CALIFORNIA SPORTFISHING PROTECTION ALLIANCE

P.O. BOX 357

QUINCY, CALIFORNIA 95971

Mr. Jeff Olberding June 27, 1997

Regulatory Branch

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

333 Market Street

San Francisco, CA 94105-2197

Re: Public Notice No. 217415; County of Santa Cruz, Applicant; Pajaro River

Dear Mr. Olberding:

We have reviewed the information in COE Public Notice No. 217415 of June 6, 1997. We reference the information in said COE Public Notice.

The Pajaro River Watershed sustains steelhead trout and their habitat. Steelhead trout should be listed by the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service in about August, 1997, under the protection of the federal Endangered Species Act. Steelhead trout habitat (spawning and rearing) in the Pajaro River Watershed has been adversely degraded. Steelhead trout population levels in the Pajaro River have been significant reduced to a remnant run.

The CSPA has standing regarding the listing of steelhead trout throughout California under the protection of the federal ESA.

The proposed project will return water into the Pajaro River. That flow of water has the potential to affect water quality resulting in potential cumulative impacts to steelhead trout habitat in the river as a result of sediment loading, and associated chemicals used for ag.

Because the proposed project has the potential to impact steelhead trout and their habitat, a species of fish proposed for listing under the protection of the federal ESA, the COE should consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service.

Respectfully Submitted

_____________________________________________

Robert J. Baiocchi, Consultant

For: California Sportfishing Protection Alliance

P.O. Box 357

Quincy, CA 95971

Bus Tel: 916-836-1115; Fax: 916-283-4999

cc: Jim Crenshaw, President

California Sportfishing Protection Alliance

1248 East Oak Avenue, Suite D

Woodland, CA 95695

Interested Parties