Reclamation and the Member Units have critically reviewed the operations of Bradbury
Dam to identify and evaluate potential effects on steelhead and instream habitats within
the lower Santa Ynez River. Using scientific information collected through ongoing
fisheries and water quality investigations, in combination with detailed analysis of
historic hydrologic conditions and water project operations, revised operations have been
developed which incorporate reasonable conservation measures to protect steelhead and
their habitat in the lower Santa Ynez River. The Biological Assessment evaluates the
proposed operations and conservation measures and their likely effects (both beneficial
and adverse) on steelhead as compared to operations under Water Rights Order 89-18
(WR 89-18) issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)
(environmental baseline conditions). The proposed actions, as outlined in the Biological
Assessment, are a commitment by Reclamation and the Member Units to implement
modifications to project operations and other conservation measures, both designed to
protect and enhance habitat conditions for steelhead within the lower Santa Ynez River
and its tributaries downstream of Bradbury Dam.