Local Issues

Forests

Wild Places

Wildlife

Water

Open Space

Other Resources

  Flowing from the high mountains near Sonora Pass, the various forks of the Stanislaus River provide spectacular scenery, cool summertime camping, a diversity of wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities.  Yet hydro-electric dams and diversions have drastically altered the river's natural flows.

  For many years, CSERC worked to convince the Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) not to construct a new dam at Lyons Reservoir.  Such a dam would flood three miles of riparian wildlife habitat and further alter natural stream flows.  A few years ago, TUD directors reluctantly agreed that the current Lyons Reservoir holds enough water for all of the local area’s need for at least the next 25 years.  However, some directors still talk openly of the need for a larger, newer dam in the near future.

South Fork Stanislaus Supplies Much of Tuolumne County's Needs

  PG&E diverts a large portion of the South Fork of the Stanislaus River’s flow through a ditch system into a power plant on the main stem of the Middle Fork Stanislaus River.  Of the water left in the South Fork, PG&E then allows the Tuolumne Utility District (TUD) to take its share for the needs of County residents.  That water flows through an elaborate ditch system into Phoenix Reservoir and into treatment plants that serve outlying users.

  With new developments now planned or occurring across many parts of Tuolumne County, the demand for water is high.  That demand could eventually limit how much water will be available for agriculture.  CSERC is working hard with ranchers and others to ensure that agricultural use of water is given its fair share.  CSERC is also concerned that enough water will always be left in the South Fork of the Stanislaus to provide for the needs of wildlife and riparian vegetation.

  The aggressive pace of development across the foothills continues to result in less and less water left in streams and rivers for wildlife and riparian plan needs.  Whether it is the South Fork of the Stanislaus or other streams and rivers of the region, many different interests want to take water out of the natural system and use it to make money or to benefit their property, their company, or themselves.

  Over recent years, CSERC staff has taken water monitoring samples in a few areas of Tuolumne County.  The Center’s staff and volunteers also do hands-on restoration projects to reduce contamination of streams and rivers.  CSERC’s director attends countless meetings and hearings each year to advocate for water quality and aquatic species, and the Center provides written input for literally hundreds of development, private timberland, or public land projects each year that threaten water resources.