Press Releases | California Trout, Inc.

Water Talks: The Science Behind the Hat Creek Restoration Plan

May 16, 2013 Leave a Comment

For Immediate Release: May 16th, 2013

Contact: Meadow Barr, 530-859-1411

Shasta County-CA
Siskiyou County-CA

Did you know that Hat Creek was once California’s premier spring creek fishery? Come learn about Hat Creek’s unique characteristics, why it fell on hard times, and what is being done to fix it.

The public is invited to an educational presentation, “Water Talks: The Science Behind the Hat Creek Restoration Plan” on Wednesday June 5th 2013 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the McConnell Foundation headquarters building located at 800 Shasta View Drive in Redding. The informational Water Talks are free and open to the public. Please RSVP to mbarr@caltrout.org as seating is limited at the McConnell Foundation.

“Water Talks: The Science Behind the Hat Creek Restoration Plan” will feature presentations from:

Andrew Braugh Mount Shasta Conservation Manager, California Trout
Tony Orozco Hydrologist, PG&E
Jeff Cook Ecologist, Spring Rivers
Carson Jeffres Staff Researcher, UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences
Erin Donley Student Trainee, USDA Agricultural Research Service and Ph.D. student, UC Davis Department of Entomology
Mike Berry Senior Environmental Scientist, Department of Fish and Wildlife.

In November of 2012 California Trout received a grant from the California Natural Resources Agency to restore fish habitat and create new recreational opportunities on Hat Creek. Andrew Braugh, California Trout’s Mount Shasta Conservation Manager will be managing the project.

“The Hat Creek Restoration project is an example of what can be accomplished when public and private organizations work together to manage northern California’s natural resources. Hat Creek was once California’s most important spring creek wild trout fishery; our restoration partnership is committed to bringing this special place back to life,” Braugh said.

“Presentations like these help me understand the broader scope of the project and encourage me to contribute in the capacity that I can,” stated Tony Orozco, a PG&E hydrologist. “I will discuss the unique characteristics of the Hat Creek Watershed, the hydrology of Hat Creek and provide an overview of PG&E’s power generation on Hat Creek,” he said.

Jeff Cook, an ecologist at Spring Rivers has been conducting studies, working, and fishing on Hat Creek since 1996 and a part of the Hat Creek Restoration planning since 2003. His studies have included trout spawning surveys, rare species surveys, identification of sediment sources and influx rates, and in-stream sediment transport studies. “In my portions of the talk I will cover the geologic history and geomorphology of Hat Creek as well as the existing ecological conditions and how they tie to the science behind the planned restoration activities,” he said.

“My research interest is understanding how nutrients in the underlying geology can be incorporated into groundwater, emerge as springs, and ultimately provide the base of a productive foodweb,” said Carson Jeffres, Staff Researcher for the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences.

Jeffres’ presentation will set the stage for Erin Donley, who is a student researcher at the USDA and a Ph.D. student in the Department of Entomology at UC Davis. “I will cover the unique characteristics of spring creek food web dynamics,” she said.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife has managed a portion of Hat Creek as a Wild Trout water since 1972. “I will share the results of recent trout population and creel studies, and discuss how restoration actions will benefit wild trout populations,” said Mike Berry, a senior environmental scientist with the Department.

Attendees can expect to come away with a better understanding of the story behind why Hat Creek needs restoration, the science behind the restoration plan, and the restoration actions beginning this summer.

Water Talks are an ongoing series of informational and educational presentations with local and regional experts sharing their knowledge with the public on a range of water related topics. The purpose of Water Talks is to provide a place to learn about water related topics. Water Talks is a project of California Trout. California Trout is a nonprofit organization dedicated to seeking workable solutions for fisheries restoration throughout California.” For more information contact Meadow Barr, California Trout Outreach Consultant at 530-859-1411 or mbarr@caltrout.org.

