Articles:
|
|
||
|
TRPA divers at work in the upper Sacramento, counting wild trout.
|
Wild Trout Counts Enduring hot August temperatures and surprise flash thunderstorms, four divers from Thomas R. Payne and Associates (TRPA) braved the chilly waters of the upper Sacramento River to obtain wild trout counts for the Cantara program. Since the spill in 1991, TRPA has been funded by the Cantara program to assess the recovery of the trout population on the upper Sacramento River. Based out of Arcata, the team of divers spent one month during the summer of 1999 sampling 110 randomly selected sites along the river, from Vollmers to Box Canyon. These sites of varying habitat comprise 15% of the river. After locating a site, the divers place nylon cords in the river to establish boundaries, or lanes, for each diver to stay within. “The lane lines help with the accuracy of the count. We don’t want to double count fish,” said Stosh Glowacki, a TRPA diver and Humboldt State graduate. Once lines are placed, the divers must wait 15 minutes to give the fish a chance to settle down. Very adept at estimating trout size, the divers then count the fish passing by, as they swim up-stream in assigned lanes. By remaining in a line straight across the river, they further avoid the possibility of double counting fish. The trout are grouped in the following categories: 0-4 inches, 4-8 inches, 8-14 inches, and 14 inches plus. “A thumbnail sketch is that we have more fish this year” said three-time veteran to this project, and crew leader, Tom Gast. “The large fish are larger than in past years due to winter flows not being as high this year.” From the sampling, a full analysis of the estimated trout population and river conditions is computed and used to determine recovery progress. Before moving on to the next site data must be recorded, water temperature taken, and water visibility estimated. The data, along with the trout counts, are compiled in the final analysis of the river. Results from the TRPA survey indicate that recovery is continuing for the trout populations below the Cantara Loop. In the words of Jason Coburn, TRPA diver, “The upper Sac is a classic example of nature’s resilience.”
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Trailside Video: Spotlight on Cantara In December of 1998, the Council funded an initiative for a video featuring the upper Sacramento River. The video was produced for the “Trailside: Make Your Own Adventure” series, a program that airs on Public Broadcasting stations. Although the main focus of the show will be on flyfishing the upper Sacramento, the river’s dramatic recovery from the 1991 chemical spill at Cantara Loop will also be highlighted. In May of 1999, the Trailside Production crew worked with a Council staff member and an upper Sacramento River guide during the filming of the episode. In the course of filming, Craig Martz, Cantara staff supervisor, said, “It’s hard to believe, but people still think this river is contaminated and that just isn’t the case. The spill has had some lasting effects, but the river’s recovery has been outstanding.” It is the Council’s hope that this video will carry that message to people around the country. On a yearly basis, the series reaches millions of viewers.
| |
|
|
||
|
|
Cantara Staff Perspectives: Watershed Education by Suzanne Turek, Biological Resource Associate I began working for the Cantara Program in 1992. Since I was working for the Department of Fish and Game when the Cantara Spill took place, I was able to assist with the initial damage assessment. I witnessed the complete devastation of all aquatic life in the upper Sacramento River and have been fortunate enough to watch the river recover from that devastation. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is working with the Dunsmuir Schools on their watershed education project, funded by the Cantara Trustee Council. This innovative project involves every student from kindergarten through the twelfth grade. The students study such things as watershed history, fish, aquatic insects, birds, mammals, aquatic and forest ecosystems, riparian communities, geology, and water quality. All watershed units are integrated into math, art, technology, language arts, music, and history. The students’ classroom knowledge is supplemented by dynamic field trips with hands-on learning activities that correspond with each watershed unit. Fortunately, I have the opportunity to participate in these fun and informative field trips. I helped fourth graders plant riparian trees at Sims Campground as part of a restoration/enhancement project and watched their excitement at doing something special for their watershed. Every spring, I accompany seventh grade students on their “aquatic insect” field trip. The students collect aquatic insects and learn how to identify them using scientific keys. It is gratifying to see the students’ enthusiasm and sense of accomplishment when they are able to identify each bug. Every fall, Dunsmuir High School students volunteer to help the Department of Fish and Game with its electrofishing surveys on the upper Sac. The response of students getting to help with “real-life” surveys has been overwhelming. On the opening weekend of the fishing season, the students share what they have learned with their community at the annual celebration of watershed education at the Dunsmuir River Festival. An original watershed operetta, live aquatic insect displays, a make-your-own-fish-print-T-shirt booth, computerized results of water quality monitoring, a video on the electrofishing surveys, and student-authored books are just a sampling of river festival activities and displays. Students sell native flowers, bird boxes, a local aquatic insect guide and other student-produced items to raise money for their watershed program. The students of Dunsmuir Elementary School and Dunsmuir High School have benefitted greatly from this creative and dynamic watershed education program. This program has encouraged and inspired students to learn the importance of the upper Sacramento River watershed. The projects they are involved in give them a sense of responsibility and ownership toward their watershed. We hope that the benefits of this program will remain with the students indefinitely.
