Page 14 - Annual Report 2016

Why I support CalTrout
Armando Quintero, of San Rafael, is the Executive Director of the University of California, Merced Sierra Nevada Research Institute. Mr. Quintero is a Board Member of the Marin Municipal Water District and serves on the California Water Commission.
This summer I participated in CalTrout’s Five Rivers Challenge, a shing tournament on the Hat, Pit, McCloud, Upper Sac and Fall rivers. On each of the big rivers, there were moments of profound vulnerability. My footing, the pressure from the rush of water headed downstream, fraction-of-a-second moments of imbalance and swift reminders of my fragility —then a strong sh on the line would bring me into focus—the adrenaline, hands, line, net, a little bit of chaos—and sometimes a sh in the net. And I would think, how fortunate am I to be here at this moment, on this river, standing in the lifeblood of these places and all the places downstream in California. Some molecules of this water destined for Southern California, for the ag lands in the Central Valley, for cities, towns, parks and some for the sea. I am grateful for the CalTrout efforts to assure these waters are protected for all
of us, for the state, for the sh, and for future generations to enjoy.
Armando shing the Upper Sacramento River at Mossbrae Falls.
Photo: Val Atkinson
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