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Fish Food Program Season Kick-Off

Fish Food Program Season Kick-Off

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Bugs (aka fish food) grown on the Rice Field. Photo: River Garden Farms

On October 25th River Garden Farm’s hosted the 2018/2019 Fish Food Program Season Kick-Off to celebrate the start of the field season for floodplain food web and salmon research in the Sacramento fields. In addition to CalTrout, the diverse guest list included farmers, state and federal resource agencies and other conservation partner organizations.

Dr. Jacob Katz explaining how reconnecting the floodplain on farm land can deliver fish food to endangered salmon populations.

This is the third field season CalTrout’s Central Valley Program will be partnering with River Garden Farms and other organizations for its Fish Food on Floodplain Farm Fields Program. This winter we will continue our pursuit of harnessing the power of the puddle by growing “fish food” on flooded rice fields and researching the best methods and places to deliver the food to salmon in the Sacramento River. Our team will also be out in the field conducting experiments to figure out what farm management practice that creates temporary floodplains lead to the most productive food-webs.

The Fish Food Project aims to reconnect floodplain-derived fish food to endangered salmon populations. The pilot project is a partnership between UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences, CalTrout, Northern California Water Association, and California rice farmers. The group is using existing rice fields to produce an abundance of bugs that endangered salmon like to eat.

River Garden Farm’s Saving the Salmon video provides a great overview on the Fish Food concept. 

Photo (L to R): Josh Isreal (USBR), Heather Casillas (USBR), Roger Cornwell (River Garden Farms), Jacob Katz (CalTrout), Rod Wittler (USBR) and Donnie Radcliffe (USFWS). Photo: Megan Nguyen

Protecting the Best in California

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By Ted Yeager.

August 28, 2018
UPDATE:

Thanks to your voices, the Climate Resiliency bill AB 2528, championed by CalTrout, has passed the House and the Senate and is moving on to Governor Brown for signature. AB2528 will help California work towards building an effective climate resiliency strategy by “protecting the best” — Sierra meadows, Mt. Shasta area springs and other important areas like estuaries and strongholds.

Original post from April 19th, 2018:

California’s best remaining watersheds offer us a significant opportunity to secure our future water supply in the face of climate change, yet these areas are often under researched and under protected. The Sierra Nevada mountains, for example, provide 60% of California’s developed water supply, yet nearly half of the high mountain meadows that capture and store snowmelt and rainwater are severely degraded.

CalTrout and partners have been hard at work in the Capitol helping to create and champion legislation that protects California’s most vital source water areas. We are pleased to report that Assembly Bill (AB) 2528, a measure that incorporates four important state watersheds in California’s Climate Adaptation Strategy report, passed the Assembly of Natural Resources on April 16th. AB 2528, authored by Assemblymember Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica), will help the state create more climate resilient habitats and protect the state’s largest estuaries and most pristine river systems.

We called upon our followers earlier this month to contact their Assemblymembers in support of AB 2528. Over 100 letters were signed and mailed! THANK YOU for taking action.

In the bill, four watershed zones have been identified as ‘habitat resilience areas’- salmon and steelhead strongholds, spring-fed source watersheds, mountain meadows, and estuaries. By adding these zones, the bill would require the Natural Resources Agency to research the importance of these resilient watershed areas in its next Climate Adaptation Strategy.

For more on AB 2528, read the Press Release from Assemblymember Bloom’s office:

Download (PDF, Unknown)

Building a green wall in California

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On June 5th, California voters approved Prop 68, the Parks, Environment and Water Bond, a record $4.1 billion bond package that will provide funding to a host of environmental priorities ranging from climate change resilience to stream restoration. This is a big win for protecting California’s natural resources and getting more people in nature, which is very important since you cannot steward what you do not know.

Prop 68 will likely be a boon for some long-delayed projects that have struggled to find funding. This is a significant start to help California’s fish and rivers recover. But only if the funds are put to work- and that’s where we come in.

