The El Dorado Irrigation District has obtained approval from the State Water Resources Control Board to transfer up to 4,000 acre-feet of water currently being drawn down from Caples Lake reservoir—under emergency conditions—to Jenkinson Lake, the District’s largest water storage facility. “We started the transfer through Hazel Creek Tunnel to Jenkinson Lake this morning,” stated EID General Counsel Tom Cumpston. “Although we hope to get as close to the 4,000 acre-foot maximum limit as possible, we will probably run short due to the drawdown that has already taken place.” In an effort to ensure that the drawdown water is not wasted, some of the water is being diverted through the EID powerhouse to generate state-certified “clean” hydroelectric power for California. Under authority granted by state law, the District’s Board declared an emergency repair situation on July 1 of this year, shortly after it was determined that badly deteriorated slide gates and other equipment was in need of replacement as soon as possible. The District began the drawdown of water in Caples Lake reservoir in mid-July in order to expedite the emergency repairs. In related news, Trout Unlimited and the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, or CSPA, are coordinating volunteers for a Department of Fish and Game-coordinated fish rescue at Caples Lake from Tuesday, August 26 through Friday, August 29. You must sign up by midnight Tuesday, August 19. "If you’ve never worked, 'in the trenches’…this is an opportunity of a lifetime. You may even get to hold a 30 pound brown trout in your hands," said one CSPA Spokesman. To apply as a volunteer, please go to the website on your screen.