California Department of Fish and Game, the Art of the “Take”
Preface: November 19, 2010
California Assemblyman Jim Nielsen, a staunch defender of Property Rights, hosted a meeting at his Redding headquarters at the request of Water Right Owners from Siskiyou County. Water Right Owners were represented by Scott Valley Protect our Water, Siskiyou County Water Users Association, and two prominent Shasta Valley Ranchers. The government contingent included Niel Manji, Northern Region Director of the California Department of Fish and Game, and additional CDFG officials. Some individuals present wish their names be withheld, due to the contentious nature of this travesty of justice. The California Department of Fish and Game is a government agency out of control.
Conclusions: Assemblyman Jim Nielsen
Re: 11/19/2010 Meeting between CDFG and Water Owners
Assemblyman Nielsen,
Thank you once again for your efforts on behalf of Water Right Owners in Siskiyou County and all of California. Your efforts to support and defend the Bill of Rights goes right to the heart of Government as it was intended by the Founders of this Great Nation.
The California Department of Fish and Game, citing the listing of the Coho Salmon, is attempting to gain control of surface water rights in California. The “Watershed Wide Permit Process” is the vehicle for this attempt to usurp adjudicated water rights.
Mr. Neil Manji, Northern Regional Director, California Department of Fish and Game, stated that he has been aware of the program since its inception. The “Program” was conceptualized in 2001 (four years prior to the listing of the Coho Salmon). The CDFG claims there was landowner participation in the initial stages of the program. Mr. Manji stated, “
initial meetings with landowners in CDFG's Redding office included, Gary Black (Siskiyou RCD), Don Howell (Siskiyou RCD), Carey Stacy (CDFG N. Region Director)”. The Siskiyou RCD has no legal authority to represent Water Right Owners in Siskiyou County. Thomas Pease, a Scott Valley Water Diverter , addressed landowner participation, with frustration. He spoke about the threats that landowners received during informational meetings as well as threats which were received by mail.
The “Program” was initially intended to protect diverters against Incidental Take citations. According to DFG Section 2087a, landowners do not require this protection. DFG 2087a provides protection against accidental take of a listed species during routine and ongoing agricultural activities (paraphrased). The CDFG, with help from Cal-Trout and the Natural Heritage Foundation, has reconstructed the program to include LSAA and CEQA provisions. A prominent Shasta Valley Rancher, formerly of the Shasta RCD said, “We tried to negotiate with Fish and Game. No matter what we brought forward to them, the answer was always, No!”
Private “Projects” with permits dated prior to April 5, 1973 are exempt from compliance with CEQA (CEQA section 15261). The vast majority of our water rights predate CEQA. CEQA is not retroactive. The CDFG intends to force Water Owners into a “Project” because CEQA only applies to “Projects”. A “Project” is an activity which requires, public funding
and/or participation with public agencies, (CEQA section 21065). CEQA does not apply to individuals, involved in routine and ongoing activities.
The California Department of Fish and Game is well aware of these facts.
DFG Code Section 1600 is the vehicle with which the CDFG intends to coerce Water Right Owners into a “Project”. The Lake and Stream bed Alteration Agreement (DFG Code Section 1600) was originally enacted in 1961. Section 1600, specifically refers to future “Projects” such as bridge building or gravel mining. For the first time in sixty years, “opening a head gate would be considered a “Project”. A “Project”, which, if successful, places The Department of Fish and Game in direct control of Surface Water Rights in Siskiyou County.
CDFG manufactured the ”Watershed Wide Permit Process”. CDFG claims the “process” is voluntary. Assemblyman Nielsen said, “Even if you give up access to the water right, you might as well have given up the water right itself”. Assemblyman Nielsen further said, “I have accumulated a lot of testimony and this Program does not look voluntary to me”.
Another prominent Shasta Rancher, formerly of the California Cattlemen Association, said “Adjudications in the Shasta Valley go back to 1930, some as far back as 1870. If we sign, we will be giving up Adjudicated Water Rights”. Rights in the Scott Valley date back to 1850s.
The ”Watershed Wide Permit Process” is being imposed only in Siskiyou County. The “Watershed Wide Permit Process” is illegal and has never been submitted for APA review. Water right owners are in full compliance with the law. No further permits are required.
