In a recent news release, the Bureau of Reclamation revealed that the San Joaquin River Restoration Program received a prestigious environmental achievement award.
The San Joaquin River Restoration Program is the primary result of the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement established in September 2006 by the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Department of Commerce, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Friant Water Users Authority. The settlement, which was the culmination of an 18-year lawsuit, was approved by a federal court in October 2006.
“After a 60-year absence, it’s encouraging to see salmon returning to the San Joaquin River," Tanya Trujillo, assistant secretary of the Interior, said in the release. "This award recognizes what is possible when federal and state government agencies work together and are committed to using science and engineering to overcome challenging obstacles. Congratulations to the Program.”
Other officials praised the work that was put into the program.
“Program staff have worked tirelessly towards meeting the objectives laid out in the Settlement to restore the San Joaquin River,” Donald Portz, program manager, said in the release. “This award recognizes the tremendous efforts staff have undertaken to bring spring-run Chinook salmon back to the river.”
Leaders also commented on the collaborative effort shown by agencies working on the program.
“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to continually working with our implementing agency partners to manage salmon reintroduction efforts until the goal of a self-sustaining salmon population is achieved,” Baker Holden, USFWS deputy assistant regional director, Fish and Aquatic Conservation, said in the release. “Through a truly collaborative restoration process, the program has witnessed a monumental comeback of spring-run Chinook salmon and flows to the San Joaquin River.“