Filed Under: California Water, Mount Shasta, Press Releases Tagged With: hat creek, hat creek restoration

Water Talks: Reconnecting Salmon to Shasta Mountain: Shasta Dam Fish Passage Feasibility

May 9, 2013 1 Comment

For Immediate Release: May 9th, 2013

Contact: Meadow Barr, 530-859-1411

Siskiyou County-CA

Did you know that four runs of salmon, and steelhead existed in the Upper Sacramento, McCloud and Pit Rivers prior to the building of Shasta Dam? Come learn about why salmon reintroductions are being considered, and steps being taken to assess the feasibility of accomplishing reintroductions above Shasta Dam.
The public is invited to an educational presentation, “Water Talks: Reconnecting Salmon to Shasta Mountain: Shasta Dam Fish Passage Feasibility” on Wednesday May 29th 2013 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Mount Shasta Sisson Museum located at 1 North Old Stage Road in Mount Shasta. The informational Water Talks are free and open to the public.

“Water Talks: Reconnecting Salmon to Shasta Mountain: Shasta Dam Fish Passage Feasibility” will feature presentations from:

Craig Ballenger Historian, Author and Fly Fishing Ambassador, California Trout
Brian Ellrott Recovery Coordinator, NOAA Fisheries
John Hannon Fisheries Biologist, Bureau of Reclamation and
Alice Berg Fisheries Biologist, NOAA Fisheries.

Local historian and California Trout’s fly fishing ambassador Craig Ballenger, will provide an introduction to the evening’s topic with a short history of the salmon and steelhead runs on the McCloud, Upper Sacramento and Pit Rivers. “The spring fed rivers that flow into Shasta Dam once supported four runs of salmon and runs of steelhead,” he said.

Brian Ellrott, the Central Valley Chinook salmon and steelhead Recovery Coordinator for NOAA Fisheries, will discuss the importance of providing salmon with more spawning habitat. “Historically, there were four independent populations of winter-run Chinook salmon spawning in the Sacramento River basin; today, there is only one population and it is on a path to extinction”, Brian stated. “To avoid extinction and ultimately recover winter-run Chinook salmon, the feasibility of returning these fish to their historic spring-fed spawning areas must be explored.”

“It’s been a long time since anadromous fish had access to the habitat above Shasta Dam and watershed conditions have changed since then,” said John Hannon, a Fisheries Biologist with the Bureau of Reclamation. “We’re looking at the habitat to make sure it’s still compatible with the targeted salmon runs and will be working with other agencies and interested stakeholders to design and conduct studies to learn whether we may be able to feasibly reintroduce salmon back into some of their historic habitat above Shasta Dam,” he explained.

“Stakeholders in regions above large head dams have concerns about how reintroducing endangered species could affect them,” said Alice Berg, who is a fisheries biologist and an Endangered Species Act Specialist for NOAA Fisheries. “While we are still in the early stages of identifying what tools may be applicable above Shasta Dam, I will explain the suite of tools used to address these concerns as well as a case study on how these tools have been used in other regions in the Pacific Northwest,” she said.

Attendees can expect to come away with a better understanding the history of salmon runs above Shasta Dam, why the National Marine Fisheries Service is considering the possibility of reintroducing salmon above Shasta Dam, and the process and timeline of studying the feasibility of reintroductions.

Filed Under: California Water, Mount Shasta, Press Releases

Water Talks: Results Of The Mt. Shasta Watershed Analysis Discussion On February 12

January 31, 2013 1 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30th 2013
Contacts: Meadow Barr, California Trout: 530-859-1411
Kara Baylog, Shasta Valley RCD: 530-926-2259
Mount Shasta Watershed Analysis Seen as Important for Region

Siskiyou County, CA — An informational presentation on the methods and results of the May 2012 Forest Service Shasta McCloud Management Unit Mt. Shasta Watershed Analysis will be held Tuesday February 12th, 2013 from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Mount Shasta Sisson Museum, located at 1 North Old Stage Road in Mount Shasta. The presentation is being hosted as a part of both California Trout’s Water Talks series and the Shasta Valley RCD’s Rainbow Ridge Forest Stewardship Series.

“The first Watershed Analysis to be done on the entire Mt. Shasta volcano is a valuable informational resource for the community,” said Meadow Barr, California Trout’s Water Talks program manager. “We are happy to partner with the Shasta Valley RCD to facilitate the Forest Service’s presentation of their analysis,” she continued.

