Streamkeeper’s bLog – September 2018
Recovery from a Scorched Summer
A word from CalTrout’s ED, Curtis Knight
The end of summer. It was a rough one in my town of Mt. Shasta with all the fires nearby. Our thoughts are with those in Redding and areas south of us who lost homes and property. We were fortunate and safe—but still, the smoke was unbearable for the better part of two months. Fires are growing in size and frequency and are an increasing threat to our trout, steelhead, and salmon.
CalTrout is actively working on projects to mitigate the effects of fire on our salmonids, especially inland native trout whose geographic range is typically small and vulnerable to catastrophic fire. The Sierra are a hot spot for native trout diversity, think golden trout, Kern River rainbow, Lahontan and Paiute cutthroat. Our work to restore Sierra meadows helps mitigate the threat of fire because wet healthy meadows can provide firebreaks within an otherwise forested landscape.
And speaking of the Sierra, I would like to introduce you to our new Sierra Region Director, Dr. Eric Huber. Eric comes to us from UC Berkeley where he recently received his Ph.D. working with Dr. Stephanie Carlson on steelhead and salmon in California. We are excited to have someone with these top-notch science credentials join our team. Based in Mammoth Lakes, Eric will lead our Sierra team in restoring Sierra meadows and keeping our native trout thriving for future generations.
And now we turn the page to fall with clear skies finally here in the Mt. Shasta area and some of the best fishing of the year. I am off to the McCloud later this week in search of early hints of fall colors and big browns. I hope you have your fall trips planned to some part of wild California.
Sincerely,
