Some environmental groups are declaring victory in efforts to help some endangered fish on the Central Coast. The Santa Ynez River was once home to as many as 30,000 steelhead. But, the construction of Bradbury Dam and Lake Cachuma more than a half century ago reduced the water’s flow to the point where only a few hundred of the endangered fish survive.
The Environmental Defense Center, working for the group California Trout, has battled for more water releases, as well as studies for better water management plans.
Now, the State Water Resources Control Board has adopted an order which includes improved water flows, and calls for research on projects which might improve steelhead habitat.