One of the Shasta Water Owners, discussed the secret negotiations that took place between the RCD and CDFG. These secret negotiations were used to construct the “Water shed Wide Permit Process”. The RCD was advised by Siskiyou County Counsel, not to share details of the negotiations with diverters. County Counsel said that sharing with diverters would be like sharing with the World. The Shasta Rancher, went further to say that CDFG was not capable of keeping its word. He used, as an illustration, the MOU signed between himself and Gary Stacy, (Mark Stopher's predecessor). This MOU was promptly rejected by Mr. Stopher, although the MOU constituted a signed agreement. This Shasta ranchers opinion is that the Permit Contract was open ended and vague. “CDFG would not keep its promises in any case”. This gentleman's Attorney advised him not to sign the Contract. He opted to sign only to, “Get the Monkey off my back”.
Mark Baird, Vice President of both Protect our Water and the Siskiyou County Water Users Association, asked Lt. Larry Harris, CDFG Mt. Shasta Enforcement, if he was familiar with the Penal Code which addresses the threat of prosecution to gain signatures on a contract? Lt. Harris was also asked if he was familiar with PC 146b which says, “ Every person who,
with intent, to lead another to believe that a request for information is being made by the State, a county or other governmental agency, when such is not the case …...is a misdemeanor”. Lt Harris did not seem familiar with PC 146b.
Assemblyman Nielsen asked Director Manji whether there was some mechanism through which the landowner's objections could be examined by the CDFG. Mr. Manji replied that “the Department would explain why it is doing this, but would not alter the Program.” Manji went on to say, “Its the fourth quarter and we are at the goal line and the time for negotiation is past.” “We have a plan, right or wrong”.
Mark Baird pointed out that this program had never received APA review.
Assemblyman Nielsen expressed dismay that CDFG did not attempt to receive APA review. Assemblyman Nielsen further stated that, “the Program would possibly constitute an underground regulation”.
Another one of our Shasta Valley ranchers, asked Mr. Manji, if “Fish and Game was going to pay for the water they were planning on taking”. Mr. Manji replied, “I don't know”. Director Manji, was reminded that there was no money in the water trust to pay for confiscated water.
Mark Baird reminded Director Manji of the California Constitution and its prohibition from taking private property with out its value being first ascertained by jury and the sum paid. Manji replied, “Where we are going is to protect the fish.” Mr. Manji went on to say, “when you have a listed species, the rules change.” I sincerely doubt the framers of the Constitution would agree.
David Reade said, “Fish and Game should return to the time when cooperation with landowners was the norm. You were cooperating (with landowners) well into the listing”.
Mr. Manji replied, “Holding off on enforcement is cooperating”.
Additional items discussed, included, site visits by armed teams of game wardens to coerce Water Right Owners into signing the contract. There were no telephone contacts prior to the visits. There were no warrants. There was no probable cause for these visits. The Officers did not inform the Water Owners of their option to gain permits outside of the “Program”. The Officers simply threatened or implied prosecution if the Water Right Owner failed to sign up for the “Water Shed Wide Permit Program”. This is Extortion. The participation in this Extortion by a sworn peace officer
constitutes a Color of Authority Violation.
Mr. Manji has stated that the CDFG will take what water “they feel the fish need”, without regard for the Constitution of the United States or the Constitution of California. Mr. Manji also stated, “We are not going out with guns and cuffs”. This is Extortion. This is a violation of CEQA. This is willful negligence by a state official with financial harm
to the Water Right Owners of Siskiyou County. This is nothing less than State sponsored confiscation of real property in the form of pre and post1914 Appropriative, and Adjudicated Water Rights. One of the Shasta Ranchers said, “You are taking water, for gain, from one person and giving it to another”.
Conclusions:
The Department of Fish and Game has constructed a project. This project will continue regardless of, and in spite of, serious legal and moral violations. The department has no regard for the law and no regard for the Constitutional rights to property. Mr. Neil Manji, as well as CDFG enforcement branch, intend to continue to prosecute this project. CDFG intends to continue in spite of the Liability it brings upon the Department, the State, the taxpayers or to themselves. Mr. Manji says, “The fish don't have time to wait for the Constitution.”
