Streamkeeper’s Blog – February 2018

February 28, 2018

It’s your turn

A word from CalTrout’s ED, Curtis Knight

In the world of ecosystem restoration, it can often feel like things take forever to move off the dime. Major projects can take years to move through the planning and permitting stages before a shovel even hits the ground. Legislation too can go through several cycles before making it to the floor or the voters for their yay or nay.

That’s why I’m excited to draw your attention to two efforts CalTrout has been working on for many months that are now ready for you, our supporters and friends, to take the reigns and lead the charge.

The first is our latest short film, SOURCE. The film explores two of the most important source water areas in the state – Sierra meadows and the springs of the greater Mt. Shasta area. Connecting urban end-users to these source waters hundreds of miles away, the film highlights the need for all Californians to be engaged in their protection and restoration.

With a changing climate added to the already myriad of threats and degradation, we are working on the ground, in the lab, and in the halls of the State Capitol to ensure these vital source waters are productive and healthy, for people and fish, for generations to come.

Second, we need your support in passing Proposition 68 on the June 5 primary ballot. Prop 68, known as The California Clean Water and Safe Parks Act, is a $4 billion investment in the coming years to protect California’s own unique natural resources and ensure every Californian has access to clean drinking water and safe parks.

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.

You can see how these two are connected. Prop 68 will provide funding to projects that protect source waters. The SOURCE campaign makes Californians aware that their source waters need attention and protection. Positive feedback loop.

Now it’s up to you. You’re our megaphone. Help us spread the important SOURCE message by sharing, posting and tweeting the campaign widely. Then, vote yes on Prop 68 to ensure source water projects receive state funding.

Ready, set, go,

CURTIS SIG

MEET THE AUTHORS

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.

Streamkeeper’s Blog – February 2018

U P C O M I N G E V E N T

International Ocean Film Fest Panel Discussion – Keep it Wild: from Ocean to River, Protecting Salmon in a Farmed Age

MEET THE AUTHORS

Streamkeeper’s Blog – February 2018

Streamkeeper’s Blog – February 2018

It’s your turn

A word from CalTrout’s ED, Curtis Knight

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