Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board’s field tour in Shasta County

Recently, my staff attended the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board’s field tour in Shasta County, where they discussed a number of projects to enhance the salmon habitat on Clear Creek and on side channels of the Sacramento River.

One key subject of conversation was the difficulty of permitting work that enhances the environment, a huge cost in doing these projects. The state has made strides in improving the way it handles “green tape,” but I hope we can do more so we can put taxpayers’ dollars to the best possible use in restoring damaged habitat.