What do the Mono Basin restoration plans call for?
• A: In response to D.1631, DWP prepared plans for both stream and waterfowl habitat restoration to undo the damage of 50 years of diversions. Revised plans were finally approved by the State Water Board in late 1998, following public debate and comment. Stream Restoration Plan: Stream restoration relies primarily on maintaining flows that mimic the pattern of former natural flows. Most important are peak flows in the spring runoff period. Certain side channels are being opened in the streams’ floodplains. A key feature of the plan is its emphasis on annual monitoring by independent stream scientists. Monitoring results are used to track progress towards specific restoration “endpoints” and recommend additional measures, such as planting trees or placing large stumps in pools to create habitat complexity. Tying restoration actions to monitoring is termed “adaptive management” and allows scientists to suggest new actions in response to real field conditions. Waterfowl Habitat Restoratio
