Stop Bakersfield From Leaving Kern River Wildlife Gasping For Air
7,651 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Rainforest Site
The Kern River has run dry, leaving thousands of fish dead—Bakersfield’s water mismanagement is destroying wildlife, and it’s time for us to take action before this disaster becomes irreversible.
The once-flowing Kern River in Bakersfield has dried up, leaving over 3,000 dead fish scattered along its cracked bed. This ecological disaster has not only killed fish like the native Sacramento suckers but also disrupted the natural balance of wildlife in the area1. The river, vital to both the community and the ecosystem, has been reduced to nothing due to water mismanagement and aggressive diversions for agriculture2.
A Devastating Loss for Wildlife
In just one week, California State University Bakersfield (CSUB) biology professor Rae McNeish and her students counted 3,033 dead fish over a five-mile stretch of the river. The once-vibrant river is now a dry, barren wasteland1. The Fish and Wildlife Department is investigating whether Bakersfield violated California Fish and Game Code 5937, which requires enough water in rivers to keep fish populations alive2. Despite this, water continues to be diverted for agricultural use, leaving the river to die.
Water Diversions: An Ongoing Crisis
The city’s water allotment was used up in August, leaving the remaining water to be diverted into canals for crops. The city further reduced water flow to carry out infrastructure maintenance, causing the river to dry up completely1. While maintenance is essential, critics argue that the city failed to take any measures to protect wildlife during the process. According to environmental groups like Bring Back the Kern, the city needs to shift its mindset and treat the river as a vital ecosystem, not just a canal for moving water3.
A Legal Battle for the River’s Survival
The Kern River has been at the center of ongoing legal disputes between the city, water districts, and environmental groups. In 2023, a court ruled that the city must keep enough water in the river to support fish populations, but this ruling was stayed after water districts appealed4. As legal battles continue, the river remains dry, and the fish keep dying. Community members and environmental advocates are pushing for the enforcement of Fish and Game Code 5937 and the Public Trust Doctrine, which mandates that natural resources like rivers are preserved for public and environmental benefit4.
It’s Time for Urgent Action
The city of Bakersfield must prioritize the health of the Kern River. We cannot afford to stand by while thousands of fish die and the river’s ecosystem collapses. By restoring water to the river and maintaining adequate flows, the city can prevent further loss of life and revive this crucial natural resource.
This isn’t just about the fish. The Kern River supports wildlife, community health, and local culture. It’s time for Bakersfield’s leadership to act, balancing infrastructure needs with the protection of our environment.
Take Action Now
We need your voice to make a difference. By signing this petition, you are calling on the City of Bakersfield to restore water to the Kern River and uphold its duty to protect the environment. The time for action is now—join us in saving the Kern River and securing a future where wildlife and nature can thrive.
Sign the petition today and demand the City of Bakersfield take immediate action.
- Connor Dore, KGET (12 September 2024), "Kern River Runs Dry Through Bakersfield, Thousands of Fish Lie Dead."
- Alyssa Guzman, Daily Mail (19 September 2024), "Outrage as California River Suddenly Vanishes After Controversial Court Ruling."
- Mary Paronyan, Eyewitness News (13 September 2024), "Kern River Advocates Urge City Council for Alternative Repair Methods to Save Fish."
- Lois Henry, SJV Water (16 September 2024), "More Lawyers: New Legal Team Joins Fight for the Kern River."
The Petition:
To the Mayor and leadership of the City of Bakersfield, the managers of the North Kern Water Storage District, and the board of directors of the Kern Delta Water District,
We, the undersigned, call on the City of Bakersfield to take immediate and urgent action to restore water to the Kern River and to ensure a continuous flow of water that will protect fish populations and the surrounding ecosystem.
The recent drying of the Kern River has resulted in the devastating loss of thousands of fish, a tragedy that highlights the need for better conservation practices. The river, once a vibrant part of our community, now lies barren, with over 3,000 dead fish found along its banks. This ecological disaster not only affects wildlife but also the people who depend on the river for their livelihood, recreation, and connection to nature.
We understand the complexities of water management, particularly in a region where agricultural needs are significant. However, we believe it is possible to balance infrastructure needs with environmental conservation. The water belongs to all of us, and it is vital to maintain flows that sustain the ecosystem, as required by California’s Fish and Game Code 5937.
By prioritizing the river’s health, the City of Bakersfield can prevent further loss of life and support the recovery of the river’s natural beauty and biodiversity. We ask the city to work with local water districts, environmental groups, and state authorities to ensure that the river receives enough water for fish populations to thrive.
Taking these actions will not only protect our wildlife today but will also create a future where Bakersfield’s river serves as a sanctuary for nature and a source of pride for its residents. A healthy river benefits all – from agriculture to recreation to the wildlife that calls it home.
We urge you to act now.
Sincerely,
