MID-funded documentary explores fishery issues on Tuolumne and nearby rivers
An online documentary explores the recent debate over protecting river fish in the Northern San Joaquin Valley.
The 83-minute film, “Until the Last Drop,” starts streaming at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at www.untilthelastdrop.com.
It was commissioned by the Modesto Irrigation District, which diverts part of the Tuolumne River to farms and city residents.
The documentary reflects the view of MID and its allies that the region’s economy would suffer if too much water were released for salmon and other fish.
The film also covers the Stanislaus and Merced rivers, which like the Tuolumne, feed into the San Joaquin River. All of the waterways have advocates in environmental and fishing groups who believe that much higher flows are needed.
Film cost MID about $500,000
“Until the Last Drop” was produced by Final Cut Media of Modesto under a roughly $500,000 contract with MID, district spokeswoman Melissa Williams said. The contract also involved some separate video and graphics work.
The film delves into projects that enhance fish habitat without the need for major flow increases. This includes restoring the streambed gravel where salmon spawn each fall after returning from a few years in the Pacific Ocean. Floodplains are created on other sites to provide shelter for baby fish the following year.
The people interviewed include scientists, elected and appointed officials, water managers, conservationists and farmers. Among them is Julie Rentner, president of River Partners, which works with farmers on habitat projects.
The team from Final Cut Media was led by writer-producer Mike Dunbar and cinematographer Marco Sanchez. Dunbar worked for the Modesto Bee for 30 years and was its opinion editor during part of the river debates.
Decision ahead on Tuolumne
The film premieres a few weeks after MID and the Turlock Irrigation District took a key step toward a new license for Don Pedro Reservoir.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission accepted their proposal for modest flow increases tied to habitat improvements. Final approval could come in about a year on the license, expected to run at least 40 years.
The Tuolumne River Trust is among the environmental groups seeking higher flows through FERC and the State Water Resources Control Board.
The Trust has argued that higher releases from Don Pedro would benefit fish and recreation, including riverside neighborhoods in and near Modesto.
This story was originally published September 4, 2020 at 3:02 PM.
