Bob,

Further information for those interested in Matilija/Ventura River:

CalTrout has filed a 60 day notice of intent to sue the BREC and Casitas Water
District under the "take" provisions of the Endangered Species Act. The
Robles Diversion on the Ventura River (below Matilija Dam) represents "take"
with its unscreened diversion and dam and inadequate flows below the
diversion. The importance of this lawsuit is it's possible precedence for the
use of the ESA to recover Steelhead. This is a lawsuit that should be
relatively easy to win: an historical Steelhead population, a small dam that
can have a successful fish ladder, an easy job to screen the diversion, and a
supply of water in Lake Casitas that is frequently excess to local needs.
CalTrout has, therefore, placed a high priority on this case and this river.

To fantasize a little: with the removal of Matilija coupled with the removal
of passage obstacles at Robles, the Ventura River throughout its full course
could become a Steelhead river again and set an example for use of the ESA for
Steelhead recovery.

If you would like, I will keep you updated on our actions related to Matilija
and the Ventura. Perhaps some collabrative efforts are in order?

Nick D.