Salmon Forever works to conduct research on issues pertaining to watersheds and salmon, to promote the importance of watershed health, and to educate citizens so they can effectively participate in public decision making affecting the communities and watersheds in which they live. As part of this effort, Salmon Forever has initiated two turbidity (sediment) monitoring programs. The first is "Watershed Watch," in which citizen volunteers monitor water quality in streams by collecting "grab" or manual samples (grab samples are usually collected by non-standard sampling devices and methods.) The second program is a continuous turbidity monitoring station on Freshwater Creek. These programs provide data for scientific research to aid in the development of land management plans and to facilitate regulatory oversight. Salmon Forever also established the Sunny Brae Sediment Lab to process water samples from seven watersheds in Humboldt and Mendocino counties.


Salmon Forever
In 2004, Salmon Forever continues to focus its work on the problems of turbidity and sediment accumulation damaging Humboldt Bay tributaries important to California's threatened wild salmon. (read more)

Salmon Forever
September 6, 2004
At the close of Salmon Forever's turbidity sampling season for Hydrologic Year 2004, over 1100 samples were collected from eight Humboldt Bay watershed monitoring sites for processing at our Sunny Brae Sediment Lab. Thanks to financial support from Cereus Fund and Trees Foundation, our current monitoring sites and laboratory are now fully equipped and operational. (read more)


Salmon Forever
November 1, 2000

	Measuring stream velocity with an orange peel and measuring tape Photo: Clark Fenton

Salmon Forever was founded in 1996 to encourage enlightened, constructive public debate on issues related to forests, watersheds, and the beneficial uses of water. To fulfill this mission, we work with the scientific community, the public, and regulatory agencies. We also conduct scientific research using relatively low-tech methods accessible to community volunteers. A key part of our work is monitoring turbidity and suspended sediment. We also examine revegetation rates on logged-over lands, the extent of canopy cover, and the ?batting average? of certified engineering geologists who provide consultation about timber harvesting?associated landslide risks. We are interested in the mechanisms by which impacts occur and methodologies for cumulative impact analysis. (read more)



Contact Information

Phone: (707) 839-7444 - Fax: (707) 839-7447
P.O. Box 3014 McKinleyville, CA 95519