Decommissioned & outdated Rindge Dam in Malibu Canyon.

Currently in our 47th year since establishment, CalTrout is working harder than ever: increasing the number and scope of projects, and therefore our impact, all over California. We will secure Prop 68 funds for projects like removing fish barriers in Southern California including Rindge Dam, which is a huge detriment to endangered Southern steelhead; and continuing to partner with farmers in the Central Valley on multi-benefit floodplain projects to help threatened salmon.

Staff Attorney for CalTrout, Redgie Collins, was recently quoted explaining how legislators and voters “are taking heed” of the policies and rollbacks coming out of Washington, D.C. The ballot measure, Redgie says, is part of “building a green wall in California.” (Read article from E&E News here.)

Stand up for California: Vote Yes on Prop 68

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By Patrick Jarrett.

CalTrout is an active supporter of Proposition 68, the California Clean Water & Safe Parks Act, as it heads toward the vote this June. As our Executive Director Curtis Knight explains, “we need this important funding to support our state’s water needs and struggling fish. This is a valuable investment in our water security.” Californians have a responsibility to act, especially since our state can no longer rely on the federal government to protect our resources.

If passed, $4 billion will be invested in protecting our own unique natural resources, fighting climate change, and ensuring every Californian has access to clean drinking water and safe, accessible parks. Of that, $1.6 billion will go towards ensuring clean drinking water, increasing local water supplies, and protecting our state from future droughts. Through critical and cost-efficient investments in water supplies and water quality, Prop 68 addresses water at its sources—rivers, lakes, streams, natural areas, and groundwater—and provides funds to make localities more self-reliant by increasing water capture and recycling.

Prop 68 will allow our organization to keep moving forward on projects that support habitat resiliency, resource enhancement, and climate preparedness, such as:

* Our work in Southern California planning for the removal of Matilija Dam to restore the Ventura River Watershed;
* Innovative efforts in the Central Valley helping to restore endangered salmon and improve agricultural practices;
* A South Coast Steelhead Coalition project CalTrout is involved in replacing a bridge on the Santa Margarita River that blocks the migration of Southern steelhead and puts the public at risk due to flooding after storms.

In this cycle we’re in of drought and extreme weather, now is a critical time to support this legislation to protect our communities from ecological degradation and flooding. Vote Yes on Prop 68 to provide a better California for future generations. We can give them the same chance to experience the natural wonders of California as we and our ancestors before us did.

GET INVOLVED

Share image to right. Click to view.

Tweet in support of Prop 68.

Visit www.yes68ca.com to learn all you can. Here you’ll also find more images to share plus information on volunteering for the cause.

CalTrout & The Fly Shop team up for 2% for Trout

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2% for Trout

Working together to protect and enhance our wild fish and fragile angling resources through research, education and advocacy.

California Trout and The Fly Shop have joined in partnership for the 2% for Trout program which will support our fish conservation and restoration efforts. For every trip reservation made through The Fly Shop, either to Alaska, Kamchatka, Argentina, or any other local or worldwide fishing destination, a donation will be made to our organization equal to 2% of the cost of the travel package.

“We are thrilled to partner with The Fly Shop and appreciate their commitment to CalTrout and our work. Together we are ensuring resilient wild fish thrive in healthy waters for a better California.” – Curtis Knight, Executive Director.

Based in Redding, California, The Fly Shop is one of the most recognizable names in fly fishing retail and also operates a full international travel department. Owner Mike Michalak has made a quality reputation over his 40 years in business. “Here at The Fly Shop, it’s always been about people. Since April of 1978, I’ve worked to surround myself with the most talented staff, the best products, and the finest angling travel destinations in fly fishing. Along the way, most of our customers became our friends. Everybody says they’re the best, but my people have been proving it since our doors opened,” explains Mike.

Explore the shop’s website where they include detailed descriptions and photos of each fly fishing destination.

