Agency launch a full scale public scoping process for the restoration of Butte Creek spring run, fall run, late fall run salmon and steelhead, with the goal of opening up habitat blocked by hydroelectric dams and natural barriers, screening hydroelectric diversions, and providing the full flow of Butte Creek during critical migration, holding, spawning and rearing periods. Fish are currently blocked by natural barriers that have historically passed salmon with adequate flows when free from debris and boulders. Other natural barriers in the area have had ladders built and the with the incredible value of Butte Creek anadromous fish, these barriers should be made passable also. In addition there are three small hydroelectric dams that Fish and Game and fisheries groups have demanded be laddered by the hydroelectric companies, to no avail. Flows are regularly diverted for minimal hydroelectric plants and have caused the death of over 3500 ESA listed salmon in 2002 alone. These flows must be returned to the creek for the fish!