California waterways boosted with fish passage, ecosystem funding

• Reclamation announces two ecosystem projects.
• $8 million supports fish passage near Santa Paula Creek.
• $5 million goes toward restoring Klamath Basin tributaries.

December 30, 2024 –Earlier this month, the Bureau of Reclamation announced a $13 million investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to boost ecosystem health in California. The funding will support two major efforts: $8 million for the Harvey Diversion Fish Passage Remediation Project, led by California Trout Corporation, and $5 million for critical restoration work in the Klamath Basin, spearheaded by the Yurok Tribe.

“These investments through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda will help to improve our ecosystems while mitigating impacts of drought and building climate resiliency,” said Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton on December 20. “These projects in California will improve habitat for fish and will remove barriers to restore movement in river systems.”

Restoring the Klamath Basin.

The Yurok Tribe will use $5 million to design and construct instream and floodplain improvements in cold-water tributaries of the Klamath Reservoir Reach. According to the Bureau of Reclamation, these projects will remove fish passage barriers for Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, and Pacific Lamprey. The plan protects and enhances habitat in four key streams—Shovel, Jenny, Falls, and Spencer Creeks—and helps return these fish species to healthy populations.

Opening Pathways for Steelhead Trout.

California Trout Corporation will receive $8 million for its work on the Harvey Diversion Fish Passage Remediation Project on Santa Paula Creek in Ventura County. The 35-foot-tall diversion dam has blocked the upstream migration of Southern steelhead and rainbow trout. The project includes partially removing the dam and installing 25 grade control structures to reconnect 12 miles of upstream habitat. Reclamation’s new funding supplements an earlier $12 million grant awarded in September 2024.

Looking Ahead.

Reclamation’s WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program has already awarded nearly $150 million to restore fisheries, wildlife, and aquatic habitat. A new funding opportunity for an additional $100 million was posted to grants.gov on December 10, with two application periods closing on April 15, 2025, and February 17, 2026.

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