The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday upheld a Clinton-era decision to restore flows to the Trinity River in order to fulfill treaty and trust responsibilities to northern California tribes.

In a unanimous decision, a three-judge panel sided with the Hoopa Valley Tribe and the Yurok tribe. The court cited "staggering" scientific evidence supports higher flows that would benefit salmon runs the tribes depend on.

Farmers and water users further south of the tribes had challenged the decision to restore flows to the river. They say they will be denied water as a result.

Get the Story:
Trinity River flow to grow (The Redding Record-Searchlight 7/14)
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Appeals court approves increased Trinity River flows (AP 7/14)

Get the Decision:
WESTLANDS WATER DIST V HOOPA VALLEY TRIBE (July 13, 2004)

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