To make your reservation through the 2% for Trout program, please contact Patrick Pendergast, Director of International Travel, The Fly Shop®, 530-222-3555, pat@theflyshop.com, www.theflyshop.com.

*Required when booking: Mention the 2% for Trout program and specify California Trout as the receiving organization.*

How Rice Fields Can Help Sustain California’s Salmon

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We’re thinking about fish management in a new way with our Fish Food on Floodplain Farm Fields project led by Jacob Katz, CalTrout’s Senior Scientist. In the Central Valley, more than two thousand miles of state and federal levees have disconnected 95% of historical floodplain wetlands from their river channels. The once-productive bug buffet that grew on the floodplains is no longer accessible to fish. We’re working on how to get that food back to the starved river system so fish can thrive once again.

Thanks to California Rice Commission for producing this excellent video.

How Rice Fields Can Help Sustain California Salmon from California Trout on Vimeo.

The Food is on the Floodplain

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Bug hunter and Senior Scientist for CalTrout, Jacob Katz was featured recently in Eating Well magazine for his work on the Nigiri Project, working with Central Valley rice farmers to flood their fields in winter in order to mimic the natural shallow flooding that historically created productive rearing habitats for young fish. When rivers were still connected to our state’s vast floodplains− now diminished by 95% −fish would feast on the bug buffet generated from the shallow flooded area.

All sorts of bugs grow in rice fields, but water fleas (cladocera) are like floating fillet for fish in rivers. (Credit: Ezra David Romero / Capital Public Radio)

From the article: “This conservation endeavor began as a research experiment (dubbed the Nigiri Project, for its sushi-like pairing of rice and salmon) in 2012, pioneered by Carson Jeffres, field and lab director at the University of California, Davis, and then doctoral student Jacob Katz. The study, says Katz, started, “in the corner of a flooded rice field. A 5-acre mud puddle about shin deep.” But the results were astounding: salmon in the flooded rice fields grew larger and faster than fish in the river because the decomposing rice stalks attracted a feast of critters for the baby fish to eat. This is crucial because bigger fish are more likely to return from the ocean to the river to spawn as adults.”

We’re excited to announce that the Nigiri Project has evolved into a new project, officially launched in 2017: Fish Food on Floodplain Farm Fields. Capitol Radio invited Jacob to their show this month to discuss the project. Give it a listen here.

Watch Jacob show us first-hand what he means by “bug buffet”:

Read “There’s Something Fishy Here”, Eating Well, January/February 2018:

Download (PDF, Unknown)

 

CLOSED – Job Announcement: Central Valley Project Manager

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*The application period is closed as of February 26, 2018*

JOB TITLE: Central Valley Project Manager
OFFICE LOCATION: Flexible (Davis, Woodland, Sacramento, or possibly Chico)
POSTED: 1-25-2018
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open Until Filled
FUNCTIONAL AREA: Conservation

Reply to: Jobs@caltrout.org
In the subject line: Central Valley Project Manager

Position Summary: California Trout is a 45-year-old conservation organization with the mission to protect and restore California’s wild trout, steelhead, salmon, and their waters. Since 1971 CalTrout has worked to ensure there will be resilient populations of wild fish thriving in healthy waters for the future well-being of all Californians. We Solve complex resource issues while balancing the needs of wild fish and people.

The Central Valley Project Manager will assist the Program Director in managing the daily activities of CalTrout’s Central California conservation initiatives including science programs and specific restoration projects. The project manager will be responsible for a wide range of activities, including grant proposal development and submittal; project administration, budgeting, budget tracking, and timely processing of invoices; overseeing subcontractors, project deliverables, and timelines; and participating in communications among CalTrout’s Regional Managers and Directors.

