A major step is being taken in years-long efforts to improve habitat on the Yuba River, especially for three endangered fish. The Army Corps of Engineers and the Yuba County Water Agency are splitting the 3-million dollar cost of a three-year feasibility study. It begins in the fall, according to Gary Reedy, the river science director for the South Yuba River Citizens League…

click to listen to Gary Reedy

Reedy says the main focus of the study will be finding the most cost-effective way of providing passage of fish over Englebright Dam, which is currently a migration barrier. Options might include fish ladders or transporting….

click to listen to Gary Reedy

While not advocating a specific measure, Reedy says the South Yuba River Citizens League hopes the removal or modification of Daguerre Point Dam will also be given strong consideration in the study. But it will still take a number of years for projects to be identified, as well as funding. Meanwhile, Reedy says habitat improvement work has already been done, with the Corps adding gravel below Englebright Dam, as well as wood to the river to mitigate effects of the upstream dams. And SYRCL has also planted riparian trees on the lower Yuba.