Supes talk decline of Clear Lake Hitch
The Lake County Board of Supervisors returned with an overbooked agenda after a holiday break hearing a presentation regarding the endangered Clear Lake Hitch (also known as Chi), as well as the approval of a proclamation declaring a shelter crisis and establishment of a warming center in Lakeport.
Supervisors considered a proclamation declaring an emergency for the Clear Lake Hitch as the species continues to decline. Multiple agencies were present to share their data and many members of the community gave feedback.
Marina Deligiannis from Water Resources introduced several members from other agencies including California Fish and Game, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Robinson Rancheria, Chi Council, Lake County Ag Advisory Committee, and both state and county water resources. Felipe De Luz, senior environmental specialist with CDFW shared some history of the Hitch including its listing as an endangered species in 2014. They also explained the importance of shallow waters for spawning sharing data including a 92 percent loss of habitat for the Clear Lake Hitch which exclusively live in Lake County.
Sarah Ryan, environmental director of Big Valley Rancheria, agreed with the state and federal data showing a drastic decline in the Hitch population. She further noted how irrigation and frost protection are large current issues recommending a curtailing of creek usage and surface water diversion. Overall there were hundreds of pages of research regarding this matter and more information can be found on the water resources website at lakecountyca.gov.
Several members of the agriculture Industry expressed the negative effects any limitations would have on their farms and the entire county
in turn. Farm Bureau Executive Director Rebecca harper asked for a summary of the implementation steps in regard to the Hitch, to which Micheal Fris, field supervisor from the U.S Fish and Wildlife Sacramento office, responded describing the work that's already been done on the conservation document for the past five years. Once signed off the agreed plan will move forward and will be amended every five years or sooner. Fris stated “We're committed to conserving this species. We have been and we will continue to invest in efforts that are contributing to the conservation of this species.”
Many members of the Tribal community voiced their perspectives including Red Pine who shared Koi Nation stories in which the Hitch used to be the fish of his people, but now no one can eat it because there are none. Joe Webber said, “Make sure our children have a future with the hitch.” Webber further explained how the hitch is part of their culture, passing down knowledge from generations, sharing “Hopefully my grandkids will be able to catch the Hitch.”
In response to public input District 2 Supervisor Bruno Sabatier stated, “I love to see some action. I hope we can bring the entire room together.” He explained how the climate is affecting our environment and there is a need to discuss wells, reassess regulations like distance of a well from a creek. Sabatier added, “obviously conflicting data being provided.” Sabatier concluded with “We need to take action locally before state does as that will take years.” District 3 Supervisor Eddie Crandell suggested how the Blue Ribbon Committee will help, while detailing how the situation is dire and requires immediate attention. Crandell shared “It is important to the tribal communities.”
Moke Simon stated “I think the proclamation will open this up… The existence of the hitch is in our blood, in our people.” District 4 Supervisor Michael Green mentioned the extent of data from CDFW, but also expressed concern about statements that have been made. Green insisted the issue is not settled, and that in his opinion current frost protection measures may not be the best tech or avenue for the county's needs but more studies are necessary before action on frost prevention and groundwater pumping can be taken. Green stated “There's a lot to unpack just from today” and suggests the public “Be open minded and share some data.” Supervisors voted to continue this issue on February 7 at 1:30 p.m. despite pushback from community members who urged the decision be made today.
The board also unanimously approved a proclamation declaring a shelter crisis urgency due to the current need for sheltering those experiencing homelessness, especially considering recent storms. Aligning with the proclamation the board considered an agreement between the County of Lake and Sunrise Special Services Foundation for an emergency warming shelter service in the amount of $153,600. Supervisor Crandell excused himself from the conversation and Director of Behavioral Services Todd Metcalf presented the agreement, which would establish a warming shelter at the old county juvenile detention center and former Elijah House Homeless Shelter. MSHA Program Manager Scott Abbott stated “The warming center will give people a place to sleep at night, while it's cold, but will close in the morning and require people re-check in at night.” Yvonne Cox expressed her passion to help house those in need immediately, offering her own property as a sort of community center that would provide food and shelter during the day. The board approved the agreement with several amendments allowing the warming center to open immediately.