Yearly Reports
SWF Year Two Report
September 2022 – August 2023
Restoring Indigenous Fire Stewardship Through Policy:
An Analysis of SB 310 on Cultural Burning Paper
CASSA ELE Field Logs:
THE BUBBLE OF THE TUOLUMNE RIVER
Driven by hydropower needs, controlled dam releases from the Tuolumne River, known as “The Bubble,” create thrilling whitewater rafting opportunities while balancing environmental and energy demands.
THE TREASURES OF THE TUOLUMNE
Flowing from Yosemite’s mountains to the Central Valley, the Tuolumne River sustains diverse ecosystems, irrigates farmland, and provides water, power, and recreation such as rafting, fishing, and camping.
ECOHYDROLOGY
Research shows that dams on the Tuolumne River disrupt flows and ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and signaling poor river health through dominance of tolerant species, such as caddisflies and other fly larvae.
FLOE SHAPES IN THE TUOLUMNE RIVER
Dr. Catherine Fong’s study identifies six pulsed flow shapes in the Tuolumne River, highlighting the dominant “Rectangle” shape as a reservoir-driven flow that supports human use but requires careful ecological management.
TUOLUMNE RIVER: AGRICULTURE AND ECOLOGY
The Tuolumne River supports both agriculture at Fiorini Ranch and ecological restoration at Dos Rios Ranch, showcasing sustainable practices.
TUOLUMNE RIVER WATER FOR AGRICULTURE
Irrigating crops like almonds and grapes, the Tuolumne River generates $10.1 billion annually, with effective water management essential for drought resilience.
WATER RIGHTS ON THE TUOLUMNE RIVER
Governed by a hybrid appropriative-riparian rights system, the Tuolumne River’s allocation favors senior holders, raising equity concerns for rural communities and ecosystems.
THE VALUE OF THE TUOLUMNE RIVER FOR AGRICULTURE
Don Pedro Reservoir supplies water to 194,241 acres in Stanislaus County, fueling agriculture and jobs while contributing $721 million annually.
EVAPOTRANSPIRATION DEMANDS OF A RESTORED HETCH HETCHY
Restoring Hetch Hetchy to a montane meadow may slightly increase evapotranspiration but supports sustainable water management with negligible negative effects.
HYDROLOGIES IN TUOLUMNE RIVER: LATE 1880S VS NOW
River flow monitoring on the Tuolumne has advanced from rudimentary bucket-wheel meters to precise Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers, crucial for managing water altered by O’Shaughnessy Dam.
THE EARLY GEOLOGIC HISTORY OF THE TUOLUMNE RIVER WATERSHED
The study traces the Tuolumne River Watershed’s geologic history through four major formational events and recent glaciation, which together shaped its complex landscape.