San Joaquin River news from The Fresno Bee & FresnoBee.com

A River Reborn

Sinking farmland snags San Joaquin River project

The San Joaquin River, on the left, parallels a canal, on the right, as it flows past Sack Dam in an aerial photograph taken on Sept. 16, 2009, near Firebaugh. The ground may be sinking around Sack Dam due to farm water pumping, according to federal engineers.

The San Joaquin River restoration has hit a strange snag -- a vast area of swiftly sinking farmland. It means the much-heralded return of salmon runs to the state's second-longest river will wait a little longer.

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Archive by category ''A River Reborn

A RIVER REBORN

Court: If feds flood your land, they may owe you

Private property owners might deserve payment when public agencies temporarily flood their land, the Supreme Court ruled Tuesday in a case closely watched by farmers around the country, and in the San Joaquin Valley in particular.
A RIVER REBORN

San Joaquin River could spawn jobs, but how many?

The $2 billion price of creating a living San Joaquin River will buy more than a beautiful view -- it will boost the economy of places like Fresno, the second-poorest metropolitan area in the country.
A RIVER REBORN

San Joaquin restoration: $70 million goes down river

A new federal analysis reveals $70 million has been invested in the San Joaquin River restoration since 2007, but no major projects have been completed. And as a Dec. 31 deadline nears to restart salmon runs, riverside farmers say it's time to talk about a delay.
A RIVER REBORN

Calif. water bill flows to uncertain future in Senate

A big California water bill passed by the House this week might be brilliant political hardball that puts Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein on the spot.
A RIVER REBORN

Contentious bill would reshape the restoration of San Joaquin River

The San Joaquin River's meandering course through central California would get steered in yet another direction under a bill set for House approval this week. Biologically, scientists say, the proposal has promise. Politically, it faces strong opposition. Legally, it appears vulnerable to challenge...
A RIVER REBORN

In dry season, San Joaquin River restoration a sore point among farmers

This is the year east Valley farmers have dreaded. It's one of the driest seasons in the past 100 years, and they must share precious water with the federal government to restore the San Joaquin River.
A RIVER REBORN

Return of salmon to San Joaquin River comes at cost

Chinook salmon are scheduled to be reintroduced to the San Joaquin River as soon as this year. But what seems to have been overlooked is that the presence of salmon also will mean the end of all trout fishing and, potentially, bass fishing on the river.
A RIVER REBORN

Dry season threatens farmers, return of salmon to San Joaquin River

Even though the wetter half of California's winter is still ahead, it's hard to ignore the historic dry spell taking shape. The statewide snowpack is 15% of average for early January. This winter is mirroring the terrible 1976-1977 season -- the driest time on record.
A RIVER REBORN

Suit filed over drainage into San Joaquin River

Fishing and conservation groups sued the federal government Wednesday, hoping to stop the west Valley flow of tainted irrigation drainage into the San Joaquin River.
A RIVER REBORN

San Joaquin River slated for 'blueway' status

The San Joaquin River is one of two California streams designated by the federal government to become a blueway – a boating trail to camping, fishing, bird-watching and other kinds of recreation.