Memorandum
Date: March 17, 2026
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors, serving as the Directors of the Lake County Watershed Protection District
From: Dr. Pawan Upadhyay, Water Resources Director
Subject: (Sitting as the Board of Directors Lake County Watershed Protection District) a) Approve the Agreement for Fish and Wildlife Management and Planning Services: Task A in the amount of $672,000 and authorize the Chair to sign and; b) Approve the Agreement for Fish and Wildlife Management and Planning Services: Task B in the amount of $476,000, and authorize the Chair to sign
Executive Summary:
The Lake County Water Resources Department requests that the Board of Supervisors, acting as the Directors of the Lake County Watershed Protection District (District), approve the award of contracts to WRA, Inc. for the Fish and Wildlife Management and Planning Services - Task A and Task B projects in the amounts of $672,000 and $476,000, respectively. Funding for these projects is provided by the Wildlife Conservation Board and will support planning and design efforts to improve habitat conditions for the Clear Lake hitch, including fish passage improvements and water management planning within key watershed areas.
Project Description
Task A: Tule Lake and Scotts Creek Fish Passage Assessment
This task will evaluate surface flow dynamics and hydrologic connectivity between Scotts Creek and Tule Lake, which historically served as important spawning and rearing habitat for Clear Lake hitch. Work will include identification of priority fish passage barriers within Scotts Creek and development of engineering designs for the removal or replacement of at least two high-priority barriers.
Task B: Adobe Creek/Highland Creek Conjunctive Use Assessment
This task will advance planning and engineering design for implementation of the Adobe Creek Conjunctive Use Project, including updated infrastructure and operational guidance for Highland Springs Reservoir and Highland Dam. The work will evaluate hydraulic and hydrologic conditions in Adobe and Highland Creeks, assess water rights considerations, and develop design alternatives that support recreation while providing sustainable downstream flows to Clear Lake during the Clear Lake hitch spawning period.
In accordance with the County’s procurement policies, District staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to qualified engineering and environmental consulting firms with demonstrated expertise in fisheries habitat restoration, hydrology, and water resources planning. Following evaluation of the submitted proposals, WRA, Inc., was determined to be the most qualified and cost-effective firm to perform the requested services.
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Recommended Action: (Sitting as the Board of Directors Lake County Watershed Protection District) a) Approve the Agreement for Fish and Wildlife Management and Planning Services: Task A in the amount of $672,000, and authorize the Chair to sign and; b) Approve the Agreement for Fish and Wildlife Management and Planning Services -Task B in the amount of $476,000, and authorize the Chair to sign.