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Storm Alert: Emergency Actions for Streams and Rivers

Fish and Game Code allows for emergency work to take place in streams and rivers without a CDFW permit. "Emergency" is defined as a sudden, unexpected occurrence, involving a clear and imminent danger, demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss of, or damage to, life, health, property, or essential public services.

More Information / CDFW Guidance

Fish and Game Code Section 1610 outlines a process related to emergencies that does not require acquisition of a permit from CDFW in advance of work within streams.

  1. Emergency actions can occur in advance of the actual damaging event;
  2. Emergency actions may also include necessary subsequent actions (e.g. debris removal) that followed an immediate emergency (e.g. flooding);
  3. Entities must notify CDFW in writing within 14 days after beginning the emergency work; and
  4. CDFW is available to assist with any related questions (contact the Regional Manager of the applicable Regional Office).

See also: more information regarding the emergency notification process and more information about CDFW’s streambed alteration program in general.

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An overview of the Fremont Weir Adult Fish Passage, including the stream channel leading to the Sacramento River.

Improved Passage Lets Threatened Sturgeon, Salmon and Other Species Return to Spawn in Sacramento River

7 June | by Peter.Tira@Wildlife.ca.gov | 0 Comment

Dozens of adult sturgeon and hundreds of other large fish including threatened Chinook salmon have moved safely from receding floodwaters within the Yolo Bypass back to the Sacramento River thanks to the coordinated operation of the Fremont Weir Adult Fish Passage among the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), CDFW, NOAA Fisheries and Yolo County.

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