[Ed’s Note: This originally appeared in the Fall print version of CalTrout Streamkeeper’s Log newsletter]

Over the last few weeks, I’ve had opportunities to meet with a number of folks with a keen interest in CalTrout, our mission and our work: fly fishing guides, fly shop staff, fly club leaders, UC Davis science partners, California state senators, CalTrout donors, and one of our founders (Richard May). I enjoy the feedback, appreciate the dialogue, and find it all incredibly informative.

Two of the topics frequently discussed were: “What did CalTrout accomplish this year?” and “How do you know whether it was a good year for the organization?”

Starting with the former — and despite working on many long-term horizon projects (i.e., 2020 Klamath dam removal) — we’ve made progress on a number of critical initiatives:

• Eel River Fish Passage: We will wrap up an assessment of almost 60 fish passage barriers on the Eel River, many of which will be removed/reconfigured in coming years to improve access to prime spawning habitat.
• Klamath River: CalTrout, the only organization of its kind with offices in the Klamath region, has been focused on building local community support for the critical removal of four dams.
• Southern California Steelhead Coalition: CalTrout has taken on the leadership role among 40+ local conservation organizations to deliver coordinated steelhead recovery programs across five southern California watersheds.
• McCloud Dam Re-licensing: We secured … gained FERC and DFG approval on slight flow changes — better for fish in the winter while preserving the McCloud’s exceptional fishing experience during the fishing season.
• McCloud/Mt Shasta Springs: CalTrout helped complete a $1M springs study (sponsored by Nestle) that better informs the management of a critical and unique water source.
• Hat Creek: By year end, we will complete a comprehensive Hat Creek restoration plan aimed at restoring a world renowned spring creek.
  Golden Trout De-listing: Successful efforts of CalTrout, TU and Chevron among others resulted in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s decision not to list California’s unique golden trout as a threatened or endangered species.

These are but a few of the 30 some odd conservation programs CalTrout has in place around the state, in addition to our ongoing advocacy and policy work in Sacramento.

Regarding whether “it was a good year for the organization,” I simply answer the question this way; we are doing more work and more impactful work on a statewide scale than ever in CalTrout’s 40-year history.

Our membership base is 7,500 strong and growing. At a time when many conservation focused non-profits have been struggling financially, CalTrout’s financial health and balance sheet have never been stronger.

We appreciate your support and we continue to spend your contributions wisely on behalf of California’s wild trout, steelhead, salmon and their waters.

Tight lines (and an early Happy Holidays)

Jeff Thompson, CalTrout Executive Director