Shasta River: Water Rights & Drought
By Nick Joslin
The Shasta River only contributes 1-5% of the flow of the Klamath River, but it has historically produced as much as 50% of the wild salmon that return to the Klamath. The river winds its way through private cattle ranches so almost every mile of the river is unreachable by the public. The ranches that surround the river have caused great damage to the aquatic habitat and the organism which rely on the cold water. The water in the Shasta originates from the snow and glaciers on the north side of Mt. Shasta. As the snow and ice melts, it percolates deep into the volcanic terrain. This cold water travels underground and emerges where these lava flows end, in the middle of the Shasta Valley. These areas have huge spring systems that historically produce 100-200 cubic feet per second (CFS) of cold clean water. These springs are on private land and have been impounded to be used in vast irrigation systems to grow alfalfa and pasture grasses. The first rights to these waters were given out as the first settlers made it to the region. During this time, there were essentially no environmental laws and those who got land adjacent to the river were given the most senior rights to the use of the water. Every irrigation season sees water taken and delivered to these rights holders, but little left for the river. This year marks the first time ever that the state Department of Fish and Wildlife has recommended an emergency base flow for the river. Now we will begin to see how this challenge unfolds as state agencies responsible for endangered fish species protections will help develop the actions with the agency responsible for water rights (State Water Resource Control Board)
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