Water Audit prevails in Merced River fish ladder appeal: back to trial court

On May 13, 2025, the 5th Court of Appeals of California issued an unpublished opinion which reversed a dismissal by the trial court, upheld Water Audit California’s standing as a private attorney general, and rejected the defendants’ invocation of federal pre-emption.

[Court Record] Appellate court sides with Water Audit in Merced fish ladder appeal

The 5th Court of Appeals of California issued an unpublished opinion which reversed a dismissal by the trial court, upheld Water Audit California’s standing as a private attorney general, and rejected the defendants’ invocation of federal jurisdiction.

State and federal agencies want fish ladder restored on Merced River

Two powerful state and federal agencies have stuck their toes, so to speak, into an ongoing lawsuit against Merced Irrigation District demanding the district reopen a long defunct fish ladder. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and National Marine Fisheries Service both sent letters to Merced Irrigation District after Water Audit California sued the …