Institute for Conservation Advocacy Research & Education
The San Francisco Bay Delta is the largest estuary on the Pacific Northwest coast, draining over 40 percent of the water in California. This dynamic system supports more than 120 species of fish and other wildlife, is a critical waterfowl migration area and is important globally for commerce, navigation, fisheries and recreation. The Napa River watershed provides the second largest supply of fresh water flow to the estuary.
In 2004 the State Water Resource Control Board identified
1,777 illegal water diversions/dams on the north coast with 377 of
these illegal water grabs in Napa County. Lack of adequate flows in
north coast streams is causing aquatic mortality. Many of the streams in the
Napa River watershed are dry or going dry year around due to over appropriation
of riparian water and subterranean aquifers. This rapid and sustained need for
riparian water began in the late 1960's and early 1970's as vineyards crawled
into the mountainous regions of our watershed.
ICARE strives to balance human needs with
sensible environmental protection, conservation, preservation and
restoration. We work with the public to shape a balanced future for healthy
watersheds and economic stability.
The San Francisco Bay Delta is the largest estuary on the Pacific Northwest coast, draining over 40 percent of the water in California. This dynamic system supports more than 120 species of fish and other wildlife, is a critical waterfowl migration area and is important globally for commerce, navigation, fisheries and recreation. The Napa River watershed provides the second largest supply of fresh water flow to the estuary.
In 2004 the State Water Resource Control Board identified
1,777 illegal water diversions/dams on the north coast with 377 of
these illegal water grabs in Napa County. Lack of adequate flows in
north coast streams is causing aquatic mortality. Many of the streams in the
Napa River watershed are dry or going dry year around due to over appropriation
of riparian water and subterranean aquifers. This rapid and sustained need for
riparian water began in the late 1960's and early 1970's as vineyards crawled
into the mountainous regions of our watershed.
