It's Official: The South Fork Agreement Is Signed and Sealed Signing away, from left: FOR's Ron Stork, Chris Shutes of the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, and Bill Center of the American River Recreation Association. CREDIT: SOREN JESPERSEN A few months ago we told you that the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) had agreed to do the right thing and restore the American River. Now it's really official. SMUD, PG&E, Friends of the River, and our allies signed the agreement in ink on January 26. You can download and read the entire agreement if you're into that sort of thing (click here for PDF file, but please note that this is the "near final" version), or you can read our summary here if you haven't done so before. After more than five years of discussion and negotiation, SMUD, along with several state and federal resource agencies, conservation organizations, and recreation interests, has signed an agreement for the relicensing of SMUD’s Upper American River Project (UARP). This agreement greatly improves the existing conditions of the South Fork American River and its tributaries by: Greatly increasing minimum flows on all river segments. These flows mimic natural variation, restore ecological functions, and enhance conditions for fish and wildlife. Enhancing recreation opportunities by creating new kayaking and rafting opportunities on the South Fork Silver Creek below Ice House reservoir as well as the South Fork American River below Slab Creek Dam. Creating pulse flows on the Rubicon River, South Fork Silver Creek, and Gerle Creek. These flows simulate natural springtime runoff events and maintain the river ecology by flushing sediment and debris, improving water temperature and quality, and creating habitat. Providing financial assistance to the U.S. Forest Service and BLM for the maintenance and operation of recreational facilities located on or near project reservoirs and affected river segments. Creating a quantitative and reliable flow schedule for California’s most popular whitewater river—the South Fork American below Chili Bar reservoir. This agreement is a fantastic development and will ensure that the South Fork American River and its tributaries will remain healthy and viable for decades to come. Thanks again to everyone who wrote a letter, signed a petition, or attended a meeting. You made the difference! Now, if you really want to peruse details, here are documents prepared before the agreement that compare SMUD's previous proposal with the alternative proposal. SMUD has since agreed to use many elements of the alternative proposal: Download the full comparison report (1MB PDF) Download the comparison chart (50KB PDF) Download the UARP map (170KB PDF) Download the complete alternative proposal (2MB PDF) Download the "rationale report" for the alternative (1MB PDF)