The end of August normally means back-to-school and the end of summer vacation – but 2020 has been far from normal. The COVID-19 pandemic kept us home this summer, and wildfires caused by unusual lightning storms continue to burn across our state. These fires are another reminder of climate change–the number one overarching threat to our native trout, salmon and steelhead, according to our SOS II scientific report–that increasingly threatens the quality of life here in California, for fish and people. But while the skies are smoky, the future remains clear – and CalTrout remains dedicated to ensuring resilient wild fish thrive in healthy waters, for a better California.
Speaking of the future, CalTrout just wrapped up our annual (first-ever virtual) staff retreat, where we set aside three days to reflect together on our accomplishments over the past year, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We discussed our goals for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, our upcoming 3-year Strategic Planning process, and turned our thoughts toward next year when we celebrate our 50th anniversary!
Summer may be winding down, but our projects are in full swing — this Covid thing is not keeping us down. Our recent film screening of Public Trust was another reminder of the importance of our work, and the need for us all to take action and protect these precious landscapes. If you missed this incredible film – or would like to see it again – it’s available to stream all weekend here.
Stay safe and healthy!
Thank you for your interest in the Eel River Forum! We looking forward to sharing meeting updates and other info from the Eel River watershed with you as they develop.
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Thank you for your interest in Big Chico Creek and the Iron Canyon Fish Passage Project! We looking forward to sharing project updates, news, and stories with you from the Big Chico Creek watershed as they develop.
Thank you for your interest in Big Chico Creek and the Iron Canyon Fish Passage Project! One of our staff members will do their best to get back to you as soon as possible. However, please note that due to limited capacity we may not be able to respond to all questions or fulfill all requests.
Let us know if you are interested in volunteering and we will get in contact with you as soon as we can.
Thank you for your interest in the Elk River! One of our North Coast Region staff members will do their best to get back to you as soon as possible. However, please note that due to limited capacity we may not be able to respond to all questions or fulfill all requests.
Peter Moyle is the Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology and Associate Director of the Center for Watershed Sciences, at UC Davis. He is author or co-author of more than 240 publications, including the definitive Inland Fishes of California (2002). He is co-author of the 2017 book, Floodplains: Processes and Management for Ecosystem Services. His research interests include conservation of aquatic species, habitats, and ecosystems, including salmon; ecology of fishes of the San Francisco Estuary; ecology of California stream fishes; impact of introduced aquatic organisms; and use of floodplains by fish.
Robert Lusardi is the California Trout/UC Davis Wild and Coldwater Fish Researcher focused on establishing the basis for long-term science specific to California Trout’s wild and coldwater fish initiatives. His work bridges the widening gap between academic science and applied conservation policy, ensuring that rapidly developing science informs conservation projects throughout California. Dr. Lusardi resides at the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences and works closely with Dr. Peter Moyle on numerous projects to help inform California Trout conservation policy. His recent research interests include Coho salmon on the Shasta River, the ecology of volcanic spring-fed rivers, inland trout conservation and management, and policy implications of trap and haul programs for anadromous fishes in California.
Patrick Samuel is the Conservation Program Coordinator for California Trout, a position he has held for almost two years, where he coordinates special research projects for California Trout, including the State of the Salmonids report. Prior to joining CalTrout, he worked with the Fisheries Leadership & Sustainability Forum, a non-profit that supports the eight federal regional fishery management councils around the country. Patrick got his start in fisheries as an undergraduate intern with NOAA Fisheries Protected Resources Division in Sacramento, and in his first field job as a crew member of the California Department of Fish & Wildlife’s Wild and Heritage Trout Program.