Page 14 - California Trout Annual Report 2017

Endurance
OPENING UP fISH PASSAGE TAKES TIME
Southern steelhead populations persist on the edge of the species’ range in Southern California. Southern steelhead epitomize resiliency, having adapted to tolerate low ows and warmer water temperatures than their northern counterparts—up to 77° f. These genetic and behavioral traits are important as climate change is expected to make California warmer and stream ows more variable. These, quite literally are the sh of the future.
Consequently, we are working with urgency to improve sh passage and ows for these unique populations as they struggle to survive among 23 million people in Southern California. When the winter rains come, Southern steelhead move into streams like the Santa Ynez, Santa Clara, Santa Margarita and smaller streams all the way down to San Diego. But they need access to spawning grounds often blocked by freeways, rail lines, or dams. Removing sh passage barriers is key. 13
CalTrout has worked as part of the Matilija Coalition for many years to remove Matilija Dam. This year progress was made in dealing with sediment downstream, getting us closer to removal. In addition, we helped secure $30M for sh passage efforts in Southern California
in recently passed Senate Bill 5, the Park Bond, which will go before voters next year.
Removing Matilija Dam on the Ventura River and Rindge Dam on Malibu Creek are important to the future of Southern steelhead.
We have learned that dam removal takes time—the effort to bring down four dams on the Klamath River is approaching two decades.
It takes endurance, and enduring supporters, to make these long-term commitments. CalTrout is committed to persevere until the removal
of Matilija Dam is complete.