The Project Manager will be responsible for obtaining, administrating, and managing multiple grants/contracts with large budgets and diverse work elements. A primary task will be managing contracts with the University of California. This position also requires frequent contact and interaction with multiple regional level managers in federal, state, county, Tribal, and other agencies and organizations as well as the general public

The Project Manager should demonstrate a competence and dedication to CalTrout’s mission, initiatives, and conservation issues. This primarily includes fisheries habitat restoration and conservation. This role requires a high level understanding of water resource management, resource agencies and their mandates, and regulatory compliance for project implementation. Experience with ecosystem markets development would be a major bonus. The Project Manager is expected to work independently, using professional knowledge and judgment in ensuring that duties and responsibilities are carried out in a timely manner.

The project manager will contribute to the success of CalTrout’s conservation staff, through expanding our capacity in innovative conservation efforts, such as developing strong partnerships the with farm and water groups to improve the benefit to fish and wildlife from agricultural working landscapes.
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This individual is expected to work closely with:
1) Key university partners to ensure that our conservation plans have a strong foundation in science,
2) Governmental agencies,
3) Farm and water district partners,
4) CalTrout’s Marketing, Development and Finance teams to raise funds, build member support and meet fiscal goals,
5) CalTrout’s advocacy team in Sacramento to help influence legislative and regulatory policy initiatives required for success.

Education, Skills, and Experience:
1. Master’s degree in biology, fisheries, ecology, hydrology, environmental science/studies or related field and 5-8 years of related work experience.
2. Experience in California’s anadromous fish and their primary habitats
3. Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to build strong donor relationships
4. Strong leadership skills and excellent written and communication skills required.
5. Successful management experience required, including ability to lead, set objectives, and supervise work plans.
6. Proven experience developing, directing, and managing projects, staff and budget.
7. Excellent organizational and time management skills required.
8. Availability to travel, primarily throughout California (valid CA driver’s license and dependable vehicle required).
9. Experience doing field work including biological and ecological assessments (stream and snorkel surveys, habitat/stream monitoring, flow measurements, etc.) preferred.
10. Demonstrated experience in MS Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required. Experience with Geographic Information Systems (ArcInfo/ArcView) preferred.
11. Familiarity with the Central Valley region, its ecology, players

Reply to: Jobs@caltrout.org
In the subject line: Central Valley Project Manager

Dr. Jacob Katz Honored for Nigiri Project

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A big congratulations is in order for Dr. Jacob Katz, CalTrout’s Senior Scientist, who was honored by the Sacramento River Preservation Trust with their Founders’ Award. He was the keynote speaker at their ‘State of the Sacramento River’ dinner this November in Chico. Jacob is being recognized for his work with the Nigiri Project, working with farmers in the Central Valley to flood their fields in winter in order to mimic the natural shallow flooding that historically created productive rearing habitats for young fish.

A word from Jacob: “I am honored to be receiving the Sac River Preservation Trust’s Founders’ Award on behalf of CalTrout and our many public and private partners in the Nigiri Project. I look forward to sharing our research and ideas on ways to better manage the Sacramento Valley water for the benefit of people and the environment. California can have both its fish and farms.” We are incredibly proud of Dr. Katz for his innovative and remarkable work!

Thank you to the Sacramento River Preservation Trust for honoring Jacob and CalTrout. The Sac River Preservation Trust serves California to protect, preserve, and enhance the natural and cultural values of the Sacramento River, while also supporting ecologically sound farming practices within the Sacramento River Watershed.

Read a recent op-ed written by Jacob in the SF Chronicle for more on fish and floodplains: “How fish and farms can both survive in California”

Press Release: Central Valley Salmon Habitat Partnership

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For Immediate Release
August 29, 2017

Contact
Nina Erlich-Williams, nina@publicgoodpr.com
C: 415-577-1153, O: 510-336-9566

Agencies, Farmers, Fishermen, Water Suppliers and Conservationists Announce Partnership to Support Recovery of Central Valley Salmon and Steelhead

Diverse partnership signals new era in effort to return native fish to self-sustaining levels

Sacramento – California Secretary for Natural Resources John Laird hosted a signing ceremony today on the steps of the Capitol with a broad group of stakeholders to officially launch the Central Valley Salmon Habitat Partnership. The Partnership includes state and federal water and wildlife agencies, farmers and water suppliers, fishermen, and conservationists working together to restore and protect vital salmon habitats.

