Kurtis Alexander from the San Francisco Chronicle recently covered a critical story about California tribes working to halt the development of the state’s largest proposed reservoir in decades, the Sites Reservoir, located in Colusa County. The $4.5 billion project has sparked fierce opposition from several Native American tribes, including the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, who argue that the land earmarked for the reservoir holds significant cultural and historical value, with burial grounds and sacred sites at risk of being submerged.

In his piece, Kurtis highlights the complex intersection of tribal heritage, environmental concerns, and California’s ongoing efforts to secure water resources amidst drought conditions. The tribes argue that the project would erase not only their ancestors’ history but also essential cultural practices tied to the land. Meanwhile, proponents see the reservoir as vital for California’s future water needs, promising to capture and store water in wet years for use during drier times.

Kurtis provides a detailed look into both sides of the debate, sharing the concerns of tribal leaders like Charlie Wright, who speaks about the deep connection between his people and the land, and officials from the Sites Project Authority, who argue they are committed to addressing these concerns while moving forward with the project.

For a full exploration of this critical issue, be sure to read Kurtis Alexander’s full story in the San Francisco Chronicle. It’s an insightful piece that sheds light on the ongoing battle between cultural preservation and environmental management in California.

Read Kurtis Alexander’s story here: https://www.sfchronicle.com/climate/article/sites-reservoir-tribes-19769157.php