Director Manji, after the expenditure of almost 100 million in taxpayers dollars, cannot define, one, single, positive impact upon the Coho Salmon.
NOAA Fisheries, has spent 140 million dollars in the Klamath Watershed, and cannot point out one, single, positive impact to the Coho. The CDFG has invented a “Project”, in order to save a species, which they are clearly, not saving. Are the citizens of this state, expected to pour billions of dollars down the dry hole of environmentalism? When and how can this insanity be stopped? Are the citizens of Siskiyou County expected to look the other way while the CDFG burns the Constitution, ignores the law, and terrorizes our families?
I am appalled, but not surprised, by this behavior. It is propagated by an environment where bureaucrats are left to impose fees and projects, upon the taxpayers with out regard to the law. The outside interference by Environmental groups adds to the problem.
I was not encouraged by what I heard at this meeting, nor was I surprised by the attitudes of the California Department of Fish and Game. We must remember that the citizens of this country are not the playthings of the government. We do not surrender our sovereignty to agencies which are supposed to serve us. We need not submit to every social and environmental experiment which is imposed upon us.
We live under the rule of law. When the rule of law no longer applies to the government, then, at that very moment, the covenant between government and the people, has been broken. We are free to resort to self help. We will take the course of action which preserves our Liberty and our Property.
Assemblyman Nielsen, I wish to personally thank you and your staff for your integrity and your willingness to help us to right this wrong. The Founders counted on men of high moral character, to protect our country from attack by well meaning despots. In you, Sir, Liberty has a friend. Please, keep up the good work and know that, we the people, will stand
with you, for Liberty and the Constitution, no matter where that road leads.
Thank You,
Mark Baird
Vice President, Protect Our Water
Vice President Siskiyou County Water Users Association
Panther's NOTE: It makes me ponder in a brooding manner... Fish and Game would save a non-indigenous fish over an entire race of Native American People?! Madness. Simply mad.
Mark Baird is a friend and ally to the Shasta People. His dedication to saving Siskiyou County and the Shasta Tribe is unrelenting. Thank You my good Friend!
California Assemblyman Jim Nielsen, a staunch defender of Property Rights, hosted a meeting at his Redding headquarters at the request of Water Right Owners from Siskiyou County. Water Right Owners were represented by Scott Valley Protect our Water, Siskiyou County Water Users Association, and two prominent Shasta Valley Ranchers. The government contingent included Niel Manji, Northern Region Director of the California Department of Fish and Game, and additional CDFG officials. Some individuals present wish their names be withheld, due to the contentious nature of this travesty of justice. The California Department of Fish and Game is a government agency out of control.
Conclusions: Assemblyman Jim Nielsen
Re: 11/19/2010 Meeting between CDFG and Water Owners
Assemblyman Nielsen,
Thank you once again for your efforts on behalf of Water Right Owners in Siskiyou County and all of California. Your efforts to support and defend the Bill of Rights goes right to the heart of Government as it was intended by the Founders of this Great Nation.
The California Department of Fish and Game, citing the listing of the Coho Salmon, is attempting to gain control of surface water rights in California. The “Watershed Wide Permit Process” is the vehicle for this attempt to usurp adjudicated water rights.
Mr. Neil Manji, Northern Regional Director, California Department of Fish and Game, stated that he has been aware of the program since its inception. The “Program” was conceptualized in 2001 (four years prior to the listing of the Coho Salmon). The CDFG claims there was landowner participation in the initial stages of the program. Mr. Manji stated, “
initial meetings with landowners in CDFG's Redding office included, Gary Black (Siskiyou RCD), Don Howell (Siskiyou RCD), Carey Stacy (CDFG N. Region Director)”. The Siskiyou RCD has no legal authority to represent Water Right Owners in Siskiyou County. Thomas Pease, a Scott Valley Water Diverter , addressed landowner participation, with frustration. He spoke about the threats that landowners received during informational meetings as well as threats which were received by mail.
