Local Politics · Trinity County
State Water Board Commits to Trinity River Flow Workshop After Tribal Testimony
The California State Water Resources Control Board approved a Bay-Delta Plan update on October 29 that directs staff to hold a public scoping workshop on minimum in-stream flow, temperature, and other requirements for the Trinity River. The commitment followed testimony from Yurok and Karuk tribal members and environmental advocates who argued the Bay-Delta process had failed to address impacts on the Klamath-Trinity system. The resolution sets a timeline tied to completion of the ongoing Trinity River Endangered Species Act reconsultation, with the workshop no later than two years after adoption of the plan updates. Trinity County representative Trent Tuthill called it a step in the right direction, while advocates from Communities United for Water Protection said the resolution falls short of requested water rights hearings and temperature protections.