Ever wonder what is going on under the Yolo Causeway when driving to and from Sacramento? That’s part of the Yolo Bypass. In years with high rainfall, water from the Sacramento River enters the Yolo Bypass at the Fremont Weir north of Sacramento. Floodwaters flow through the Yolo Bypass and ultimately reconnect with the Sacramento River near Rio Vista. Join Pete Bontadelli, Environmental Consultant at Analytical Environmental Services and former Director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, as he presents “The Yolo Bypass: A Key Link in the State’s Water and Flood Picture” on Thursday, March 7 at 7 p.m. at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters as part of Yolo Basin Foundation’s Flyway Nights speaker series.
The Yolo Bypass is central, both geographically and in importance, to California’s water supply and flood protection system. However, proposed modifications to the Yolo Bypass to enhance habitat for out-migrating endangered winter and spring-run young salmon means the Yolo Bypass will be key to the continued pumping of water south for agriculture and urban users. Bontadelli will dive into the existing biological opinion for salmon, describing what it means for the current operations of the pumps of both state and federal water projects. Take a look at the now century-old role that the Bypass plays in the flood protection system for the Central Valley and particularly for safeguarding the State Capitol. Pete will take us on a journey of the Yolo Bypass of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Bontadelli is the immediate-past Board Chair of Yolo Basin Foundation. Bontadelli served as Director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife when the original acquisition of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area was established. He is also an avid birder.
Flyway Nights is a monthly speaker series highlighting environmental issues, natural history of Northern California and current research topics in conservation. Yolo Basin Foundation hosts Flyway Nights the first Thursday of the month from November to April at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters, 45211 County Road 32B (Chiles Road). A $5 donation to support the Foundation’s wetland education programs is suggested. Yolo Basin Foundation members are free. For the complete schedule and more information, visit www.yolobasin.org/flywaynights or call Yolo Basin Foundation at 530-757-3780.
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