The “Program” was initially intended to protect diverters against Incidental Take citations. According to DFG Section 2087a, landowners do not require this protection. DFG 2087a provides protection against accidental take of a listed species during routine and ongoing agricultural activities (paraphrased). The CDFG, with help from Cal-Trout and the Natural Heritage Foundation, has reconstructed the program to include LSAA and CEQA provisions. A prominent Shasta Valley Rancher, formerly of the Shasta RCD said, “We tried to negotiate with Fish and Game. No matter what we brought forward to them, the answer was always, No!”
Private “Projects” with permits dated prior to April 5, 1973 are exempt from compliance with CEQA (CEQA section 15261). The vast majority of our water rights predate CEQA. CEQA is not retroactive. The CDFG intends to force Water Owners into a “Project” because CEQA only applies to “Projects”. A “Project” is an activity which requires, public funding
and/or participation with public agencies, (CEQA section 21065). CEQA does not apply to individuals, involved in routine and ongoing activities.
The California Department of Fish and Game is well aware of these facts.
DFG Code Section 1600 is the vehicle with which the CDFG intends to coerce Water Right Owners into a “Project”. The Lake and Stream bed Alteration Agreement (DFG Code Section 1600) was originally enacted in 1961. Section 1600, specifically refers to future “Projects” such as bridge building or gravel mining. For the first time in sixty years, “opening a head gate would be considered a “Project”. A “Project”, which, if successful, places The Department of Fish and Game in direct control of Surface Water Rights in Siskiyou County.
CDFG manufactured the ”Watershed Wide Permit Process”. CDFG claims the “process” is voluntary. Assemblyman Nielsen said, “Even if you give up access to the water right, you might as well have given up the water right itself”. Assemblyman Nielsen further said, “I have accumulated a lot of testimony and this Program does not look voluntary to me”.
Another prominent Shasta Rancher, formerly of the California Cattlemen Association, said “Adjudications in the Shasta Valley go back to 1930, some as far back as 1870. If we sign, we will be giving up Adjudicated Water Rights”. Rights in the Scott Valley date back to 1850s.
The ”Watershed Wide Permit Process” is being imposed only in Siskiyou County. The “Watershed Wide Permit Process” is illegal and has never been submitted for APA review. Water right owners are in full compliance with the law. No further permits are required.
One of the Shasta Water Owners, discussed the secret negotiations that took place between the RCD and CDFG. These secret negotiations were used to construct the “Water shed Wide Permit Process”. The RCD was advised by Siskiyou County Counsel, not to share details of the negotiations with diverters. County Counsel said that sharing with diverters would be like sharing with the World. The Shasta Rancher, went further to say that CDFG was not capable of keeping its word. He used, as an illustration, the MOU signed between himself and Gary Stacy, (Mark Stopher's predecessor). This MOU was promptly rejected by Mr. Stopher, although the MOU constituted a signed agreement. This Shasta ranchers opinion is that the Permit Contract was open ended and vague. “CDFG would not keep its promises in any case”. This gentleman's Attorney advised him not to sign the Contract. He opted to sign only to, “Get the Monkey off my back”.
Mark Baird, Vice President of both Protect our Water and the Siskiyou County Water Users Association, asked Lt. Larry Harris, CDFG Mt. Shasta Enforcement, if he was familiar with the Penal Code which addresses the threat of prosecution to gain signatures on a contract? Lt. Harris was also asked if he was familiar with PC 146b which says, “ Every person who,
with intent, to lead another to believe that a request for information is being made by the State, a county or other governmental agency, when such is not the case …...is a misdemeanor”. Lt Harris did not seem familiar with PC 146b.
Assemblyman Nielsen asked Director Manji whether there was some mechanism through which the landowner's objections could be examined by the CDFG. Mr. Manji replied that “the Department would explain why it is doing this, but would not alter the Program.” Manji went on to say, “Its the fourth quarter and we are at the goal line and the time for negotiation is past.” “We have a plan, right or wrong”.
Mark Baird pointed out that this program had never received APA review.
Assemblyman Nielsen expressed dismay that CDFG did not attempt to receive APA review. Assemblyman Nielsen further stated that, “the Program would possibly constitute an underground regulation”.
Another one of our Shasta Valley ranchers, asked Mr. Manji, if “Fish and Game was going to pay for the water they were planning on taking”. Mr. Manji replied, “I don't know”. Director Manji, was reminded that there was no money in the water trust to pay for confiscated water.
