Los Angeles water officials are restoring year-round flow to 62 miles of the Lower Owens River, with hope that the waterway will once again support plant and wildlife and become an eco-tourist attraction for ailing Inyo County.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power will redirect water to the Lower Owens River in Inyo County, the first appreciable water flow since 1912. County officials hope that the 62-mile long river, with its constant water flow, will spark tourism to the region. "Sports enthusiasts and environmentalists are already drafting guide maps for miles of hiking trails, bird-watching hot spots, bass-fishing tournaments and a kayaking experience they are calling the 'the long glide' because the river's carefully controlled flows will be free of rapids and waterfalls."
DWP stream ecologist Brian Tillemans explains: "The water released on Dec. 6 will take roughly 19 days to reach dention ponds in the northern end Owens Lake." There, four 600-horsepower pumps will lift it and send it into the aqueduct and on its way to Southern California. ["Restoring a River" video included with article.]