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
During the fourth year of the Council’s grant program, eight proposals were funded. Four of these fall into the category of Restoration, Rehabilitation and Enhancement. The remaining funded proposals are in the category of Acquisition and Resource Protection. Restoration, Rehabilitation, and Enhancement Bear Creek Meadow Restoration. This Shasta County project is designed to restore the function of the meadow as a floodplain. Monitoring of the project will provide important information regarding the effectiveness of the restoration. Restoration of the Western Tributaries of the upper Sacramento River (Shasta Co.). Twelve degraded sites in the headwaters of Slate and Boulder Creeks will be restored. Tauhindauli Park and Trail (Siskiyou Co.). This complex project actually contains components of several grant categories. Property acquisition, riparian restoration, and site development are all planned. Additionally, an interpretive trail, newsletters, and a brochure will be developed. Shasta Crayfish Habitat Enhancement (Shasta Co.). Strategic habitat areas will be enhanced with the placement of lava boulders. Acquisition and Resource Protection Lower Clear Creek Land Acquisition (Shasta Co.). Four parcels will be acquired to facilitate an ongoing salmonid and riparian zone restoration program. Cantara Ney Springs Connection (Siskiyou Co.). This project will improve the linkage between the Cantara and Ney Springs units of the Cantara-Ney Springs Wildlife Area. Dunsmuir City Park Addition (Siskiyou Co.). Over six acres will be acquired to protect the site from development, allow increased public access to the river, and allow for future restoration as needed. Lake Siskiyou Watershed Specific Plan (Siskiyou Co.). This project will create a plan to protect and restore the tributaries to Lake Siskiyou, and establish management practices for activities in the watershed.
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Record numbers toted their rods and reels to the Mt. Shasta Fish Hatchery on July 31, 1999 to participate in Mt. Shasta’s Kid’s Fishing Day. The day’s total numbers topped out at 513 adults and 636 children ages 15 and under. According to Jim Lohmeyer, Special Events Coordinator, the greatest number of families came from the Dunsmuir and Mt. Shasta area. “The Kid’s Fishing Day is designed to benefit the kids and families of the upper Sacramento canyon,” said Lohmeyer. However, the success of past Kid’s Fishing Days has evidently spread by word of mouth, with some participants coming from as far away as Chico! Children ages 15 and under and their families were invited to the event. With each child catching on average 2.4 fish for a grand total of 1,466 fish, it is no wonder the event is so popular. According to Lohmeyer many of these junior anglers have attended past Kid’s Fishing Days and always look forward to the next. “But we try to make it fun for the adults, too,” said Lohmeyer. “If the adults don’t enjoy themselves then they won’t bring their kids back.” Many families made a day of it and brought picnic lunches. The three settling ponds at the hatchery opened for fishing at 9 am and didn’t close until 3 pm. Prior to the event, the DFG stocked each pond with 500 1/2 lb. trout and 40 brood trout. These were surplus fish that the hatchery had not used in stocking the rivers, creeks, and mountain lakes of the area. Approximately 30 volunteers from various groups helped register kids and give out bait and tackle that was provided by the DFG. These volunteers could also be seen, net in hand, helping out on the banks and stringing caught fish. Kid’s Fishing Days are scheduled for this year as well:
All Kid’s Fishing Day events are free. |
|
 |
||
| CTC Home | Publications | Cantara Spill | River Recovery | Grant Program | Links |
