Sharing Information | Encouraging Engagement
Our online survey has generated 193 responses as of this writing. Highlights and details from the survey as of this date are included below. Please note that an online survey that is open to the public in this manner does not prevent people from taking the response more than once. This survey will remain open for additional responses and I will share further updates over time if a sufficient number of additional responses are received.
Survey Highlights
193 Survey Responses as of 4.30.23 (survey launched on 4.23.23)
77% of responders agree or strongly agree that the health of the Trinity River (including fish populations) is important to them.
73% of responders disagree or strongly disagree when asked if they have confidence in the Trinity River Restoration Program
63% of responders agree or strongly agree that past and projected Trinity Lake water levels should play a significant role in determining the amount of water to release for river restoration.
70% of responders disagree or strongly disagree that decisions regarding releases for river restoration are appropriately balanced with regard to impact on target fish populations, other species, public health & safety, and our economy.
74% of responders disagree or strongly disagree when asked if they support the current (winter variable release) approach to river restoration releases.
65% of responders disagree or strongly disagree when asked if they support the approach to river restoration releases used in past years.
50% of responders disagree (50% agree) that notices of changes to release levels provide sufficient time for them to prepare their riverside property for high flows.
12% of responders believe that lake levels should not be considered when determining the volume of river restoration releases.
82% of responders believe that the volume of river restoration releases should be limited unless/until Trinity Lake levels are at least 50% of safe capacity (see chart for details – 20% chose 70%, 80% chose 22%).
Less than 3% of responders believe that lake levels should not be considered when determining the volume of water diverted to the Sacramento River.
92% of responders believe that the volume of water diverted to the Sacramento River should be limited unless/until Trinity Lake levels are at least 50% of safe capacity (see chart for details – 25% chose 80%).
49% of responders believe a restoration program is important for Trinity River.
Less than 15% of responders support our current approach to river restoration.
Less than 20% of responders would like to see the new winter variable flow approach continued next year.
75% of responders believe the new river release schedule is hurting our local economies.
20% of responders believe the potential benefits to the health of our river outweighs economic impact concerns.
20% of responders believe river restoration projects (creating side channels, etc.) are improving the health of our river.
62% of responders are concerned that high release volumes this year are causing health & safety concerns.
76% of responders would like to see the board of supervisors pursue changes to the volume and schedule of restoration releases.
5% of responders report that their property has been damaged by this year’s high releases.
49% of responders report that they have seen damage caused by this year’s high releases.
76% of responders are concerned about negative impacts from this year’s high releases.
15% of responders report that their business has lost income due to this year’s river restoration flows. Note – the survey does not identify the percentage of responders who own businesses.
37% of responders live within District 1
15% of responders live outside Trinity County
Survey Details
Use this link to see survey charts and tables – 4.30 Survey Summary
Use this link to see Comments Regarding Property Damage or Lost Income PDF
Use this link to see Additional Survey Comments PDF
Use this link to participate in the survey.
A Town Hall Meeting regarding this subject took place at the Lewiston Hotel Dance Hall on Thursday – April 27, 2023. You can use this link to learn more about key takeaways from this gathering.
A Virtual Gathering is scheduled for Monday – May 1, 2023 (from 5 PM to 6 PM) with U.S. Congressman Jared Huffman and member of the Trinity Management Council. RSVP by noon on Sunday was required to obtain Zoom information. You can also attend by joining our CAO, Trent Tuthill, in the Board Chambers at the Weaverville Library.
I shared survey results with Congressman Huffman in advance of this meeting.
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