Wednesday August 16, 2023
CBS 13 —
Fish swimming up the American River will soon have a new spot to spawn. Construction is now underway on habitat improvements for salmon and steelhead.
Underneath the water of the American River lies a breeding ground for baby fish.
“They are born in this river and this is the river they come back to to complete their life cycle,” said Erica Bishop with the Sacramento Water Forum.
But over the years — with dams being built, warmer water, and drought — the number of Chinook salmon and steelhead trout has dramatically dropped.
“Right now, our steelhead on the lower American River are considered threatened under the Federal Endangered Species Act,” Bishop said.