Proposed Rule To Designate and Authorize the Release of an Experimental Populations in the McCloud and Upper Sacramento Rivers

To promote the recovery of endangered Sacramento River (SR) winter-run Chinook salmon and threatened Central Valley (CV) spring-run Chinook salmon, NOAA Fisheries is issuing a proposed rule to designate reintroduced fish in the upper Sacramento and McCloud Rivers as nonessential experimental populations under Endangered Species Act (ESA) section 10(j), and establish a limited set of take prohibitions for the experimental populations.

ESA Section 10(j) provides NOAA Fisheries with the authority to designate populations of listed species as “experimental.” This allows us to support reintroduction of listed species into historical but currently unoccupied habitats while minimizing regulatory burdens on landowners.

NOAA Fisheries, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Winnemem Wintu Tribe are evaluating the most appropriate methods and locations for a future reintroduction effort.

A Draft Environmental Assessment for the proposed experimental population designation is available for public review and comment.