Clear Lake Hitch Response Team honored for swift action against fish extinction crisis

In a gathering marked by a sense of urgency and collaboration, the State Water Resources Control Board convened on December 18, 2024, to honor the Clear Lake Hitch Emergency Team with a Superior Accomplishment Award. The meeting, held amidst the backdrop of California's ongoing water crisis, highlighted the critical efforts made to protect the Clear Lake Hitch, a native fish species facing extinction.

Eric Ekdahl, a board member, opened the ceremony with a nod to the challenges of reaching the meeting due to heavy traffic, setting a relatable tone for the discussions that followed. He emphasized the importance of the Clear Lake Hitch Response Team, which has mobilized various stakeholders, including tribal nations and local agricultural producers, to address the ecological crisis.

The journey began in December 2022 when a coalition of tribes, including the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians and the Robinson Rancheria, called for state and federal intervention to combat the looming extinction of the Clear Lake Hitch. This led to the first Clear Lake Hitch Summit, a pivotal moment that galvanized action and laid the groundwork for ongoing collaboration.

Since then, the board has taken significant steps, including the establishment of a dedicated team to work with tribal and local agencies. In early 2023, Lake County declared a hitch emergency due to severe drought and habitat loss, prompting Governor Newsom to issue an executive order to protect the species. The board's proactive measures included outreach to property owners for voluntary water-saving actions and the implementation of emergency regulations to monitor groundwater use in the watershed.

Ekdahl detailed the team's extensive efforts, which included conducting site visits, initiating groundwater studies, and enforcing regulations related to water diversion and unauthorized cannabis cultivation. While the challenges remain daunting, with years of work ahead to restore the hitch population, the early actions taken have established a framework for future collaboration and success.

As the meeting progressed, the board recognized the dedication of the Clear Lake Hitch Emergency Team, underscoring the importance of continued partnership with tribal nations and local communities. The award served not only as a celebration of past achievements but also as a call to action for the ongoing fight to save this vital species and restore the health of California's watersheds.