Streamkeeper’s bLog – April 2022
Streamkeeper’s bLog – April 2022
A New Year
A word from CalTrout’s ED, Curtis Knight
April has been busy. This past week, a contingency of CalTrout staff, myself included, traveled to Santa Cruz for the annual Salmonid Restoration Federation conference. This was the first in-person conference in two years, and it was energizing to gather with our fish community to learn, share, collaborate and build relationships. It left me feeling inspired by our staff and their work, and proud of the partnerships we have created.
While there, we learned that our petition to list Southern California steelhead as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act was successful. The California Fish & Game Commission announced that the species may warrant listing, and they will now perform a yearlong scientific review of the species to aid them in this decision. This is a tremendous victory for CalTrout, and I am proud of our hard-working, passionate staff and supporters for making this victory a reality. These fish need our help. Listing them will create capacity for restoration projects that will benefit not only the fish but the human communities around them.
This month has also brought its battles. Along with our partners on the Two-Basin Partnership, we notified PG&E of our intent to sue to minimize harm to federally-protected salmon and steelhead along the Eel River until the Eel River Dams are removed. The harm caused to fish by these two obsolete PG&E-owned dams is a violation of the federal Endangered Species Act. These fish deserve protection, and CalTrout is using our voice to keep those who stand in the way of healthy fish and water, accountable. We hope for an outcome that supports healthy fish and a resilient California.
As always, thank you for your support as we act for fish, water, and people.
Best,