Mark Baird reminded Director Manji of the California Constitution and its prohibition from taking private property with out its value being first ascertained by jury and the sum paid. Manji replied, “Where we are going is to protect the fish.” Mr. Manji went on to say, “when you have a listed species, the rules change.” I sincerely doubt the framers of the Constitution would agree.
David Reade said, “Fish and Game should return to the time when cooperation with landowners was the norm. You were cooperating (with landowners) well into the listing”.
Mr. Manji replied, “Holding off on enforcement is cooperating”.
Additional items discussed, included, site visits by armed teams of game wardens to coerce Water Right Owners into signing the contract. There were no telephone contacts prior to the visits. There were no warrants. There was no probable cause for these visits. The Officers did not inform the Water Owners of their option to gain permits outside of the “Program”. The Officers simply threatened or implied prosecution if the Water Right Owner failed to sign up for the “Water Shed Wide Permit Program”. This is Extortion. The participation in this Extortion by a sworn peace officer
constitutes a Color of Authority Violation.
Mr. Manji has stated that the CDFG will take what water “they feel the fish need”, without regard for the Constitution of the United States or the Constitution of California. Mr. Manji also stated, “We are not going out with guns and cuffs”. This is Extortion. This is a violation of CEQA. This is willful negligence by a state official with financial harm
to the Water Right Owners of Siskiyou County. This is nothing less than State sponsored confiscation of real property in the form of pre and post1914 Appropriative, and Adjudicated Water Rights. One of the Shasta Ranchers said, “You are taking water, for gain, from one person and giving it to another”.
Conclusions:
The Department of Fish and Game has constructed a project. This project will continue regardless of, and in spite of, serious legal and moral violations. The department has no regard for the law and no regard for the Constitutional rights to property. Mr. Neil Manji, as well as CDFG enforcement branch, intend to continue to prosecute this project. CDFG intends to continue in spite of the Liability it brings upon the Department, the State, the taxpayers or to themselves. Mr. Manji says, “The fish don't have time to wait for the Constitution.”
Director Manji, after the expenditure of almost 100 million in taxpayers dollars, cannot define, one, single, positive impact upon the Coho Salmon.
NOAA Fisheries, has spent 140 million dollars in the Klamath Watershed, and cannot point out one, single, positive impact to the Coho. The CDFG has invented a “Project”, in order to save a species, which they are clearly, not saving. Are the citizens of this state, expected to pour billions of dollars down the dry hole of environmentalism? When and how can this insanity be stopped? Are the citizens of Siskiyou County expected to look the other way while the CDFG burns the Constitution, ignores the law, and terrorizes our families?
I am appalled, but not surprised, by this behavior. It is propagated by an environment where bureaucrats are left to impose fees and projects, upon the taxpayers with out regard to the law. The outside interference by Environmental groups adds to the problem.
I was not encouraged by what I heard at this meeting, nor was I surprised by the attitudes of the California Department of Fish and Game. We must remember that the citizens of this country are not the playthings of the government. We do not surrender our sovereignty to agencies which are supposed to serve us. We need not submit to every social and environmental experiment which is imposed upon us.
We live under the rule of law. When the rule of law no longer applies to the government, then, at that very moment, the covenant between government and the people, has been broken. We are free to resort to self help. We will take the course of action which preserves our Liberty and our Property.
Assemblyman Nielsen, I wish to personally thank you and your staff for your integrity and your willingness to help us to right this wrong. The Founders counted on men of high moral character, to protect our country from attack by well meaning despots. In you, Sir, Liberty has a friend. Please, keep up the good work and know that, we the people, will stand
with you, for Liberty and the Constitution, no matter where that road leads.
Thank You,
Mark Baird
Vice President, Protect Our Water
Vice President Siskiyou County Water Users Association
Panther's NOTE: It makes me ponder in a brooding manner... Fish and Game would save a non-indigenous fish over an entire race of Native American People?! Madness. Simply mad.
Mark Baird is a friend and ally to the Shasta People. His dedication to saving Siskiyou County and the Shasta Tribe is unrelenting. Thank You my good Friend!