“The successful recovery of any threatened species requires cooperation from many parties,” said Secretary Laird. “I’m confident that the remarkable range of stakeholders working together in this Partnership bodes well for the future of salmon and steelhead in the Central Valley.”

Central Valley rivers and their tributaries have been, historically, the second most productive region for salmon on the West Coast (not including Alaska). However, native salmon runs and steelhead populations have declined drastically here. Today, two of the four distinct runs of Central Valley Chinook salmon, as well as steelhead, are listed as threatened or endangered.

These fish migrate between inland rivers and streams and the ocean for different parts of their lives. In the process, they face challenges including blocked access to spawning grounds, a lack of cold water at critical times of year, a dramatic reduction in a variety of habitat types such as wetlands and floodplains, and predation. Quality habitat is vital for providing food and shelter for young salmon to grow, and for adult salmon to spawn. The Partnership will use its combined expertise to improve salmon habitat and support widespread recovery of Central Valley salmon and steelhead.

The Partnership’s first order of business will be to identify, find funding for, and execute the best opportunities to improve salmon habitat. The group is modeled after the highly successful Central Valley Joint Venture, through which a similar group of stakeholders has been working for decades to recover native and migratory bird populations. Partnership members provide expertise on a broad range of issues, from scientific study to securing permits for habitat restoration.

“This group will take meaningful, decisive action to restore the types of habitat – in the right places – that these fish need to survive and even thrive,” said Curtis Knight, Executive Director of California Trout.

“There have been significant efforts over the past decade to improve conditions for viable salmon—the collaboration through the Partnership will build on these efforts and help align priority actions for salmon recovery in the Central Valley. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and make this happen,” added David Guy, President of the Northern California Water Association.

By approaching habitat restoration in a collaborative, outcomes-based manner, the Partnership hopes to see meaningful improvement in habitat conditions relatively quickly. An implementation plan will highlight measurable, geographically-specific goals within a set time-frame to improve the prospects of these fish. Because both public agencies and private organizations are currently involved in habitat restoration, this unified approach ensures that the most important projects will be implemented first, maximizing the opportunities for these native fish to recover and thrive.

“I’m hopeful that although we may not always agree on water decisions we can all work together to restore some of the river bank, side channel, and floodplain habitats in the Central Valley which are crucial to rearing baby salmon,” said John McManus, Executive Director of the Golden Gate Salmon Association.

“Salmon recovery happens one stream mile at a time,” said Scott Rumsey, NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region Deputy Administrator. “By spurring restoration efforts, this group will, ultimately, help bring back the economic and environmental benefits of salmon to California communities.”

For more information about the Central Valley Salmon Habitat Partnership, go to http://salmonpartnership.org/.

Founding members of the Central Valley Salmon Habitat Partnership include:

  • American Rivers
  • The Bay Institute
  • CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
  • CA Dept. of Water Resources
  • CA Natural Resources Agency
  • California Sportfishing Protection Alliance
  • California Trout
  • Ducks Unlimited
  • The Golden Gate Salmon Association
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • NOAA Fisheries
  • NOAA Habitat Conservation – Restoration Center
  • Northern California Water Association
  • Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations
  • Institute for Fisheries Resources
  • River Partners
  • State and Federal Contractors Water Agency
  • The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy
  • Trout Unlimited
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Solving complex resource issues while balancing the needs of wild fish and people.

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Fish photo, Jim Inman. Water photo,Wyatt Horsley. People photo, Jacob Katz.

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California Trout, Inc.

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