Winemakers give up growing grapes to promote salmon spawn

Napa Valley winegrowers are getting rid of more than 100 acres of perfectly good vines.

The Hong Winery and dozens of other wineries along a 13-mile stretch of the Napa River have removed their grape vines to help save the river banks from erosion.

"In some cases we see from 1 to 3 feet of erosion a year," said project manager Jorgen Blomberg. "The response by owners has been to armor the banks but that tends to make it worse. It narrows the channel."

Chinook Salmon spawn in the waters every year, but erosion creates sediment in the water. The increase in sediment can kill salmon eggs and contributes to the already dwindling population.

So the wineries are giving up 135 acres for the project. Each acre produces about three tons of grapes.

"We are sacrificing some vineyards for the good of everyone," said Davie Pina, a Napa Valley winemaker.

The project is expected be completed in 2017 and the Napa River could become healthy for salmon and steelhead trout.

"They will be able to spawn effectively. The river will support the nests of the fish," Blomberg said.

Another benefit of the project, the area could become popular once again for sport fishermen.