Kara Baylog, Shasta Valley RCD’s Watershed Coordinator explained that, “the Watershed Analysis brings together so many aspects of ecological management that we and CalTrout felt it was applicable to our respective educational series.”

“My hope for the presentation is that not only will people learn a little more about the Mount Shasta Watersheds, but that they will also come to understand the questions we should be asking to effectively manage our private and public forestlands in other watersheds close to home, including on Rainbow Ridge, where we are working with groups of landowners to facilitate their own stewardship plans,” she said.

The Watershed Analysis can be read here. Feedback on the document will be accepted at the presentation on February 12th, and feedback forms will be provided for those who would like to submit comments at a later time.

This educational workshop is free and open to the public. For more information contact Kara Baylog, Shasta Valley RCD 530-926-2259 or Meadow Barr, California Trout 530-859-1411.

Watershed Analysis Flyer

Filed Under: California Water, Mount Shasta, Press Releases Tagged With: Mount Shasta watershed analysis

Release: Stanford Investigated For Searsville Dam ESA Violations

December 28, 2012 1 Comment

Stanford Under Investigation for Possible Endangered Species Act Violations at Searsville Dam

Palo Alto — The National Marine Fisheries Service has launched an investigation into whether Stanford University’s operation of Searsville Dam has violated the Endangered Species Act by harming steelhead trout and other species threatened with extinction.

The dam blocks steelhead from migrating to almost 20 miles of historically accessible habitat upstream, it dewaters Corte Madera Creek below the dam, degrades water quality and habitat downstream and causes other negative impacts that harm threatened species.

The Searsville Dam blocks steelhead access and dewaters San Francisquito Creek.

For over a decade, American Rivers, members of the Beyond Searsville Dam coalition, CalTrout and other stakeholders have tried to work collaboratively with Stanford University to address the problems caused by their dam. The CA Dept of Water Resources even offered funding to investigate options to deal with the dam’s environmental liabilities. But Stanford ultimately rebuffed these efforts.

Stanford believes its dam is not subject to state or federal laws that protect fish and wildlife, as currently operated. Conservation groups disagree, and welcome NMFS’s investigation.

“While we’re disappointed that Stanford chose to take a path of resistance, avoidance, and lack of collaboration for so many years, we are happy to see that NMFS has decided that enough is enough and has opened an investigation into Stanford’s environmentally destructive dam. For years, Stanford had such a great opportunity to tap into local enthusiasm and funding for the benefit of the region and their own reputation” said BSD director Matt Stoecker.

“This investigation punctuates a decade of missed opportunities by Stanford. If the university had been a leader and innovator in its own backyard, the way it can be in any number of academic fields, they wouldn’t be in this mess. They can’t say we didn’t try to help.”

The NMFS investigation comes after years of requests from local groups that Stanford comply with state and federal laws, challenges to their controversial Habitat Conservation Plan and a State review of dam safety concern. Recently, Stanford began its Searsville Dam Alternatives Study, an internal process evaluating options for the dam’s future. The threat of an enforcement action against the university for ESA violations, which could include penalties, should motivate Stanford to complete its study process by the end of 2013, as promised.

Contacts:

Matt Stoecker – Beyond Searsville Dam, 650-380-2965
Steve Rothert – American Rivers, 530-277-0448

Filed Under: Press Releases, Steelhead & Salmon

Federation of Fly Fishers Faire Headed For Mammoth Lakes, Sept. 13-16

August 22, 2012 Leave a Comment

The Federation of Fly Fishers are holding their first Fly Fishing Faire, including seminars, classes and fun stuff.

From their web page:

A jam-packed dawn-to-dusk schedule of fly-fishing classes, free seminars and activities is on tap for the Southwest Council Federation of Fly Fishers’ first Fly Fishing Faire, Sept. 13-16 in Mammoth Lakes, announced Michael Schweit, president of the 24 club organization.

Headquartered at Cerro Coso Community College, 101 College Parkway in Mammoth, the Faire will be a potpourri of the sport with clinics, workshops, films, casting, fly-tying, vendor displays and every aspect of the sport utilizing both the school and nearby Eastern Sierra waters.

Adult admission is $10 with children and teens age 16 and under admitted free. One admission is good for all Faire days.

