Instream Flow Regime Recommendations, Big Sur River, Monterey County

The Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) has interest in assuring that water flows within streams are maintained at levels which are adequate for long-term protection, maintenance and proper stewardship of fish and wildlife resources. The Department has developed recommended instream flow regimes for the Big Sur River, Monterey County for transmittal to the State Water Resources Control Board (Water Board) and consideration as set forth in 1257.5 of the Water Code. Submission of these flow recommendations to the Water Board complies with Public Resources Code (PRC) §10001-10002.

The Department is recommending instream flow regimes for the lower Big Sur River from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park at U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Gage 11143000 downstream through Molera State Park. The recommendations are separated into six monthly hydrological condition types (i.e., critically dry, dry, below median, above median, wet, and extremely wet) and are presented in the form of an annual schedule for each of three mainstem river reaches (i.e., Lower Molera, Molera, and Campground). The recommended instream flow regimes are summarized in the current document, along with justification for the recommendations and reference to the data sources.

The Department files the enclosed set of instream flow regime recommendations for the Big Sur River that we believe to be comprehensive and substantially complete. The recommendations were based upon information developed through recent PRC instream flow evaluations by the Department, and earlier information. The Department may revise its recommended instream flow regimes for the Big Sur River at a later date based upon any new scientific information that may become available.