Defend Lake Almanor Fund

Geographic Scope: Lake Almanor Basin, Plumas County, CA

Purpose: Raise money for the work of the Defend Lake Almanor Task Force in representing the interests of Lake Almanor businesses and residents in the ongoing relicensing of Pacific Gas and Electric's Upper North Fork Feather River Hydroelectric Project (the Project) before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

Background:

• The Upper North Fork Feather River Hydroelectric Project is undergoing relicensing before FERC
• New license will be in effect for 40-50 years
• California Water Resources Control Board seeking to require increased cold water releases and thermal curtain installation

Task Force Concerns:

• Increased cold-water releases beyond April 22, 2004 negotiated Settlement Agreement provisions
• Installation of thermal curtains at water intakes
• Significant impacts on water quality and thriving fishery in Lake Almanor
• Increased water temperatures resulting in algae blooms toxic to wildlife and humans
• Harm to property values and local recreation/tourism economy (already devastated by recent wildfires)
• Adverse impacts to ecotourism and trophy fishing destination status
• Wasteful use of water needed for electricity generation

Task Force Goals:

• Call for FERC to immediately issue a new license consistent with April 22, 2004 Settlement Agreement
• Exclude additional cold-water releases or thermal curtains
• Obtain public statements from Plumas County Board of Supervisors urging FERC compliance with settlement
• Discontinue cold-water releases from Butt Valley Reservoir for whitewater recreation
• Encourage elected federal and state officials to urge FERC against supplemental cold-water releases
• Engage local community in FERC relicensing process
• Preserve rights to appeal any adverse license terms in federal court

Contact Information:

• Address: P.O. Box 949, Chester, CA 96020
• Phone: (530) 268-5422
• Email: [email protected]

Organizational Information:

• The Almanor Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity
• EIN# 86-2462099