Some workshops and seminars will be included in the Faire admission; other classes have separate registration or instructor and materials fees. Hours are Thurs., 2-5; Fri., 8-5; Sat.; 8-5; and Sun., 9-3.

Featured film presentation will be The International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4), 13 short and feature length films – about two hours – produced by professional and amateur filmmakers from all corners of the globe, showcasing the passion, lifestyle and culture of fly-fishing.

For more information, a schedule of events and other information, click here.

Filed Under: Eastern Sierra, News, Press Releases Tagged With: federation of fly fishers

CalTrout Concerned About New Bay/Delta Conservation Plan

August 15, 2012 4 Comments

CalTrout Thinks New BDCP A Step Forward, But One Plagued With Questions, Not Answers

Governor Brown and Interior Secretary Salazar recently announced a new Bay-Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP), the centerpiece of which is the construction of a pair of 35 mile-long tunnels designed to convey water from the Sacramento River to the south end of the Delta.

The new BDCP is clearly an improvement over the previous BDCP plan (which would have only hastened the downward spiral of the Delta and its fish), but in this case, the details will define the project.

And there are precious few details available.

CalTrout’s mission is to protect and restore California’s trout, steelhead and salmon populations, and while the new BDCP offers some potential to reverse the Delta’s decline and help resolve the uncertainty surrounding California’s water, the BDCP is more framework than plan, and many questions remain unanswered.

The Recovery Process

While the capacity of the conveyance (the tunnels) and removal site seems to have already been determined, the amount of water needed to protect and restore the Delta and its fisheries isn’t clear, and no mechanism for insuring the proper flow regimes appears to be in place.

The Delta Reform Act of 2009 mandates less reliance on Delta water supplies, and while a new conveyance promises greater water security to agriculture, it obviously won’t restore the Delta if unsustainable amounts of water are withdrawn from the Sacramento River above the Delta.

It’s entirely possible to develop a sound, science-based water plan while construction moves forward — provided a transparent process is in place that guarantees the integrity of the final outcome. Right now, we don’t see such a process.

No one familiar with the fiasco on the Trinity River — where sufficient water for fish was guaranteed from the start, and reinforced by several court decisions — should be willing to accept a smile as a guarantee that California’s fish and rivers will be fully protected in the absence of a clear-cut process.

All state and federal requirements concerning recovery of endangered and threatened species — backed by specific biological goals and objectives — should be met.

Adaptive, Holistic Management

Additionally, in its recent dam relicensing projects, CalTrout has insisted on an adaptive management process that uses science-based feedback to adjust flow regimes to protect fisheries. This is proving successful, and implementing a similar system here — spanning the 50 year license — is needed to meet environmental needs in the face of growth and climate change.

Finally, it’s clear the Delta alone cannot sustainably meet the state’s water demands; the BDCP must work in parallel with conservation projects. Plus, the BDCP must fit into a restoration framework which includes extra-Delta habitat projects like floodplain restoration (the Yolo Bypass), regional water management plans, habitat enhancement and other mitigation.

Simply building tunnels to transport water under the Delta solves problems only for water users and fails to meet the state’s “dual goals” of water security and restoration. Fish need habitat and water to survive, yet the new BDCP plan — as it currently stands — guarantees neither.

Who’s Paying?

Legally, the cost for construction and operation of the facility is absorbed by those benefiting from its construction. Additionally, water users should contribute to the protection and restoration of fisheries damaged by previous pumping efforts, and also fund mitigation to new impacts.

The new BDCP is sketchy in this arena, and we’re further concerned about the source of long-term restoration funds over the 15 year construction project and the 50 year term of the license.
Once the tunnels are built and water deliveries begin, will money be available to protect and restore habitat and fisheries? With construction alone spanning several state and federal administrations, the source of restoration money can’t be left to an uncertain future.

Of grave concern to even water users is the $14 billion cost of construction (the separate cost of meeting environmental needs is $9-$10 billion). Will water diversions make financial sense? Will water users apply pressure to increase water exports beyond what’s healthy for the Delta in order to make the project “pencil out?”

