Fort Bragg, California - The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will hold two public meetings to discuss a proposed change to the stream gauge that controls the low flow closure status of Mendocino Coast streams.

The meetings will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 20 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Alex Rorabaugh Ukiah Community Event Center, 1640 South State St., Ukiah, and on Wednesday, Sept. 3, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Fort Bragg Town Hall, 363 North Main St., Fort Bragg.

A CDFW representative will detail the proposed regulation changes. Following the short presentation, interested parties can make comments and provide input that will help shape CDFW’s final recommendation to the Fish and Game Commission. CDFW anticipates presenting the regulation change proposal at the Commission’s December meeting in Sacramento.

Mendocino Coast streams provide critical life-stage habitat for coastal Chinook salmon, coho salmon and steelhead trout. All three of these species are listed under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), and coho salmon is also listed under the California ESA.

CDFW is preparing regulatory changes for Title 14, Chapter 3, Article 4, section 8, Part (b), to base the flow closure status of Mendocino Coast streams on the Navarro River gauge, which is more representative of conditions in these streams than the regulated flows of the Russian River. The proposed regulatory change provides for angler opportunity and addresses fishery impact concerns that have arisen during drought conditions. During the past two winters, Mendocino Coast streams have at times remained open for fishing while salmon and steelhead were concentrated into the remaining pools by low flow conditions.

In addition to these public meetings, individuals and organizations may submit comments in writing.

Written comments can be sent by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or by mail at:

CDFW, Attn: Allan Renger
1487 Sandy Prairie Court, Ste. A
Fortuna, CA 95540