Spring-run Chinook used to be the dominant run of salmon in California’s Central Valley, with more than a million spawners spread across nearly every river and foothill creek.

Adult fall-run Chinook salmon congregate near the Nimbus Hatchery Fish Ladder on the American River in Sacramento County, California.
DWR intends to ensure that operation of the State Water Project meets state environmental protections and standards which, in some respects, are stricter than federal standards. The ITP represents a nimble and sophisticated way to protect species. Some of the improvements for species protection include the following:
ITP Annual Status Report:
2021:
2020:
ITP Spring-Run Chinook Salmon Juvenile Production Estimates:
Longfin Smelt Science Plan 2020-2030
Incidental Take Permit for Long-term Operation of the State Water Project
Final EIR for State Water Project Long-term Operations
2021 Drought and Dry Year Actions Report
Spring-run Chinook used to be the dominant run of salmon in California’s Central Valley, with more than a million spawners spread across nearly every river and foothill creek.
A team of DWR scientists are working with federal and state partners to embrace the challenge of overseeing the implementation of one of the most complex endangered species permits in California history.