The Next Steps

We agree that the status quo is not working (our partners at UC Davis explain the need for a remodel of the California water system). The Delta’s ecosystem is collapsing under the weight of habitat losses and excessive pumping, and the Central Valley’s salmon populations are under pressure. The decision to dump the “old” BDCP process — the analysis of which suggested only more damage to fish and habitat — is a good one.

The details of the new BDCP plan are yet to be determined. Before we can endorse any multi-billion dollar conveyance (even one paid for by water users), we need to see answers to questions about:

Long-term funding for restoration (in addition to construction)
Allocation of costs
Transparent management and recovery process
Specific recovery goals
Inclusion of the BDCP into broader programs (floodplains, regional water plans, etc)

——
California Trout’s mission is to protect and restore wild trout, steelhead, salmon and their waters throughout California.

Filed Under: Legislation, News, Press Releases Tagged With: BDCP, california delta, peripheral canal

CalTrout Supports SB 1148 Because It’s Good For Fisheries And Sierra Economy

August 13, 2012 6 Comments

Recently, some have suggested that the CalTrout-supported SB 1148 legislation would damage the Sierra’s tourism and recreation economy. It’s not true, and we wanted to set the record straight in an Op-Ed piece to several Sierra newspapers.

SB 1148 Legislation Is Good For Fisheries

By Curtis Knight, Conservation Director, CalTrout

In a recently published article, it was suggested that CalTrout-supported SB1148 legislation would defund hatcheries, damage the Eastern Sierra’s tourism economy, and negate former Senator Cogdill’s AB 7 legislation.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

CalTrout worked closely with then-Senator Cogdill to pass AB 7 in 2005. That legislation set current hatchery production goals and funded the Heritage and Wild Trout program. Unfortunately the hatchery production goals set forth in AB 7 are not being met and the Heritage and Wild Trout program is still underfunded.

By contrast, SB 1148 supports the hatchery goals set by AB 7 (it looks for a more efficient means of meeting them, including the use of private hatcheries), adequately staffs and funds the Heritage and Wild Trout program, and proposes comprehensive management practices for all trout populations.

Here are some key benefits of SB 1148:

1) SB 1148 does not diminish funding for hatcheries.

AB 7 established the Hatcheries and Inland Fisheries Fund (HIFF) which is funded by 33 1/3% of fishing license sales. Typically, this fund is $20-25 million annually, and hatcheries receive over 85% of HIFF funds. SB 1148 will not change this.
What SB 1148 does do is empower DF&G to explore creative ways to meet currently unmet production goals. For example, private hatcheries can help meet production goals at a reasonable cost.

2) SB 1148 would reaffirm AB7′s establishment of the Heritage and Wild Trout program and ensure the hiring of the seven Heritage and Wild Trout positions promised by AB 7.

Originally, AB 7 required the hiring of seven new Heritage and Wild Trout positions, yet within four years of passing these new positions were eliminated. The existing legislative intent of AB 7 is clearly not enough to ensure the sustainability of the Heritage and Wild Trout program. SB 1148 fixes that.

3) SB 1148 tells DF&G to stock fish in areas where they are most needed.

SB 1148 focuses on providing anglers with the best fishing possible, especially in high use areas. In fact, stocking of hatchery fish in put-and-take fisheries will be improved with SB 1148. Where stocking is warranted the Department will have resources to meet angler demand and improve angler satisfaction.

4) SB 1148 is better because it doesn’t harm the genetic integrity of existing wild trout populations.

California’s native trout populations need protection too, and SB 1148 helps us protect them — while it looks for better efficiency in the hatchery production process. It proposes the stocking of triploid (sterile) fish wherever possible; triploids grow faster and provide the kind of angling experience sought by the majority of anglers.
SB 1148 is good for fisheries and tourism.

In contrast to what has been alleged, SB 1148 continues to evolve and no longer includes an Independent Hatchery Review Committee, a requirement to mark all hatchery fish, and several other stipulations mentioned in last week’s story.

Simply put, trout get short shrift in Sacramento, and California’s anglers need to stand together to ensure adequate resources are directed to improving the management of hatchery trout and wild trout.

SB 1148 is important because it reminds Sacramento of the promises made in AB 7 and reaffirms them; it preserves the percentage of license fees going to hatchery operations and also funds the Heritage and Wild Trout program.

