A fundamental issue during KR3 the relicensing proceeding is the determination of what constitutes a “minimum acceptable” flow for paddling the various sections of the NF Kern. Make no mistake: wherever those numbers are set, Edison will argue that the KR3 diversion has no effect on whitewater recreation below those numbers. We would like to see the “minimum acceptable” flow for paddling be set at the true minimum that boaters are willing to paddle such that Rec flows are on the table in low-to-moderate water years and the shoulder seasons of good water years. Currently, the minimum acceptable flow is 700 cfs, as settled by AW in 2002. If that number stays the same and the tunnel maintenance flow (an 300 additional cfs) survives, there will be no Rec flows on any day with less than 1,000 cfs inflow at Fairview Dam. On average, as this chart shows, that’s only 25 potential additional Rec flows per year — and none in the lowest fifth of water years. That’s 20% of the years!
Boaters routinely have enjoyable days on the NF Kern below 700 cfs, which we will discuss in an accompanying post. The bottom line is that there is a lot at stake when it comes to setting the minimum acceptable flow for our river. Please be sure about “how low you can go” when answering survey questions — or simply note that you are unsure and/or would like the chance to boat at lower flows before answering. Note finally, Edison will argue that Rec flows should only occur when the entire river is usable. So as a practical matter, only the river segment for which you give your highest “minimum acceptable flow” answer would count. We do not want to see these valuable flows — which are critical for shoulder seasons and lower water years in particular — left off the table before we even get started.