We recognize the importance of trout fishing to the economy of the Eastern Sierra and believe SB 1148 will result in better fishing for all anglers.

Filed Under: Eastern Sierra, Legislation, Press Releases Tagged With: ab 7, sb 1148, senator cogdill

Water Talks: What’s Out Of Sight Shouldn’t Be Out Of Mind

June 19, 2012 Leave a Comment

June Water Talks Pulls Back Curtain on Springwater & Wastewater in Mt. Shasta Area

Most people aren’t too interested in what happens after they flush the toilet, but forty people braved the “Clean Water, Gross Water” Water Talks topic at the Mount Shasta Resort on Tuesday June 15th and came away well informed.

“I was surprised at how long it takes for the water to exit the mountain. It is amazing that some of the water takes more than 50 years to get to where we drink it,” said Mount Shasta resident Lon Fitton.

“Also, it astounds me how much money we spend to treat our wastewater. I’m not sure why we don’t use composting toilets like they do in lots of places in Europe, which would save a lot of money and water,” he said.

The Mt. Shasta wastewater treatment plant

Presentations were given by Curtis Knight of California Trout, Scott Buecker, of Water Works Engineer’s, Bill Navarre of Siskiyou County Environmental Health Department, Meadow Barr of California Trout, and Dennis Della Bona of the City of Dunsmuir.

Knight talked about how Mount Shasta’s unique spring waters support the Shasta, McCloud and Upper Sacramento rivers and municipal water supplies.

Buecker explained the ins and outs of the water and wastewater industry and how even though the steel and concrete that makes up delivery and treatment systems seem so substantial that they have life spans of 30 to 80 years.

Navarre got numerous chuckles out of the audience with photos of septic systems with problems, saying “If you see this in your backyard then you know you’ve got a problem.” Navarre explained that landowners with wells for their water supply and septic systems for their wastewater treatment have a lot of responsibility, as they are the CEO of their systems. “It is critical to maintain your systems properly,” he said, his point being illustrated by a picture of a toilet with money being thrown down it, receiving more chuckles.

Barr gave a photo tour of Mt. Shasta City’s water supply and distribution system. “Thanks to Ted Marconi and Gary Moll at the City for spending time with me to explain the systems and take me on a tour to take photos,” she said.

City of Dunsmuir’s Dennis Della Bona is one of the employees who maintain Dunsmuir’s water and wastewater systems. Della Bona stated with pride, “You’ve all seen Mossbrae Falls, well the City of Dunsmuir’s springs are above Mossbrae Falls. The spring water tunnel is waist deep with water. If you put a book on the floor of the tunnel you could read it. The water is that clear,” he said.

The Water Talks program will continue in the fall. People can suggest future topics by contacting Meadow Barr, California Trout Outreach Consultant at 530-859-1411 or mbarr@caltrout.org. California Trout is a nonprofit organization dedicated to seeking workable solutions for fisheries restoration throughout California.

Filed Under: Press Releases, Water Talks Tagged With: water talks

CalTrout, TU Hold Casting Call On Tuesday, June 19

June 18, 2012 3 Comments

In an era where polarization makes it difficult for the two major political parties to meet on any issue, the CalTrout/Trout Unlimited Casting Call highlights the issue of California’s declining (and commercially valuable) stocks of trout, steelhead and salmon.

Legislators of both parties meet in a friendly casting competition, and the event has already received coverage from The Sacramento Bee and others.

Below is the press release; below that is the video produced after the 2011 Casting Call. Enjoy!

Press Release

California Trout and Trout Unlimited to host a Celebration of California’s Unique Trout, Steelhead, and Salmon Populations on the Capitol Grounds

SAN FRANCISCO, June 15, 2012 — California Trout and Trout Unlimited announce the annual Casting Call at the Capitol, a celebration of California’s unique trout, steelhead and salmon populations, to be held on the State Capitol grounds on Tuesday, June 19, 2012. In its 3rd year, the event will feature fly casting demonstrations, fly casting practice, and a friendly bi-partisan fly casting competition between legislators, including Assemblyman Jared Huffman (D), Senator Tom Harman (R), Assemblyman Wes Chesbro (D), Assemblywoman Alyson Huber (D), Senator Bob Huff (R), Senator Tom Berryhill, (R), and Assemblyman Martin Garrick (R).

“We are holding this Casting Call event to raise awareness in the Capitol for declining stocks of trout, steelhead and salmon,” said Curtis Knight, Conservation Director for California Trout.

California has an incredible diversity of trout, steelhead and salmon exceeded only by Alaska. California is the southern end of the range of all ocean going trout and salmon species and home to a vast array of inland native trout.

“The sobering fact is if present trends continue, 65% of California’s trout, steelhead and salmon will be gone within the next 100 years, and maybe sooner,” noted Brian Johnson, State Director for Trout Unlimited. “To counteract this trend we seek collaborative and durable solutions to complex fish and water issues.”

The challenges to protecting and restoring California’s native trout and salmon are great, but doing nothing is not an option. For more than 100 years anglers have driven important conservation initiatives, and now, we call on our fellow conservationists and legislators to take up this cause. Together we can achieve solutions that are good for fish, good for people, and good for the environment and our economy.

2011 Video

Filed Under: Legislation, News, Press Releases Tagged With: 2012 casting call

Water Talks Series Plans First Meeting In Yreka

March 16, 2012 1 Comment

Next Water Talk planned for Yreka

For Immediate Release:
Contact: Meadow Barr, 530.859.1411

First 2012 “Water Talks” program focuses on Local Watershed Successes in Siskiyou County

Yreka, CA — The public is invited to an educational panel presentation about local watershed successes featuring four watershed scientists working in Siskiyou County. The Water Talks series are informal, informational gatherings which are free and open to the public.

What: Local Watershed Successes in Siskiyou County: Putting Watershed Pieces Together
When: Tuesday March 27th 2012 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: The Yreka Community Center (810 North Oregon Street in Yreka)

The first Water Talks to be held in Yreka is on the topic “Putting Watershed Pieces Together in Siskiyou County” and will feature presentations from:

Dr. Sari Sommarstrom, Watershed Consultant, on “Successes in Watershed and Water Management”
Megan Wargo, Conservation Director of the Pacific Forest Trust on “Working Forest Conservation Easements,”
Environmental engineer Lisa Unkefer of AquaTerra Consulting on “Tailwater Management and Springs Monitoring,”
Dr. Jennifer Silveira, USFWS habitat restoration biologist on “Floodplain Restoration in the Yreka Creek Watershed.”

First Yreka Water Talk

“The purpose of our Water Talks program is to provide a place for people to learn about water-related topics,” explained Curtis Knight, Conservation Director for California Trout. “Water Talks provide information and education from a diverse range of perspectives so attendees can form their own opinions,” he said.

“Water talks provides a great opportunity for fair, balanced and honest discussion about a topic that is critically important to all of us, and one where people of all persuasions and opinions can participate,” said Dave Webb of Shasta Valley RCD and a past presenter at Water Talks.

“We started the Water Talks program in 2008 with presentations held in Weed, Mount Shasta, Dunsmuir and McCloud on Mount Shasta’s unique geology, hydrology and ecology” said Water Talk program coordinator Meadow Barr.

“In 2011 we held a successful series of Water Talks in Mount Shasta on the topics of Climate, Water and Forests, California Water Law and Policy, Local Fish and Fishing, Land Management and Restoration, and Agriculture in Siskiyou County.”

To date, 31 presenters representing federal and state agencies, nonprofit conservation organizations, community groups, Tribes, local government, academic institutions, farmers, ranchers, and private business have volunteered their time to participate in Water Talks.

“We look forward to expanding the program regionally with our first Water Talks in Yreka” said Barr.

Water Talks are an ongoing series of informational and educational presentations with local and regional experts sharing their knowledge with the public on a range of water related topics.

The purpose of Water Talks is to provide a place to learn about water related topics. Water Talks is a project of California Trout. California Trout is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring California’s wild trout, steelhead, salmon and their waters throughout California.

For more information contact Meadow Barr, California Trout Outreach Coordinator at 530-859-1411 or mbarr@caltrout.org.

Filed Under: California Water, Mount Shasta, Press Releases Tagged With: water talks